Shopping At The Talat Sao Morning Market

The main, local market in Vientiane, Laos, is not some open air, spread out flea market looking complex. Instead, it's a multistory behemoth that would look at home in any modern city.

The temple to shopping.

Inside, stall after stall over several floors, selling clothes, housewares, textiles, everything a local Lao might need.

"You want me to check to see if we have a specific pattern? Forget it, come in and see for yourself."

The bling is drained when the shops are closed. Open, bling spilling from shelves.

The big attraction seems to be the gold jewelry section. Take a number and wait for your big chain.