Top 20 Souvenirs from Laos You’ll Actually Love to Bring Home

When traveling through Laos, it’s impossible not to fall in love with its rich culture, gentle pace of life, and unique artistry. Naturally, you’ll want to take a piece of that experience back with you. From handwoven textiles that whisper stories of tradition to aromatic coffee grown on misty plateaus, the best souvenirs from Laos aren’t just pretty keepsakes – they’re living memories. Some items will remind you of bustling night markets, while others capture the country’s spiritual charm. In this guide, we’ll uncover the top 20 souvenirs from Laos that you’ll be genuinely excited to bring home.

Authentic Souvenirs from Laos That You’ll Treasure Forever

If you’re searching for meaningful souvenirs from Laos, look no further than the country’s culinary treasures. These edible keepsakes capture not only flavor but also culture, history, and tradition. Here are the top 20 authentic specialties worth bringing home:

1. Laap Spice Mix

Among the most authentic souvenirs from Laos, Laap spice mix captures the nation’s essence of celebration, warmth, and culinary artistry. Each carefully blended packet brings together roasted rice powder, chili, lime, and fragrant herbs that define this national dish. 

Taking it home means carrying a symbolic reminder of luck, shared meals, and intimate gatherings with friends. With its rich aroma and extraordinary depth, the spice mix allows you to recreate traditional flavors while keeping the cultural memory alive in your own kitchen.

• Where to buy: Luang Prabang Night Market, Talat Sao Market (Vientiane), Vangthong Food Market.
• Price: Approximately $11.99 for a 50–60 g packet; bargaining customary at local stalls.

Travelers often bring home Laap spice mix for its bold Lao flavors.

2. Sien Savanh (Dried Beef)

Sien Savanh is a treasured culinary souvenir from Laos, cherished for its remarkable texture and robust seasoning. Thin strips of beef are marinated with garlic, palm sugar, soy sauce, and chili before being sun-dried, creating a snack both portable and delicious. 

Travelers often describe the flavor as a fascinating harmony between sweet, salty, and spicy. Bringing this specialty home is like holding a snapshot of Lao street life, where savory aromas drift through bustling alleys and outdoor markets, offering you a nostalgic connection with every bite.

• Where to buy: Vangthong Food Market, Luang Prabang Night Market, Talat Sao Morning Market.
• Price: Around $10 for a 100g (4‑oz) pack; varies depending on vendor and portion size.

Locals savor Sien Savanh, a dried beef snack rich in taste.

3. Sai Oua Sausage

Sai Oua, the herbal sausage of Laos, delivers an unforgettable blend of pork, lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, and chili, all sun-dried to perfection. This exquisite creation represents both tradition and innovation in Lao cuisine. The balanced infusion of herbs awakens taste buds with complexity while also symbolizing hospitality. 

Gifting Sai Oua to loved ones communicates thoughtfulness, as its long-lasting quality makes it practical for travel. Each bite reminds you of vibrant night markets, fragrant stalls, and the emotional connection formed through shared food in Laos.

• Where to buy: Specialty food stores, Luang Prabang Night Market, Talat Sao Market in Vientiane.
• Price: Approximately $14 for 500g four-pack set; depends on packaging and vendor.

You can’t miss Sai Oua, the aromatic Lao sausage.

4. Fried Kaipen (Riverweed Snack)

Among the most intriguing souvenirs from Laos is Fried Kaipen, a crispy sheet of Mekong riverweed seasoned with sesame seeds and garlic. Locals sun-dry it on bamboo mats until feather-light, then quickly fry before serving. 

The result is a savory snack with surprising elegance—nutty, aromatic, and healthy. Taking Kaipen home lets you share the gentle rhythm of riverside life, while offering a taste that blends rustic tradition with modern appeal.

• Where to buy: Vangthong Food Market, Luang Prabang Night Market, local groceries.
• Price: 15,000–20,000 LAK (≈ $1–1.50 USD) per 100 g pack.

