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Souvenirs: what to bring back from Laos?
Experience
06.06.2019

Bringing back a souvenir of a country is an essential part of any journey. Laos is full of authentic products of all kinds, whether for a gift or for yourself. Trust us to find the Laotian gifts or souvenirs of your dreams.

 

The "Sinh" or the traditional skirt : A true symbol of traditional Laotian fashion, the "sinh" is a tube-shaped skirt which can only be found in Laos. The garment is available in multitude of designs and colours whose art of manufacture has been carefully created and developed in the country since the 14th century. A beautiful way to bring back a piece of Laos into your wardrobe.

Patterned Lao ceramics : A long-life tradition of some villages in Laos, ceramic is one of the extraordinary souvenirs from Laos. In the form of bowls, pots, ceramic wares and many others, these handicrafts can be used as decorations or a unique object for everyday use.

Bamboo items : Baskets, vases, bowls, tables, rugs, trays... bamboo weaving is one of the most important traditional crafts in Laos. Cheap, lightweight, and available in all the shops in the country, bamboo objects in all shapes and sizes will satisfy all tastes.

Laotian silk : Laos is the Southeast Asian country best known for the production of natural silk from silkworms. This incredible craftsmanship has been passed down from generation to generation. Each weaving is unique and offers exceptional patterns. You will find exquisite pieces: scarves, clothes, tablecloths, etc., not only in the markets but especially directly with the weavers in the villages.

Silverware & silver jewelry : In Laos, it is possible to buy quality silver at a reasonable price. Made with traditional tools, Laotian silverware and silver jewelry, from their ancestral know-how, is a fabulous gift choice.

Coffee : Renowned as having one of the best coffee beans in the world, it is essential for coffer lovers to take one (or more) package(s) of the major brands of Laotian coffee.

Wood carving : Combining traditional skill and modern patterns, Laotian craftsmen have great imagination to offer a wide range of wooden carvings. Be inspired by these works of art, the true icons of Asia in every interior decoration.

Snake whiskey : For those who are courageous, what a better way than to bring back snake whiskey! Quite popular in the Laotian markets, this extremely strong alcoholic beverage is actually produced by infusing snakes in rice wine or grain alcohol. Sellers claim that it has powerful aphrodisiac and pain-relieving properties.

 

TO KNOW:

- Bargaining is essential, so don't hesitate to negotiate - with limitation, of course.

- The official currency is Lao Kip (L-KIP) but US dollars or Thai Bath are accepted in major cities.

- Visa and Master cards are now accepted in most shops in the main cities (Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse) but merchants often charge a commission of 2 to 5%.