What to Buy

Houay Xai is a small town located in northern Laos, near the border with Thailand. While it may not be known for its shopping, there are still some unique items you can purchase while visiting. Here are a few suggestions:

• Hand-woven Textiles: You can find a variety of textiles, such as scarves, shawls, bags, and table runners, that are handmade by the ethnic groups in northern Laos. These textiles often feature intricate patterns and designs and are made using traditional methods and natural dyes.
• Handicrafts Made from Bamboo: Bamboo is a widely available and sustainable material in Laos, and local artisans use it to make a variety of items such as baskets, trays, hats, and utensils.
• Lao Whisky: You can find Lao whisky, called lao-lao, at local markets and shops. It's a distilled rice whisky that's often homemade, and it's a popular drink among locals.
• Silverware: The Hmong people, an ethnic group in northern Laos, are known for their silver jewelry and intricate silverwork. You can find silverware such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings at local markets and shops.
• Coffee Products: Laos is known for its coffee, and you can find a variety of coffee products in Houay Xai, such as whole bean coffee, ground coffee, and coffee-flavored snacks.
• Handmade Pottery: You can find handmade pottery items, such as bowls, cups, and vases, that are made by local artisans using traditional techniques.
• Traditional Medicines: Local markets sell traditional medicines made from herbs, roots, and other natural ingredients. These remedies are used to treat a variety of ailments and are often sold in dried form.

Where to Buy

• Houay Xai Morning Market

This is a large local market where you can find fresh produce, meat, seafood, and a variety of other items, including textiles, handicrafts, and traditional medicines.

• Donsao Market

Donsao Market is located in the nearby town of Ban Donsao, which is about an hour's drive from Houay Xai. It's a popular market that attracts both locals and tourists and is known for its variety of products, including handicrafts, textiles, silverware, and traditional medicines. At Donsao Market, you can find a range of locally produced products, such as hand-woven textiles, bamboo products, and handmade pottery. There are also several vendors selling traditional Hmong clothing, including brightly colored skirts and jackets. Additionally, the market is a great place to try local food, such as Khao Soi (a noodle soup dish) and Khao Lam (sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes).

• Night Market

The night market is located near the Mekong River and is open every evening from around 5 PM until late at night. You can find a variety of souvenirs, including textiles, handicrafts, and silverware. In addition, there are many food stalls where you can try local dishes such as grilled meats, noodle soups, and sticky rice.

• Handicraft Center

The Handicraft Center is located in the center of Houay Xai and is a great place to find unique souvenirs made by local artisans. The center showcases a range of handicrafts, including woven textiles, bamboo products, and pottery. The items sold here are often of high quality, and you can watch the artisans at work as they create their products.

• Mekong Riverside Shops

The shops and vendors located near the Mekong River offer a range of souvenirs, including silver jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts. These shops are often more geared towards tourists, and the prices may be higher than at the local markets. However, the products sold here are often of high quality and unique.

• Coffee Shops

There are several coffee shops in Houay Xai that sell locally produced coffee beans, ground coffee, and other coffee products that can make great souvenirs. Coffee is an important crop in Laos, and these shops offer a chance to try some of the local varieties.