Luang Prabang Night Market

Описание: Welcome to our video on the Luang Prabang Night Market, one of the most unique and vibrant destinations in Laos. This market is not only the largest handicraft market in the country but also special because it is set among UNESCO-listed heritage buildings, giving it a rich cultural backdrop. Every evening at five PM, the area around the junction of Kitsalaat Road and Sisaavangvong Road near the post office transforms into a pedestrian-only strip filled with hundreds of stalls, while a large food market attracts both locals and tourists alike.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the market is the local drinks and spirits, especially the famous Lao Lao rice whiskey. Some bottles contain preserved animals such as snakes, scorpions, geckos, centipedes, tarantulas, or sea horses. These are believed to have medicinal properties, help with back pain, arthritis, or fatigue, and are considered traditional tonics for male virility. The animals are preserved in ethanol, and once submerged, they are no longer venomous. This unusual practice has roots in folk medicine traditions from Laos, Vietnam, and China.

Another remarkable feature of the market is the handcrafted items made from UXOs (Unexploded Ordnance) left from the Vietnam War era. Local artisans collect scrap metal from safe, cleared sites and use traditional sand casting techniques to melt and mold it into beautiful items. Many of these pieces carry messages such as “Peace” or “Made from War – Recycled for Peace,” symbolizing transformation and hope.

Food is a central part of the night market experience. One of our first tastes was Khao Tom Mud, sticky rice balls coated in grated coconut, often colored yellow from pumpkin or sweet potato and purple from taro or purple yam. The rice balls are soft, chewy, and mildly sweet, with a palm sugar filling at the center. We got five pieces for just fifty cents.

Beyond the main food stalls, side alley food markets line the streets, offering a wide variety of dishes. Grilled meat skewers, green papaya salad, crispy spring rolls, Laotian noodle soups, phō-style soups, and French-influenced baguettes can all be found here. Refreshing drinks and fresh fruit shakes made from mango, pineapple, and papaya are also widely available. Other street-food options include sticky rice, rice dumplings (banh cuon), local sausages such as sai ua, and unusual rice spirits infused with jungle ingredients.

The main food market has a common sitting area and over fifty food stalls, offering everything from sweet to savory to spicy dishes. Fresh meats, seafood from the Mekong River, and local snacks make it a culinary adventure. While the market can get crowded, the variety of flavors and the lively atmosphere make it a treat for the senses.

The handicraft market is the highlight of Luang Prabang Night Market. As the sun sets, shopkeepers begin laying out their stalls, and tourists and buyers flock to explore. Artisans from nearby villages sell a wide range of handmade products including silk and cotton textiles, Hmong embroidery, mulberry paper umbrellas, lanterns, silver jewelry, wood carvings, handbags, ceramics, and metal crafts. Look for signs like “Made in Luang Prabang” to spot genuine local items rather than mass-produced imports. Haggling is common but should always be done politely, as many artisans rely on these sales for their livelihood.

Whether you are visiting for the food, the crafts, or the unique cultural experience, the Luang Prabang Night Market offers something for everyone. From the lively atmosphere to the handmade treasures and local flavors, it is truly one of the top things to do in Luang Prabang and a place where the heart of Laos comes alive at night.

If you are planning a trip to Luang Prabang, Laos, this video will give you a glimpse of the market’s atmosphere, food, and craftsmanship, helping you prepare for an unforgettable evening in this UNESCO-listed town.

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