As a passionate traveler and blogger, I love exploring destinations through their local markets, where culture, flavors, and daily life come together. During my visit to Vientiane in February 2025, I had the chance to experience the city’s vibrant night markets, each offering something unique.

Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos, comes alive after sunset with its vibrant night markets. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, delicious Lao street food, or a local market experience, the city has three distinct night markets to explore. In this guide, I’ll take you through the Vientiane Night Market, Vientiane Night Food Market, and Ban Anou Night Market, so you can make the most of your visit.

1. Vientiane Night Market – The Riverside Shopping Spot

Located along the Mekong River, the Vientiane Night Market is the city’s most popular and scenic market. With bright red tents lining the riverbank, it’s a great place to enjoy the evening breeze, shop for souvenirs, and watch the sunset.

What to Expect:

• Souvenirs & Handicrafts – Browse stalls selling traditional Lao textiles, wooden carvings, paintings, and handmade crafts.
• Clothing & Accessories – Find T-shirts, scarves, bags, and silver jewelry at affordable prices.
• Electronics & Gadgets – Some vendors sell phone accessories and gadgets, but quality varies.
• Local Atmosphere – Many locals and tourists visit, making it a lively and fun place to explore.

Location & Timings:

📍 Mekong Riverside (Near Chao Anouvong Park)
🕖 Open Daily: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Pro Tip:

• Bargaining is common, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices.
• Enjoy a peaceful walk along the river before or after shopping.

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2. Vientiane Night Food Market – A Paradise for Food Lovers

If you love food, the Vientiane Night Food Market is a must-visit. This market is entirely focused on local street food, offering an authentic taste of Lao cuisine at budget-friendly prices.

What to Eat:

• Grilled Meats & Seafood – BBQ chicken, pork skewers, and grilled fish cooked over charcoal.
• Lao Noodles & Soups – Khao Piak Sen (Lao noodle soup) and Pho-style dishes.
• Sticky Rice & Papaya Salad – Enjoy Laos’ staple dish with spicy and tangy papaya salad.
• Sweet Treats – Coconut pancakes, sticky rice with mango, and Lao-style iced coffee.

Location & Timings:

📍 Near That Luang Lake (Close to Vientiane Center Shopping Mall)
🕖 Open Daily: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Pro Tip:

• Some stalls offer plastic chairs where you can sit and eat.
• Look for stalls with the most locals—this usually means better food quality.

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3. Ban Anou Night Market – The Local Favorite

Ban Anou Night Market is smaller than the other two but is a local favorite for its delicious and affordable street food. It’s less touristy, making it perfect for an authentic Lao dining experience.

What to Try:

• Grilled Duck & Pork – A specialty of this market, with smoky, juicy flavors.
• Fried Insects – For the adventurous eater, try crispy crickets or silk worms!
• Baguette Sandwiches (Khao Jee) – A Lao take on the Vietnamese Banh Mi.
• Laap (Lao Minced Meat Salad) – A spicy, herby dish made with chicken, pork, or fish.

Location & Timings:

📍 Ban Anou Area (Near Khun Bu Lom Road)
🕖 Open Daily: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Pro Tip:

• Go early for the freshest food.
• This market is more for locals, so bring cash and small bills for easy transactions.

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Final Thoughts

Vientiane’s night markets offer a mix of shopping, local food, and cultural experiences. If you want to shop and enjoy the riverside atmosphere, Vientiane Night Market is perfect. For food lovers, Vientiane Night Food Market is a paradise, while Ban Anou Night Market is great for authentic, budget-friendly Lao street food.

If you have any questions about my trip, don’t hesitate to ask them!

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