Riverweed fried into Kaipen makes a crunchy, salty delight.

5. Jaew Bong Chili Paste

No list of Laotian keepsakes would be complete without Jaew Bong, the sweet-smoky chili paste cherished in Luang Prabang kitchens. Made with chili, garlic, sugar, and sometimes buffalo skin, it balances heat with depth, offering both spice and comfort. 

Packed in travel-friendly jars, Jaew Bong allows visitors to capture the essence of everyday meals in Laos. Sharing it at home transforms simple dishes into cultural experiences, igniting conversations about flavors and memories born from travel.

• Where to buy: Vangthong Food Market, Talat Sao Morning Market, Luang Prabang specialty shops.
• Price: 25,000–30,000 LAK (≈ $2–2.50 USD) per 200 g jar.

Jaew Bong chili paste gives every dish a fiery Lao twist.

6. Lao Sinh (National Costume)

For travelers seeking traditional gifts from Laos, the Lao Sinh stands out as both wearable art and cultural symbol. This ankle-length wrap skirt, crafted in cotton or shimmering silk, is woven with intricate motifs reflecting history, faith, and daily life. 

Whether worn to ceremonies or displayed as fabric décor, the Sinh embodies grace and heritage. Owning one is not just about fashion; it is about embracing centuries of craftsmanship preserved through vibrant threads.

• Where to buy: Talat Sao Morning Market, Talat Khua Din, weaving villages, boutiques in Luang Prabang.
• Price: From 50,000 LAK ($4 USD) for cotton, up to 200,000–500,000 LAK ($16–40 USD) for silk.

The Lao Sinh costume proudly reflects timeless tradition.

7. Khun Boron Dolls

Few handcrafted treasures from Laos carry as much storytelling power as the Khun Boron Dolls. Inspired by a legend where two elders sacrificed themselves to free the sun, these dolls embody courage and devotion. 

Each figure is dressed in colorful ethnic attire, reflecting the diversity of Lao communities. Collecting them is like owning a miniature narrative of resilience and tradition, making them playful yet meaningful souvenirs that spark curiosity wherever they are displayed.

• Where to buy: Handicraft markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
• Price: 40,000–60,000 LAK ($3–5 USD) per doll, depending on detailing.

8. Elephant Slippers

Among fun and affordable souvenirs you can only find in Laos, elephant slippers are a favorite. Soft, lightweight, and designed with charming elephant motifs, they bring comfort alongside a touch of humor. 

While not a deeply historical item, their appeal lies in practicality and joy—perfect gifts for family and children. Wearing them evokes nights wandering through lively Lao markets, where every stall bursts with color, laughter, and the spirit of hospitality.

• Where to buy: Widely available at Luang Prabang Night Market and tourist shops.
• Price: 30,000–50,000 LAK ($2.50–4 USD) per pair, varying by quality.

Elephant slippers bring comfort with a playful touch.

9. Bamboo Straws

For travelers seeking eco-friendly souvenirs from Laos, bamboo straws stand out as both practical and symbolic. Each straw is handmade, light to carry, and designed to replace single-use plastic. 

More than a simple utensil, they represent a growing movement toward sustainability while connecting you to the resourcefulness of Lao artisans. Giving them as gifts means sharing a message of responsibility and care for the planet, wrapped in an item that is charming, functional, and surprisingly stylish.

• Where to buy: Available at almost every market, night bazaar, and eco-shop across Laos.
• Price: 5,000–10,000 LAK ($0.40–0.80 USD) for a bundle of 5–10 straws.

Eco-conscious buyers prefer bamboo straws from Laos.

10. Thip Khao (Sticky Rice Basket)

One of the most traditional gifts from Laos is the Thip Khao, a woven bamboo basket used daily to hold sticky rice. Crafted with patience—often by elderly men—these baskets are both utilitarian and decorative. 

