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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Talat Sao Shopping Mall Vientiane
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling Vientiane hub with a traditional market and modern mall, perfect for souvenirs, local goods, and festive finds.
"You can pretty much find anything here. The prices seemed pretty cheap. Don't forget to haggle!"
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Traditional Lao Silk & Souvenirs
Older Market Section
Discover vibrant textiles, intricate handicrafts, and unique gifts that capture the essence of Laos.

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
Various Stalls
Gear up for the festivities with a wide selection of water guns, from basic models to more robust options.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Talat Sao
Best Buys & Bargains
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
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.
💎 Jewelry Check
Fake jewelry is on the first floor, while real precious gems and metals are found on the upper levels.
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!
💧 Water Gun Central
Looking for a water gun for Lao New Year? Talat Sao is a prime spot to find a great selection.
📍 Strategic Location
Conveniently located near the Talatsao bus station and Victory Monument, making it easy to access.
💎 Jewelry Check
Fake jewelry is on the first floor, while real precious gems and metals are found on the upper levels.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
No booking is required for Talat Sao. It's a walk-in destination for shopping and exploring.
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.
🎫 🛍️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Two Sides of Talat Sao
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.
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.
Shopping for Lao New Year Essentials
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit