|
Laos - Vientiane Morning Market
From 2006/07 Travel Blog
First stop in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, was the famous
Vientiane morning markets. We were looking for some breakfast and we
soon found a place that did excellent stuffed omelets with rice.
Paying the bill was a little confusing as I had changed a 1000 baht note
for 270,000 lao kip and the bill was something like 140,000 kip for 9
people.
The markets sell black market booze and cigarettes from China, honey, lots of food
and drinks and stuff like clothing. You can also buy large wads of almost worthless Lao currency in the form of 100 kip notes. However the best part is the
silverware stores upstairs.
There are virtually no bargains in Vientiane
(most things are cheaper across the river in Thailand) but silverware is
the exception. You can buy some truly beautiful silver jewelry and sculpted items for bargain basement prices. Just be sure to ask what percentage silver you are buying although most traders are quite up front on this question.
You can also get some good deals on Lao rubies and
Cambodian sapphires, if you have an eye for gemstones.
Outside the Morning Market, Vientiane
Dozens of little silver merchants do a brisk trade in silverware
throughout the day.
There are also a few gold merchants but as with the gemstones be very
careful.....if you can't tell gold plate from solid gold you can rest
assured you will be robbed blind. The same warning applies with the gemstones.
The Lao traders in the markets have a curious approach to haggling with buyers - absurd amounts may be asked for items, presumably on the premise that westerners will pay.
This may work on folks who are just off the plane from Vientiane airport, but those who have come from Thailand simply walk away when quoted 5 to 10 times what the same item would cost in Thailand.
Gold Vendor, Vientiane Morning Market
The gold, silver and gem traders are a little more savvy however, and will quickly drop their prices if you bargain well. We experienced a price drop of almost 75% when buying some ruby earrings - just by looking disinterested and repeatedly walking off.
The rest of the market area is a little run down and worn out but that is part of the beauty of the place. Ignore the countless shops selling cheap Chinese clothing and you will experience what is probably Vientiane's most enjoyable shopping experience.
As with everywhere else in Vientiane, goods may be priced in Lao Kip, Thai Baht or US Dollars (or all three!) and you can pay in whichever of these currencies you wish.
It can get confusing sometimes if for example you pay in Baht and receive your change in Kip - try figuring out if you've been ripped off without a calculator !
No matter how short your stay in Vientiane - the morning markets are a must-see. Wander the street outside and meet the jumbo drivers (a jumbo is an oversized tuk-tuk) and the stall holders selling food and drinks. It is the heart of this laid back Indo chinese city.
Fresh Lao food, Vientiane Morning Market
More Articles from this blog
|
HOTEL RESERVATIONS 
