Vientiane Night Market Mekong Riverside
A vibrant riverside market in Vientiane, Laos, offering delicious street food, local crafts, and a lively evening atmosphere along the Mekong.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Market buzz and food stalls
Vientiane Night Market Mekong Riverside
Best Time
Market buzz and food stalls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant riverside market in Vientiane, Laos, offering delicious street food, local crafts, and a lively evening atmosphere along the Mekong.
"The Vientiane Night Market is a fantastic spot for budget-friendly food with a great variety of choices."
🎯 Bargain for Souvenirs
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices for clothing and accessories. It's part of the fun! :moneywithwings:
🍜 Sample Local Flavors
Try the grilled fish, papaya salad, and sticky rice. Many food stalls offer delicious and affordable options. :food:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mekong Riverside Stroll
Along the Mekong River
Enjoy the cool evening breeze and scenic views of the Mekong River as you wander through the market stalls.
Street Food Delights
Food stall section
Savor a variety of local Laotian dishes, from grilled fish to papaya salad and sticky rice.
Local Handicrafts & Souvenirs
Shopping stalls
Browse for unique souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and local crafts to take home.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain for Souvenirs
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices for clothing and accessories. It's part of the fun! :moneywithwings:
🍜 Sample Local Flavors
Try the grilled fish, papaya salad, and sticky rice. Many food stalls offer delicious and affordable options. :food:
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Riverside
The market's location by the Mekong offers a pleasant atmosphere for an evening walk. :river:
🚗 Parking Tips
You can park at the nearby temple or along the street. Arrive early for better parking spots. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain for Souvenirs
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices for clothing and accessories. It's part of the fun! :moneywithwings:
🍜 Sample Local Flavors
Try the grilled fish, papaya salad, and sticky rice. Many food stalls offer delicious and affordable options. :food:
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Riverside
The market's location by the Mekong offers a pleasant atmosphere for an evening walk. :river:
🚗 Parking Tips
You can park at the nearby temple or along the street. Arrive early for better parking spots. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Vientiane Night Market is praised for its budget-friendly and diverse food options, offering a lively atmosphere along the Mekong River. However, some visitors find the shopping selection disappointing due to a prevalence of counterfeit goods and note the lack of public seating as a drawback.
"The Vientiane Night Market is a fantastic spot for budget-friendly food with a great variety of choices. The only downside is the lack of public seating, which can make it hard to enjoy your meal comfortably. Still, the delicious and affordable food makes it a must-visit."
UEM
"The night market is long and lively, offering clothes, shoes, bags, food, and even a small amusement park. It’s a pleasant place to walk around and enjoy. The market is open every night. You can park either at the temple or along the street."
Lutthanee Sattharatanatri
"Meh… not like any of the other night markets we’ve experienced in Laos. Maybe only one stall that was selling handicrafts… otherwise just selling counterfeit western clothes, bags, belts, sunglasses, phone accessories and beauty supplies. The food stalls were few and far between, but there’s a mini amusement park if you’ve got kids. Can totally be skipped"
Tarek Hbeichi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Vientiane Night Market is located along the Mekong River in the heart of the city. It's easily accessible by tuk-tuk or a short walk from most central hotels. Many visitors arrive by crossing the border from Thailand. +1
Yes, parking is available at a nearby temple or along the street. Arriving earlier in the evening can help secure a better spot.
If your hotel is in the city center, walking to the Vientiane Night Market is a pleasant option, especially in the cooler evenings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Vientiane Night Market. You can freely wander through the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere.
The market is open every night, typically starting in the late afternoon and running into the evening. It's best to visit after 6 PM for the full experience.
No advance booking is necessary for visiting the market. It's a casual, open-air experience.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Goods
You can find a variety of items including clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, and some local handicrafts. Some visitors note a prevalence of counterfeit Western brands.
Yes, bargaining is common and expected for many items, especially clothing and accessories. Be polite and have fun with it!
While some stalls offer handicrafts, many visitors report seeing more counterfeit goods than authentic local crafts. It's worth browsing, but manage expectations.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
The market offers a good selection of street food, including grilled fish, papaya salad, sticky rice, and various local snacks.
Seating can be limited, which is a common point of feedback. It's advisable to be prepared to eat while standing or find a nearby spot.
Some reviews suggest caution with seafood at the market, recommending sticky rice, grilled fish, and papaya salad instead.
The food at the Vientiane Night Market is generally considered budget-friendly and offers great value for money.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant food stalls, the bustling crowds, and the scenic Mekong River, especially during sunset. The aerial views of the city and river are also stunning. +2
It's generally acceptable to take photos of the general market atmosphere and food. If you want to photograph specific vendors or their products up close, it's polite to ask for permission first.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vientiane Night Market Experience
Shopping at the market primarily features clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. However, be aware that many items might be counterfeit Western brands, which can be a disappointment for those seeking authentic local crafts. Despite this, the sheer variety means you might still find something to your liking.
Dining is a major draw, with numerous food stalls offering a taste of Laotian cuisine. Popular choices include grilled fish, papaya salad, and sticky rice. While seating can be limited, the affordable prices and delicious flavors make it a worthwhile culinary adventure.
Navigating the Mekong Riverside
Many visitors appreciate the scenic beauty of the Mekong, with some TikTok videos showcasing aerial views that highlight the river's expanse and its proximity to Thailand across the water.
This riverside setting also influences the market's atmosphere, giving it a distinct character compared to inland markets. It's a place where you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of local life while being connected to the natural flow of the mighty Mekong.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit