Talat Sao Shopping Mall, Vientiane - Image 1
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Talat Sao Shopping Mall Vientiane

4
·204 reviews·Vientiane, Laos

A bustling Vientiane hub with a traditional market and modern mall, perfect for souvenirs, local goods, and festive finds.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Talat Sao Shopping Mall, Vientiane - Image 1

Talat Sao Shopping Mall Vientiane

Best Time

Mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling Vientiane hub with a traditional market and modern mall, perfect for souvenirs, local goods, and festive finds.

4
(204 reviews)

"You can pretty much find anything here. The prices seemed pretty cheap. Don't forget to haggle!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Haggle for the Best Price

Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially in the older market sections. It's part of the experience!

💧 Water Gun Central

Looking for a water gun for Lao New Year? Talat Sao is a prime spot to find a great selection.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Traditional Lao Silk & Souvenirs

Traditional Lao Silk & Souvenirs

Older Market Section

Discover vibrant textiles, intricate handicrafts, and unique gifts that capture the essence of Laos.

Modern Shopping Experience

Modern Shopping Experience

Newer Mall Section

Explore a range of clothing, beauty products, and daily essentials in a more contemporary setting.

Lao New Year Water Guns

Lao New Year Water Guns

Various Stalls

Gear up for the festivities with a wide selection of water guns, from basic models to more robust options.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Talat Sao

Talat Sao is a bustling hub with two main buildings: an older, more traditional market and a newer, modern mall. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially in the older section where haggling is expected. The newer mall offers a more contemporary shopping experience.

Best Buys & Bargains

From traditional Lao silk and souvenirs to everyday items and even water guns for Lao New Year, Talat Sao has it all. While prices are generally cheap, don't hesitate to negotiate, especially in the older market sections. Real jewelry is found upstairs, while fake pieces are on the first floor.

Best Times

When
Mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Lao New Year
Why
Festive atmosphere & water fights
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ສົນໃຈເຊົ່າພື້ນທີ່ສຳລັບຮ້ານອາຫານຕິດຕໍ່ ໂທ/WhatsApp:+8562059777007 #condo #hotel #shoppingmall #realestate #vientainelifecenter #investment #vientianelaos
@vientianelifecenter
8.3K likes • 143.4K views

🎯 Haggle for the Best Price

Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially in the older market sections. It's part of the experience! Reddit

💧 Water Gun Central

Looking for a water gun for Lao New Year? Talat Sao is a prime spot to find a great selection. Reddit

Grand Opening Amari Vientiane. 🇱🇦 #เวียงจันทน์ #สปปลาว #amari #amarivientiane #vientiane #laos
@guide.kittipong
5.6K likes • 127.2K views
reddit.com

Where to buy the best water gun for the Lao New Year ?

📍 Strategic Location

Conveniently located near the Talatsao bus station and Victory Monument, making it easy to access. Reddit

💎 Jewelry Check

Fake jewelry is on the first floor, while real precious gems and metals are found on the upper levels. Reddit

reddit.com

Currency Exchange near Parkson Mall?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Haggle for the Best Price

Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially in the older market sections. It's part of the experience! Reddit

💧 Water Gun Central

Looking for a water gun for Lao New Year? Talat Sao is a prime spot to find a great selection. Reddit

📍 Strategic Location

Conveniently located near the Talatsao bus station and Victory Monument, making it easy to access. Reddit

💎 Jewelry Check

Fake jewelry is on the first floor, while real precious gems and metals are found on the upper levels. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(204 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Talat Sao is a vibrant shopping destination with a strategic location, offering a mix of traditional market charm and modern mall convenience. Visitors appreciate the wide variety of goods, especially souvenirs and fabrics, and the affordability, though some note the older building feels dated. Haggling is a common practice in the traditional section.

"this is big mall and good design, you guys should visit here one time, it's locations is really strategic and near to the Talatsao bus station, it's really convinient, you also can go to the victory monument, just 300-400 meters."

Phương Duy Nguyễn

"You can pretty much find anything here. The fake jewelry is on the first floor, the real stuff is upstairs. There are tons of souvenirs here, clothes, beauty products, etc. The prices seemed pretty cheap. If you're in the area and you need something, I'd probably check here first. Don't forget to haggle!"

Melinda

"One of the best places to buy traditional Lao silk and gifts, and other fabrics, jewelry and other daily use staff."

Zamira Kadyrova

What People Like

Great souvenir shopping
Affordable prices
Central location

What People Dislike

Older building feels dated
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Talat Sao is very centrally located and easily accessible. It's right next to the Talatsao bus station, making it a convenient stop if you're arriving by bus. It's also a short walk (300-400 meters) from Victory Monument. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Vientiane to take you directly to the mall. Reddit

Yes, Talat Sao is a prominent landmark in Vientiane and is very easy to find due to its central location and proximity to major transport hubs like the bus station. Reddit

If you're near Victory Monument, it's just a short 5-10 minute walk to Talat Sao. Many central Vientiane hotels are also within walking distance or a very short taxi ride away. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to enter Talat Sao Shopping Mall. It's a public market and shopping center, so you can browse freely. Reddit

Talat Sao generally operates from morning until evening. The older market section might have slightly different hours than the modern mall, but typically both are open daily from around 8 AM to 6 PM or later. It's best to check locally for exact times. Reddit

No booking is required for Talat Sao. It's a walk-in destination for shopping and exploring. Reddit

Talat Sao can get quite busy, especially during peak shopping hours and around holidays like Lao New Year. Mornings tend to be less crowded than afternoons. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products

You can find a vast array of goods at Talat Sao, including traditional Lao silk, handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, beauty products, electronics, and daily necessities. The older section is great for souvenirs and fabrics, while the newer mall has more modern retail. Reddit

Traditional Lao silk and other fabrics are a specialty of Talat Sao, particularly in the older market building. Look for stalls selling a variety of designs and colors. Reddit

Yes, jewelry is available. The first floor of the older section often features imitation or costume jewelry, while upstairs you can find real gold and silver pieces. Reddit

Haggling is definitely expected and part of the shopping culture in the older, more traditional sections of Talat Sao. Be polite and friendly when negotiating prices. Reddit

Talat Sao is a popular spot to purchase water guns for the Lao New Year celebrations. You'll find a wide selection available leading up to and during the festival. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Talat Sao is primarily a shopping destination, you can find small food stalls and eateries within the complex, especially in the newer mall section, offering local snacks and quick meals. Reddit

Expect typical local snacks, drinks, and simple dishes. For a wider variety of dining experiences, you might want to explore restaurants outside the immediate mall area. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in public areas of Talat Sao. However, it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their merchandise. Reddit

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the market stalls, the colorful textiles, and the bustling crowds. The contrast between the older and newer sections also offers interesting photographic perspectives. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Talat Sao offers a sensory experience for families. The older market section can be exciting for children with its colorful displays and bustling activity, though it can get crowded. The newer mall provides a cooler, more controlled environment with shops that might appeal to older children. Look for small food stalls for quick snacks. Reddit

For families visiting during Lao New Year, the abundance of water guns is a major draw. It's a fun way for kids (and adults!) to participate in the traditional water-splashing festivities. Just be prepared for crowds and keep a close eye on children in busy areas. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Talat Sao is a paradise for budget travelers. The older market section is known for its affordable prices on souvenirs, clothing, and local goods. Remember that haggling is key here to secure the best deals. Reddit

While the newer mall might have fixed prices, you can still find reasonably priced everyday items. It's a great place to stock up on essentials or find unique, inexpensive gifts without breaking the bank. Currency exchange services are also available, making it convenient for international visitors. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Two Sides of Talat Sao

Talat Sao is not a single entity but rather a complex comprising two distinct areas: the original Talat Sao Market and the newer Talat Sao Mall. The original market is a sprawling, open-air (and partially covered) space that embodies a traditional Southeast Asian bazaar. Here, you'll find a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and local snacks to handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. It's a place where the art of haggling is not just common but expected, offering a truly authentic local shopping experience. Reddit

The newer Talat Sao Mall, located adjacent to the original market, offers a stark contrast. This is a modern, air-conditioned building with a more organized layout, featuring a variety of retail shops selling clothing, electronics, beauty products, and more. While it offers a more comfortable shopping environment, it generally lacks the vibrant, chaotic charm of the older market. Many visitors find it beneficial to explore both sections to get a comprehensive feel for what Talat Sao has to offer. Reddit

When visiting, be mindful of the different vibes. The older market is perfect for finding unique souvenirs and experiencing local commerce, while the newer mall is better for specific retail needs or escaping the heat. Understanding this distinction will help you plan your visit and make the most of your time at Talat Sao. Reddit

Shopping for Lao New Year Essentials

Talat Sao is a go-to destination for those looking to prepare for Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao), a major festival celebrated in April. One of the most sought-after items during this time is a water gun. The mall and surrounding stalls are packed with a wide variety of water guns, from small, handheld models to larger, more powerful ones, perfect for the traditional water-throwing celebrations. Reddit

Beyond water guns, you can also find festive clothing, decorative items, and gifts for family and friends. The atmosphere leading up to Lao New Year is particularly lively, with vendors often displaying their wares prominently. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and pick up essentials for the festivities. Reddit

Remember that during this period, the mall can become very crowded. If you're specifically looking for water guns or other New Year items, it's advisable to visit a few days before the main celebration to avoid the biggest crowds and have a better selection. Reddit