Laos: The Tranquil Glow of Luang Prabang’s Night Market
Luang Prabang Night Market Glow
The street was full of open red and blue tents when I got down from climbing Phu Si Hills. It would seem that come dusk, the whole stretch of Th Sisavangvong is closed from vehicle traffic and as it becomes a ground for a market. I stayed on the upper ground beside a foreigner painting the National Museum. I observed the locals preparing their wares as the darkness deepens and the Luang Prabang Night Market illuminates with a tranquil glow.
Luang Prabang Night Market Painter at the Th Sisavangvong
I finally went down to closely inspect the wares laid on the floor and some hanging on improvised walls. I could see the whole stretch of the road, a long line of stalls from each end and middle of the road. It was just amazing to be in the midst of all these amusing explosion of sights and sounds.
Line of stalls fill Th Sisavanvong Road
Local traders here sell a whole variety of merchandise. I could see puppets, silks, lamps of different shades and sizes, clothes, exquisite ceramics, antiques, paintings and even rare spices, coffee and tea. There were a lot more I couldn’t identify but a lot of them are very interesting. Best of all, cheap. I could buy a lot but I was so conscious of my budget so I have to restrain myself from buying anything.
Luang Prabang Puppets and Decors
Just wandering around, inspecting the wares and chatting with the vendors was enough for me. What I liked about the people here is that they won’t force you to sell anything. If you ask about their merchandise they are very cheerful to accommodate your query. I could also see other tourist enjoying their time shopping, going from one stall to another. Despite the narrow passages, there was the universal understanding on which way to go.
Luang Prabang Lamps and Notebooks
I was just amazed first time seeing the Luang Prabang Night Market. It was exciting and a feast on the senses. I swear if I had more money at that time and more space in my bag, I would have brought home a lot of items. Which isn’t really bad since buying there would be helping the locals earn their living. Each item bought here goes directly to the sellers themselves. The Luang Prabang Night Market is definitely a must cultural experience.
Luang Prabang Night Market Umbrellas
Tags: Culture, Laos, Luang Prabang, Market, Northern Laos, People, UNESCO
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Thursday, June 11th, 2009 at 12:11 am 
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June 11th, 2009 at 5:46 am
oh my gosh, i love this open air makeshift market. this is the way i love to shop not cooped up inside an AC-d mall, but outside smelling the natural smells of the place, the sweats, and shoving people to get to the knick knack I want and so I could haggle my way to a treasure. I love the blue and red tents too, they are so festive. How were the prices? Did you get anything to take home? Simply enjoyed this post to the max.
June 11th, 2009 at 10:56 am
colorful. what one should not miss while on a trip abroad is their local market because you will really have a feel of their culture and their everyday lives. another great story ferdz.
June 11th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Wow this is so fantastic !! I really loved the market in tents !! Great one..thanks for sharing such beautiful photographs wiht us..
June 11th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
i’m not big on souvenirs myself but i frequent the market because as oman noted, markets are nice places to observe local life. i also subscribe to your philosophy of helping the locals earn even just a bit more for a living. it would be interesting to explore the night market (will take a mental note of this if and when God gives me the opportunity to go to laos). i agree with photo cache, i’m not into being cooped up in air conditioned malls. btw, those umbrellas are eyecatchers
ditto, the puppets. which reminds me, i totally forgot to look for puppets when i went to myanmar. then again, it’s hard to travel with so many souvenirs so i think small keepsakes and images are better ways to keep the memories of the place alive.
June 12th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
what a lovely night market, ferdz. the lights had given it a lively aura. beautiful.
June 13th, 2009 at 1:28 am
ang ganda ng pics
both morning and night shots..eye catching talaga.
June 13th, 2009 at 6:38 am
lovely colors! im sure there are a lot of good buys here! =)
June 14th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Hi Photo Cache! Glad you enjoyed the posts. The prices there are very cheap but I didn’t manage to buy some stuff since I’m watching for my budget and also the weight of my pack.
So true Oman! Market is the perfect place to get a slice of local culture.
Thanks for the visit and complements Bharat Khatri!
That’s what I also liked about this Market Og! The money they earn goes directly to them. I like those umbrellas as well.
I thought it looks very scenic as well Bing!
Thank you Japanesecake
It sure has a lot Pao. Thanks!
June 14th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
I miss this! I love walking through the market. I love walking in Luang Prabang, period! Feel ko napaka safe, kahit gabi na. What I loved about this market is that though some of the things on sale here are similar to what you would see in Thailand and Cambodia, there are still plenty of unique Lao item. I bought a packet of Lao coffee as souvenir for my brother
June 18th, 2009 at 12:03 am
[...] enjoyed walking through the Night Market of Luang Parabang but had to withdraw myself lest I get tempted to spend. I headed to Th Khem Khong Road, another [...]