Question 1

What is the "Fake Handicrafts at Morning Market" scam in Vientiane?

Accepted Answer

Vendors at Talat Sao (Morning Market) sell mass-produced items falsely labelled as authentic Lao silver, silk, or hand-crafted goods. Prices are inflated to 10x the true value and sellers use elaborate origin stories to build trust. Test silver items with a magnet — real silver is not magnetic. Look for items with official Lao PDR quality marks. Certified government craft stores offer guaranteed authentic goods. Bargain firmly — start at 30–40% of the asking price.

Question 2

What is the "Talat Sao Mall Fake Brand Goods" scam in Vientiane?

Accepted Answer

The lower floors of Talat Sao (Morning Market) mall and surrounding covered stalls sell counterfeit electronics, clothing, and accessories bearing well-known brand logos at prices that appear too good to be true. Sellers claim goods are genuine factory surplus or export rejects. Quality is poor, items often fail within days, and buyers have no legal recourse. Sellers sometimes switch items during packaging, placing a lower-quality version in the bag after the buyer inspects a display model. Treat any branded goods at Talat Sao as counterfeit unless purchased from an official retailer. Do not pay until you have personally inspected the exact item going into the bag. Buy genuine electronics at established shops in the Vientiane Centre mall across the road.

Street Scams in Vientiane

Fake Handicrafts at Morning Market

Talat Sao Mall Fake Brand Goods

Experienced a scam here?