Phosy Market
A bustling local market in Luang Prabang offering authentic Laotian food, affordable goods, and a genuine glimpse into daily life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest produce and lively atmosphere
Phosy Market
Best Time
Freshest produce and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling local market in Luang Prabang offering authentic Laotian food, affordable goods, and a genuine glimpse into daily life.
"This is a proper, functional market, and is a fascinating place to visit. It is not designed for tourists."
Taste Local Flavors
Try the Luang Prabang sausages, roast chicken, and mango sticky rice for an authentic taste. :food:
Bargain Hunter's Paradise
Score great deals on clothing, bags, and souvenirs. Prices are very low. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Laotian Snacks
Outdoor food stalls
Savor local delicacies like flavorful sausages and roast chicken. Don't miss the mango sticky rice!
Local Shopping Finds
Indoor market sections
Discover a wide variety of goods, from clothing and bags to hardware and electronics, at bargain prices.
A Glimpse into Daily Life
Throughout the market
Observe locals going about their daily routines in this functional, non-touristy marketplace.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Navigating the Market
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Any recommendations for street‑side food markets in central Vientiane and central Luang Prabang?
Taste Local Flavors
Try the Luang Prabang sausages, roast chicken, and mango sticky rice for an authentic taste. :food:
Bargain Hunter's Paradise
Score great deals on clothing, bags, and souvenirs. Prices are very low. :moneywithwings:
Luang Prabang Night and Morning Market
Avoid the Butchery
The butchery section can be intense; proceed with caution if you have a sensitive stomach. :warning:
Explore Indoor Shops
Venture inside for a vast selection of goods, including clothing and accessories. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
Taste Local Flavors
Try the Luang Prabang sausages, roast chicken, and mango sticky rice for an authentic taste. :food:
Bargain Hunter's Paradise
Score great deals on clothing, bags, and souvenirs. Prices are very low. :moneywithwings:
Avoid the Butchery
The butchery section can be intense; proceed with caution if you have a sensitive stomach. :warning:
Explore Indoor Shops
Venture inside for a vast selection of goods, including clothing and accessories. :shopping_bags:
Walk from City Center
It's a pleasant 20-30 minute walk from the city center, with shops along the way. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Phosy Market is praised as a highly authentic local market, offering a genuine glimpse into daily Laotian life and a wide array of goods at very low prices. Visitors appreciate the improved cleanliness and the availability of local food specialties, though some caution is advised regarding food freshness in outdoor areas. It's a functional market, not primarily for tourists, providing a unique shopping and cultural experience. +1
"Very interesting as a foreigner. Much cleaner than 2 years ago. Interesting foods."
Florence Koechlin
"I came here actually looking for magnets as souvenirs instead of buying them from the night market. I actually found everything except magnets, which was ok. U can find food, to candy, to clothes, cell phones watches, self care products, up stairs has all the gold shops, while I was in there I found a hairdresser, I got my head shaved for 50k Kip, and bought a bag of candy for 25k, I’m sure this is where a lot of people in the area go to get there items. There were boxes and boxes of items sold like it was a big box store. This is for sure the cheapest place to get stuff."
Sup_Lick
"This is a proper, functional market, and is a fascinating place to visit. It is not designed for tourists. It sells everything from vegetables to clothes and snacks and meat and fish. A word of warning: don't go to the butchery section unless you have a strong stomach. All in all, if you want to get a sense of where the locals buy their produce, this is the place to go."
Aditya Sarkar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Phosy Market is about a 20-30 minute walk from the main city center of Luang Prabang. The walk itself is pleasant and you'll pass many shops along the way. Taxis or tuk-tuks are also readily available if you prefer not to walk.
Phosy Market is a separate market from the famous Luang Prabang Night Market. It's located a bit further out, but still within walking distance or a short ride from the city center.
You can walk, take a taxi, or a tuk-tuk to Phosy Market. Walking is recommended for a more local experience and to see the surrounding shops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Phosy Market. It's a public market where locals shop daily.
Phosy Market is generally open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. The exact closing time can vary, but it's most active in the mornings and late afternoons.
Yes, you can find a variety of items that make good souvenirs, including clothing and bags, often at lower prices than in the tourist-focused night market.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Phosy Market offers a wide array of local Laotian foods. Popular choices include Luang Prabang sausages, roast chicken, and mango sticky rice. Be mindful of freshness in the outdoor sections due to the sun.
Phosy Market is primarily a local market, meaning it's not specifically designed for tourists. This offers a more authentic experience where you can observe daily life.
While there are many delicious local snacks, some food items in the outdoor sections might not be fresh due to the strong sunshine. It's advisable to choose wisely.
Beyond food, you'll find a vast selection of goods including clothes, bags, hardware, cell phones, watches, and self-care products. The indoor sections are particularly well-stocked.
The butchery section is noted as being quite intense and might not be suitable for those with a weak stomach.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss the Luang Prabang sausages, roast chicken, and the sweet mango with sticky rice. These are highly recommended local treats.
Yes, there is a vegetarian stall located on the South side of the market, often near the mango sticky rice vendor.
The food at Phosy Market is generally very affordable and considered cheap, especially compared to tourist-oriented restaurants.
Due to the strong sunshine, some food items in the outdoor areas might appear less fresh. It's wise to be discerning about what you purchase from these stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
Phosy Market offers excellent opportunities for candid photography, capturing the essence of local life, vibrant food stalls, and bustling commerce.
Focus on the interactions between vendors and shoppers, the colorful displays of produce and goods, and the general atmosphere of this authentic local market.
Generally, photography is permitted, but it's always respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Authentic Local Experience
For travelers seeking an unvarnished look at local commerce, Phosy Market is unparalleled. You'll find everything from everyday necessities to unique finds. While the outdoor food stalls offer tantalizing local flavors, a word of caution is advised regarding freshness due to the strong sun. However, the indoor market is a treasure trove of affordable clothing and bags, with some visitors finding decent quality items at very low prices.
This market is a testament to the everyday hustle and bustle of Luang Prabang. It's not about curated displays for tourists, but about the real transactions and interactions that define local commerce. The presence of Chinese signage in surrounding areas hints at broader regional connections, adding another layer to the market's context.
Culinary Delights and Caution
For those with dietary preferences, a dedicated vegetarian stall is available on the south side of the market, often located near the popular mango sticky rice vendor. This ensures that even those who don't eat meat or seafood can find enjoyable options.
However, it's important to be mindful of the market's environment. The strong sunshine can affect the freshness of some food items displayed outdoors. Visitors are advised to exercise discretion and choose food from stalls that appear well-maintained and busy, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable culinary experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit