Luang Prabang, LaosLaos is not an easy place to get to, but once you are there its beauty and the hospitality of the locals will take your breath away. I was traveling in Hong Kong and Southern China purchasing for Designcenters.com before I went to Luang Prubang, Laos, and while it still took a couple of flights and many, many hours – it was well worth it.
Laos is a country composed of 68 tribal ethnic groups, and the people are primarily farmers, but many earn extra income by selling handmade goods. The city of Luang Prubang is a magnificent ancient city, known for its beautiful scenery and sites. At the city’s delightful outdoor “night market” I found many beautiful crafts to bring back home.Every afternoon around four, a hundred rural and urban families carry their crafts in large bags to the market. Some come long distances in the back of big, packed trucks. 
On the main street the artists lay down blankets, upon which they carefully and neatly display their wares. Silk scarves, wool scarves, pillow cases, duvets, aprons, slippers, and all types of children’s products are just a few of the handmade crafts these families make .
On the main street the artists lay down blankets, upon which they carefully and neatly display their wares. Silk scarves, wool scarves, pillow cases, duvets, aprons, slippers, and all types of children’s products are just a few of the handmade crafts these families make . It is mostly women selling in the marketplace and they often have small children with them. The hand sewn storybooks I brought back were being read to children. The duvets and pillowcases the artists create make a perfect gift for a baby or small child, along with the little jackets and aprons. 
I happen to love the scarves and wear them in any season. Some are a blend of raw silk and wool while others are 100% silk.
Besides the handmade goods and the great photo ops, there are many other things to do in Luang Prubang. The city has beautiful galleries, a local museum, and is packed with old temples, each teeming with young novice monks anxious to practice their English with you.
I happen to love the scarves and wear them in any season. Some are a blend of raw silk and wool while others are 100% silk.Besides the handmade goods and the great photo ops, there are many other things to do in Luang Prubang. The city has beautiful galleries, a local museum, and is packed with old temples, each teeming with young novice monks anxious to practice their English with you.
Speaking of English, the community children’s book publishing organization, Big Brother Mouse is here, and you can donate your time teaching the locals English, helping them with their computer skills or helping with book editing. (I had heard about Big Brother Mouse because our photographer at Designcenters.com donates 10% of her proceeds to them.)Overall I had a great time in Laos, and found the people and their products beautiful and fascinating. I quickly sold out of alot of the products I brought back from my trip upon my return. Luckily, our photographer just came back with many more wonderful handicrafts, now available on our website and in the gallery.
Enjoy shopping at http://www.designcenters.com/default.aspx. Our gallery is open Thurs-Sun, noon-six. Or call us at 1-800-570-1120 if you'd like to make an appointment for another time.
