【Luang Prabang】No Tourists!? A Truly Local-Only That Luang Night Market

29/10/2025

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When you think of Luang Prabang, the night market held every evening likely comes to mind.

But there’s another night market at That Luang Square that isn’t even on Google Maps, and it takes place every night.

Despite being larger than the famous main-street night market, you’ll find virtually no tourists here.

This is a night market entirely for locals—that’s That Luang Night Market.

It’s a bit away from the city center, but at only about 1.2 km from the Luang Prabang National Museum, it’s walkable.

There are even attractions for young children, so if you’re visiting with kids, be sure to stop by at least once!

Basic information for That Luang Night Market

Hours	Approx.17:00–22:00 (5:00–10:00 pm)
Parking	Motorbikes — 10,000 kip

Zero Tourists! A Local Hangout

That Luang Night Market is a rare place where you can feel immersed in local life just by being there.

That’s because tourists almost never come to this market—unusual for a market of this size.

The main reason is that the goods are geared entirely toward locals.

Precisely because Luang Prabang elsewhere is packed with tourists, this locals-only market really heightens that “you’re in a foreign land” feeling.

It’s both a popular date spot for local youth and a place for families.
With lots of stalls designed for what locals enjoy, it naturally draws young people and families alike.

Daily Necessities Take Center Stage

That Luang Night Market is larger than the main-street market, so the range of goods is diverse.

Examples of items you’ll find at That Luang Night Market

Clothing　
Shoes　
Bags　
Sunglasses　
Toys　
Fancy/novelty goods

True to its date-spot vibe, many stalls aim at young men and women with stylish clothes and fancy goods.

You’ll also find plenty for families—children’s clothing, pajamas, and toys, and more.

Make the Most of That Luang Night Market

Although the goods are mainly what locals actually use, shopping smart here can make your Luang Prabang trip more affordable.

Recommended picks: T-shirts, lightweight pants, and sunglasses.

Buying what you’ll wear locally reduces what you need to pack from home, and in sunny Luang Prabang, sunglasses are incredibly handy.

Because it’s a locals’ market, prices are significantly cheaper than the tourist-oriented shops on the main street.

Plus, many stalls display prices, so you can skip the hassle of haggling—always a relief.

For Low-Cost Gifts to Family

That Luang Night Market doesn’t sell typical tourist souvenirs, but you can still find giftable items, notably snacks that seem to keep reasonably well.

They’re often not individually wrapped and don’t show expiration dates, so they’re not ideal for formal souvenirs—but for family or close friends, they’re usually fine.

There’s a Mini Amusement Park Kids Will Love

At night, a small amusement park pops up at That Luang Night Market.

The attractions are simple—a big slide and a merry-go-round (carousel)—but with character balloons and more, the atmosphere feels like a real funfair.

An amusement park that only opens at night? It’s guaranteed to capture any child’s heart.

Festival-Style Game Stalls, Too

The fun isn’t limited to the rides.

You’ll find 10+ festival-style stalls offering shooting galleries, lottery draws, and target games.

There are also stalls selling cotton candy and popcorn, so it’s no exaggeration to say it feels like a festival every day.

If you’re visiting Luang Prabang with young children, do take them at least once—

kid-friendly attractions are few and far between in the city, so this place is precious.

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Only a Few Food Stalls

As with the main-street market, That Luang Night Market does have food stalls,but the food area is small—about five stalls tucked into a corner.

So don’t expect much from the food; focus on shopping instead.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, That Luang Night Market was a place to enjoy live music with drinks and food.

In contrast to today, non-food stalls were just quietly operating in one corner back then.

Personally, I preferred the livelier atmosphere of that time, but the current market has its own unique charm.

Live music at That Luang Night Market before the pandemic

Clothing stalls at That Luang Night Market before the pandemic—fewer stalls, a quieter feel.

Go Now—While It’s Still Truly Local

That Luang Night Market is completely local-oriented—for now.

As more tourists discover it, shops catering to visitors will likely appear.

A market enjoyable for both locals and tourists sounds great, but that current “blending into local life” feeling may fade.

Since it’s not far from the main street, come soak up the atmosphere alongside locals.

It’s especially recommended for families with young children, who can mix with local kids at the amusement area.