You can’t compare the nightlife in Luang Prabang to that of Vang Vieng or even Vientiane, but there are still some nighttime activities and one of them is the night market. The night market in Luang Prabang is open every evening. Initially, it was dominated by the Hmong, but over time, many Lao Loum, the country’s main ethnic group, also became part of the market. Today it’s one of the most well-known night markets among tourists, what‘s not surprising, since that is it’s main audience.
What you can buy at the night market
There are a lot of things that you can buy in the night market, and it’s definitely worth going there at least once during your visit to Luang Prabang. Just look around the different stalls and check out their products.
Food
A night market without food is like a party without music. Therefore, food is an essential part of the market. You’ll find a variety of street food like baguettes, sausages, and sticky rice. You can also eat at small restaurants with plastic chairs and tables selling popular dishes like Larb. There‘s even a cheap vegan and vegetarian buffet. If you need something to drink, we recommend a cold beer or fruit shake.
Souvenirs
As the cultural center of the country, there are plenty of places where you can buy souvenirs in Laos. Still, the night market is by far one of the best places to go. There’s almost no type of souvenir you won’t find there. You can not just buy typical Laotian souvenirs like carvings made of bamboo, but also really unique items like marionettes. A lot of souvenirs in the night market of Luang Prabang are handmade goods of high quality. Most of them are very cheap, but some items might be expensive. It really depends what you‘re looking for. Just don’t forget, that some souvenirs like snake whiskey are potentially illegal in your country.
How to find the night market in Luang Prabang
Almost all accommodations in Luang Prabang are situated in the city center and therefore it’s almost impossible to miss the night market. You basically just have to step out at night, walk a bit around the town and let the lights lead you. The night market is located directly at the Sisavangvong Road. It’s the main road of the city. If you’re having trouble finding your way, you can use the map below or just ask anyone. Locals and tourists alike will be happy to help.
What's the best time to visit?
The night market is open every single day from 17:00 to 23:00, but you should neither arrive too early nor too late. Otherwise you might miss some stalls because they aren‘t open yet or already closed. Don’t forget, that many sellers have to ride or even walk from the surrounding villages to bring their stuff to the market. That takes quite some time.
Tips for an amazing experience at the night market
If you want to have the best possible experience at the night market in Luang Prabang, we have some nice tips for you. Here are some recommendations:
- Always stay hydrated
- Be ready to bargain, but don't overdo it
- Don't come when it's too crowded
- Have the courage to try some new snacks
- Respect the vendors and their hard work
- Walk around and enjoy the atmosphere
If you follow those simple rules, you‘re in for a great experience. Many tourists really enjoy the night market in Luang Prabang. If you do too, don’t forget to visit some of the other markets in Laos. Another market that we like a lot, is the night market in Vientiane. It’s located near the river and definitely a great place for drinks and shopping.
Differences between Luang Prabangs night market and morning market
We can’t deny that the main audience of the night market are tourists. That differentiates it from the morning market in Luang Prabang. Unlike the night market, the morning market is geared towards the locals. If you haven’t been at a traditional wet market before, we definitely recommend you to check it out. Just a warning: Some things might shock you, so be prepared. Still, both markets have their unique charms. Personally, we enjoyed the morning market more, but it’s really a matter of personal preference.