Bringing home a Thip Khao is like taking a piece of Lao dining culture with you, where sticky rice is not just food but a symbol of togetherness. They are lightweight, affordable, and serve beautifully as cultural décor or for actual use at your table.

• Where to buy: Local markets nationwide; weaving workshops in larger cities occasionally allow visitors to craft their own.
• Price: 15,000–25,000 LAK ($1.20–2 USD) per basket, depending on size.

A Thip Khao basket is used daily to serve sticky rice.

11. Indigo Cloth

Laos is renowned for its indigo cloth, making it one of the most vibrant Laotian textiles to treasure. Highland tribes hand-dye fabrics with naturally cultivated indigo plants, creating deep blue hues that feel timeless and expressive. 

Each bag, scarf, or piece of clothing carries the imprint of artisan skill and heritage. Purchasing indigo cloth not only provides an authentic souvenir but also supports communities maintaining centuries-old dyeing traditions, ensuring cultural sustainability through wearable art rich with symbolic value.

• Where to buy: Luang Prabang Night Market, Vientiane Night Market, Ock Pop Tok Textiles and Crafts Centre, Talat Khua Din, Talat Sao.
• Price: From 30,000 LAK ($3 USD) for small items; larger garments and scarves range higher depending on craftsmanship.

12. Saa Paper Products

Saa paper, made from mulberry bark, has become one of the most distinctive sustainable keepsakes from Laos. Using an age-old process, artisans soak, pulp, and sun-dry the bark to create textured sheets later transformed into lamps, notebooks, or lanterns. 

Each piece embodies both creativity and ecological care, since the mulberry regenerates naturally. Buying Saa paper products supports local artisans while offering you décor and stationery with undeniable character—perfect for those who appreciate unique crafts and eco-conscious artistry.

• Where to buy: Luang Prabang Night Market, Vientiane Night Market, and Ban Xang Khong village (near Luang Prabang).
• Price: 20,000–50,000 LAK ($1.60–4 USD) depending on item (notebook, lamp, or lantern).

Craftsmen turn mulberry bark into delicate Saa paper goods.

13. Lao Coffee

For anyone who loves a bold cup, Lao coffee is one of the most memorable travel keepsakes. Grown on the fertile Bolaven Plateau, these beans thrive in volcanic soils and misty highlands, producing flavors both strong and smooth. 

Arabica offers sweetness perfect for espresso, while Robusta delivers a rich, dark intensity. Buying coffee from Laos is more than a culinary treat—it is a way of supporting local families who still cultivate beans with care and sustainable principles.

• Where to buy: Grocery stores nationwide; coffee shops and farms on Bolaven Plateau.
• Price: 30,000–50,000 LAK ($2.50–4 USD) for a 250 g pack; specialty roasts higher.

Lao coffee awakens mornings with deep, earthy notes.

14. Ceramic Pottery

Ceramic pottery from Laos reflects centuries of artistry, blending vibrant colors with meaningful motifs inspired by Buddhist symbols, flora, and folklore. From functional bowls to decorative vases, each piece showcases meticulous detail and artisan mastery. 

Owning such pottery means carrying home not just a household item but a fragment of Lao cultural heritage. Visitors often recall how watching a potter at work deepens appreciation for the patience and artistry behind every curve, glaze, and traditional pattern.

• Where to buy: Ban Chan pottery village near Luang Prabang; handicraft shops across Laos.
• Price: 50,000–150,000 LAK ($4–12 USD) for small pieces; larger vases or sculptures higher.

Ceramic pottery showcases Laos’s ancient artisanal roots.

15. Wood Carvings

Laotian wood carvings stand among the most striking handcrafted treasures. Sculptors work with teak, rosewood, or ebony to create designs ranging from small ornaments to elaborate Buddha statues or mythical figures. The depth of craftsmanship shines through each line, whether portraying everyday life or spiritual symbolism. 

Bringing home a wooden carving ensures you preserve a tangible link to Laos’s forests and artisan traditions, where skills have been passed through generations, echoing the country’s natural abundance and creative resilience.

