Vientiane has surprisingly good shopping, particularly for textiles and handicrafts. Bargaining is expected at markets and can bring prices down by up to 50 percent.
Talat Sao (Morning Market) is the city's main covered market. Despite the name, it runs all day from around 7am to 4pm. You will find Lao silk, handicrafts, electronics, jewelry, and just about everything else. A modern shopping mall is attached. It is also a reliable place to change money.
Ban Anou Night Market opens in the late afternoon and runs until midnight. It is smaller and cleaner than Talat Sao, with good street food, flowers, and handicraft souvenirs.
Talat Thong Khan Kham is an all-day market with local food and handicrafts. More merchants are present in the early morning hours.
Kanchana Boutique has the widest selection of Lao silk in Vientiane. The boutique has won international awards for its fabric quality. You can also arrange a visit to the adjacent Lao Textile Museum, open from 10am to 4pm.