5 Best Places to Shop in Vientiane, Laos

American-born textile expert Carol Cassidy runs this beautiful weaving studio inside a renovated French Colonial mansion. She and her team of local artisans—mostly women—create high-quality textiles and scarves, shawls, and wall hangings.

For exquisite handwoven Lao silk and fine wood carvings, head to this workshop and showroom, one of the best in Laos. It's a bit outside the city center, but the craftsmanship is heirloom-quality.

This shop in Vientiane's old weaving district sells naturally dyed handwoven silk products.

A fair-trade business that works with traditional artisans to preserve and promote Lao village crafts and empower local women, this shop sells silk and cotton textiles, recycled bomb products, bags, jewelry, and other items.

With crafts, jewelry, T-shirts, mobile phone sellers, and more, this indoor complex satisfies most Lao shoppers' needs. A visit here provides perspectives on modern Lao life and the lifestyles of the younger generation.