Talat Sao, Traditional marketplace in central Vientiane, Laos.
Talat Sao is a marketplace in central Vientiane split into two distinct areas: an open-air morning market and a multi-level shopping center. Each section houses different types of vendors and goods, creating a single commercial space that serves both traditional and modern shopping needs.
The site began as a central trading hub for Vientiane and underwent major renovation in the early 2000s. This modernization project expanded its facilities and transformed it into a key shopping destination for the city.
The marketplace shows how Vientiane's daily commerce works, with local sellers offering traditional Laotian silk, carved wood items, and silver jewelry next to fresh vegetables. The space blends centuries of trading customs with the city's modern shopping habits.
The marketplace sits at the intersection of Lan Xang Road and Khu Vieng Road and operates every day, with the morning section busiest in early hours. Arriving early gives you the best selection and more comfortable temperatures.
A dedicated section focuses on metalwork, where craftspeople create specialized brass and metal items following traditional Laotian designs. This concentrated area preserves old techniques that are increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in the city.
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