TALAT SAO | Vientiane's Morning Market

Just like any of our capital cities, Vientiane has its own “central market” -- Markets that serves as a “landmark” aside from the usual “local-style” shopping. The most important "gift" that these markets can offer us is the opportunity to have a glimpse of the local life on grassroot level.

Bangkok has the world-famous Chatuchak, KL has the touristy Central Market, Manila has the pleasingly “air-conditioned” Divisoria, Phnom Penh has the magnificent Phsar Thmei, and Singapore has…uhm…Orchard Road? LOL

Compared to the central markets mentioned above, Talat Sao of Vientiane isn’t like any of it. It is simple, modest, uncrowded and curiously quiet. This is how Vientiane used to be 5-10 years ago. Not very “market-like” you say? Think again…

Talat Sao has many things on sale that are NOT displayed.

Aside from the permanent stalls inside the building that sells the usual local stuffs like Lao silk, silver, gold, clothes, electronics, textiles, local crafts…AND watch out for peddlers and hawkers around the building.

They sell bottles of rice wines with cobras & critters in it! I was particularly interested with the guy that sells baby parrots…

…my friends had to practically remove me from the guy’s face because I was pissing him off!

I kept giving a mean look to anyone who shows interest of buying those poor baby parrots! I wanted to smack the guy’s face but I can’t do that – I’m allergic to policemen nowadays.

Don’t let the name confuse you – the Morning Market isn’t open in the morning. Well, not officially. Other stalls are open but not “entirely” (depending on sections). Everything will start to swing just after lunch and would stop swinging just before 5pm.

It is quite easy to find the Morning Market -- Practically everybody knows where it is. It is the city’s “Meeting and Drop Off Point”; the center of it all. Vintage Mercedes Benz taxis are just outside the grounds and Tuktuks would be eager to show you around.

Don’t forget to explore this place on your visit to Vientiane. You’ll never know what you’ll find…highly recommended. And I almost forgot to say – please do not confuse this place to the modern mall next-door.

Happy shopping! Enjoy exploring!

-- Pisanu in Vientiane
27 Jun 2008

PHSAR THMEI: Testament of Phnom Penh’s Sophisticated Past

Phnom Pehn’s most distinctive landmark is virtually unknown to many. It has one of the biggest domes in the world and its Art Deco architecture is an imposing testament of Phnom Penh’s former elegance and sophistication.

This is Phsar Thmei – commonly known as the Central Market. The four wings of the building houses trade stalls selling everything from souvenirs to electronics; food, silverwares to silk. It is comparable to the great markets of Chatuchak in Bangkok, Tutuban in Manila or the Morning Market in Vientiane but not as grand in architecture.


Under the dome is a dazzling display of jewels, silver and gold, of course, all for sale. I noticed that the dome is not supported by any beam and there are no huge electric lights at all! Only natural light illuminates the interior and the view up is spectacular. Since the building uses natural light, it means that the market closes before 5pm or so.

This amazing building was built by the French some 80 years ago. It is one of the ultra-modern buildings in the region at that time. Because of civil conflicts and political changes in Cambodia, Phsar Thmei was left out and never promoted as one of the country’s great landmarks.

X Marks the Spot. Satellite photos of Phsar Thmei shows it as a big X covering blocks of the city. It is located 1km away from the National Museum and the Royal Palace. From Hotel Raffles Le Royal is about 800m walk but if you’re staying at the Intercon, it’s about 3km away. The vicinity is a highly commercialized area, budget accommodations are mostly found here and you can find almost anything you're looking for.

Shopping-wise, there is nothing really special about the place. Although millions of things for sale here will keep you busy and amazed with the variety. Prices here are a bit higher than other markets in the city.

But nevertheless -- the architecture, the design, the history and the character of the building itself is worth the visit. It is so unique that there is no other building in Southeast Asia quite like it. This beautiful and historic building must be preserved.

The Phsar Thmei – Southeast Asia’s architectural treasure.


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SALE! SALE! WE ARE ON SALE!

It's shopping season in our paradise and we would like to invite you all to our annual regional sale!

The Great Singapore Sale 2007
25 May to 22 July

When Singapore says they are on sale, it means THEY ARE ON SALE! 40-70% off on whatever they are selling. Our region's undisputed electronics shopping hub. Shoppers-at-large can look forward to the biggest annual sale event in Singapore to indulge in some major retail therapy. From fashion apparel, accessories, jewellery, watches, electronic goods, cosmetics and fragrances, children toys to Singapore souvenirs, every visitor will be spoilt for choice with numerous special offers, discounted prices and exclusive promotions.


The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2007
1 June - 31 August

Thailand's shopping extravaganza offers world-class shopping, a diverse selection of quality products and services, special discounts of up to 50% and promotional offers being extended by participating department stores and retail outlets along designated 'Shopping Streets' in Bangkok and the popular tourist destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai and Songkhla. Check out the special promotions offered by retail and service outlets displaying the 'Amazing Thailand Grand Sale' decal.


Malaysia MEGA Sale Carnival
15 June - 2 September 2007

2007 is Visit Malaysia Year so, what are you waiting for? Get your asses over to Malaysia and shop, shop, shop! Choices are seriously unlimited, and the prices will never damage your wallets. The street bazaars are brightly lit with bargains, and the huge, modern malls offer a myriad of must-haves. We just hope you actually brought with you an empty suitcase.


Jakarta GREAT Sale 2007!
15 Jun 2007 - 15 Jul 2007

A real shopper’s paradise, the annual Jakarta Great Sale takes place in the malls and department stores across the city with many offering special discounts and deals. If the shopping all gets too much, don’t despair as there are plenty of other events to distract shoppers ranging from competitions to live entertainment. The month-long Jakarta Great Sale is part of the Jakarta Anniversary celebrations.

Other ASEAN cities like Manila, Bandar, Vientiane, Saigon and Yangon don't have to be on sale because their prices are cheap already! If you fancy visiting them too, please do so! But don't forget, in the spirit of regional cooperation --

2007 is Visit Malaysia Year, ok?!

There you are! Shopping marathons no other region in the world can challenge. Book your flights here!:


Thai Airways
Malaysia Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Garuda Indonesia
日本航空インターナショナル
Tiger Air
Air Asia
Cebu Pacific


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