• Where to buy: Luang Prabang markets, Vientiane shops, Pakse handicraft stalls.
• Price: From 200,000 LAK ($16 USD) upward, depending on size and wood type.

Skilled hands carve wood into sacred Lao figures.

16. BeerLao T-Shirts

Few quirky souvenirs from Laos capture the country’s spirit as vividly as BeerLao T-shirts. Simple yet iconic, these shirts celebrate the nation’s most famous brew in a playful, wearable form. 

Travelers love them not only for the humor but also as a conversation starter back home. Wearing one is like carrying a slice of Lao nightlife—friendly gatherings, music by the river, and laughter over chilled bottles of BeerLao. Affordable and fun, they remain a favorite among visitors worldwide.

• Where to buy: Tourist shops, local markets, and night bazaars across Laos.
• Price: 30,000–50,000 LAK ($2.50–4 USD) per shirt, depending on quality.

BeerLao T-shirts make fun, casual souvenirs for friends.

17. Organic Herbal Cosmetics

Among the most refreshing keepsakes from Laos are its organic herbal cosmetics, crafted from native flowers, fruits, and medicinal herbs. These products—soaps, shampoos, balms, essential oils, even herbal teas—capture the calming essence of Laotian landscapes. 

Gentle yet effective, they soothe skin and senses, offering a daily reminder of tranquil mornings by the Mekong. Gifting them allows you to share the restorative touch of nature, wrapped in artisanal care that harmonizes beauty routines with ecological consciousness.

• Where to buy: T’Shop Lai Gallery (Chao Anou Road, Vientiane), Mulberries shop (Rue Nokeokoummane, Vientiane).
• Price: 30,000–70,000 LAK ($2.50–6 USD) depending on product type (soap, lip balm, or oil).

18. Alms-Giving Bowls

Alms-giving bowls, traditionally used in Buddhist ceremonies, make thoughtful Laotian souvenirs with both cultural and decorative value. Crafted from wood, stainless steel, or silver, they often feature hand-carved motifs symbolizing reverence and generosity. 

While you may not recreate morning alms rituals abroad, these bowls serve beautifully as fruit baskets or ornamental pieces, carrying spiritual resonance into your home. Presenting one as a gift surprises recipients with an object that embodies both Lao devotion and artisanal craftsmanship.

• Where to buy: Handicraft markets and specialty shops in Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
• Price: 100,000–300,000 LAK ($8–25 USD) depending on size and material.

Alms-giving bowls symbolize the nation’s Buddhist faith.

19. Snake Whiskey

Snake whiskey is one of the boldest souvenirs from Laos, a rice spirit infused with snakes, scorpions, or lizards. Though controversial, it reflects ancient traditions across Asia where such infusions were believed to enhance vitality and ease ailments. 

Bottles of snake whiskey often astonish travelers, blending curiosity with cultural lore. While some visitors purchase it for its shock value, others see it as a daring collectible that sparks conversation. Ethical choices should be considered before buying animal-based products.

• Where to buy: Local markets and liquor stalls across Laos; widely available in tourist hubs.
• Price: 50,000–100,000 LAK ($4–8 USD) per 500 ml bottle, varying by contents.

Snake whiskey surprises visitors with its exotic kick.

20. Bomb Souvenirs (UXO Crafts)

Few items carry as much history as bomb souvenirs from Laos, where artisans repurpose war remnants into art. Bracelets, earrings, bottle openers, and clocks made from melted bomb metal serve as powerful reminders of resilience and renewal. 

Each piece tells a story: once destructive, now transformed into objects of peace and beauty. Buying UXO crafts not only brings home a distinctive souvenir but also supports clearance programs and communities still living with the scars of conflict.

• Where to buy: UXO Laos Visitor Centers in Luang Prabang and Vientiane; certified cooperatives.
• Price: 50,000–150,000 LAK ($4–12 USD) for jewelry; larger home décor higher.

Artisans transform old bomb shells into unique Lao crafts.

> See tour: The Very Best Of Laos Tour

Tips for Buying Souvenirs in Laos Smartly and Ethically

Where to Buy

• In Luang Prabang: Visitors can explore the night market on Sisavangvong Road for a wide variety of textiles, silverware, and handmade souvenirs. Ban Xang Khong village is ideal for discovering Saa paper and silk weaving, while Ban Chan village offers pottery directly from local craftsmen.
• In southern Laos. The Bolaven Plateau is the country’s most famous coffee-growing region, and Pakse is widely known for its beautifully detailed wood carvings.
• In Vientiane: Talat Sao Morning Market is perfect for silk scarves, woven baskets, and traditional products, while shops like T’Shop Lai Gallery, Mulberries, Saoban, and CAMAcrafts specialize in organic cosmetics and textiles. The Vientiane Night Market is also a good place to find Saa paper items and smaller handmade crafts.

Across the country, artisan villages and cooperatives provide excellent opportunities to purchase authentic souvenirs directly from the makers, while UXO Laos Visitor Centers in both Vientiane and Luang Prabang remain the most credible places for bomb souvenirs.

Spotting Authentic Quality

• Genuine Lao silk and textiles are easy to recognize because they have tight weaves and rich natural dye tones.
• Saa paper is valued when the fibers appear even and the structure feels strong and durable.
• High-quality coffee is best identified through fresh roast dates and sealed packaging that locks in flavor.
• Authentic handicrafts should ideally be purchased directly from artisans or cooperatives to ensure originality and fair support.
• Handmade ceramic pottery is worth choosing because it often carries colorful designs and motifs that represent Lao culture.
• Silverware should be checked carefully to confirm high silver content and authenticity stamps that guarantee its value.

Bargaining and Pricing

• Gentle bargaining is common in Lao markets, and keeping it friendly helps build a good relationship with vendors.
• Fixed prices are often applied in cooperatives and artisan shops, where the money directly supports local makers.
• Carrying small denominations of Lao Kip makes transactions smoother and helps avoid issues with change.
• US dollars and Thai Baht are sometimes accepted in tourist hubs, but using Lao Kip is generally the best option.

What to Avoid

• Antique items should not be purchased because exporting them is restricted by law and often illegal.
• Products made from ivory or endangered animals should always be avoided to protect wildlife and ecosystems.
• Buddha statues and images should not be bought because they are sacred and prohibited from export.
• Mass-produced textiles with synthetic dyes and loose weaving should be avoided as they do not reflect true Lao craftsmanship.

Packing and Customs

• Fragile ceramic pieces should be wrapped securely in clothing or soft padding for safe transport.
• Textiles are better rolled than folded so they remain smooth and take up less space in luggage.
• Foldable lamps and collapsible crafts are convenient souvenirs because they are easier to pack.
• Food products should always be sealed tightly and checked for expiration dates before packing.
• Customs regulations of your home country should be reviewed carefully to avoid problems at the airport.

Additional Shopping Tips

• Souvenirs should be inspected closely before purchase to ensure that they are free of defects.
• Expiration dates should always be checked when buying packaged food items for souvenirs.
• Prices should be compared among different stalls so that you can pay a fair amount.
• Buying directly from artisans is the best way to support local communities and preserve cultural traditions.
• Duty-free shops at airports are a reliable option if you want guaranteed authenticity and fixed prices.

> Read more: Laos Travel Requirements Explained: Entry, Visas & Safety Tips

Complete Your Journey with Authentic Souvenirs from Laos

Bringing home souvenirs from Laos is more than just shopping – it’s a way to carry a piece of the country’s charm with you. From delicate textiles to handmade crafts, every item tells a story of culture and tradition.

To make your journey even smoother, plan your adventure with Asia Pioneer Travel. We will guide you to the best local spots where you can find authentic souvenirs at the right price and quality. Start building your trip with us today, and let us take you on a shopping journey filled with memorable treasures.