The scenery of Vientiane Kingdom always has a bit of the legacy of the Lancang Dynasty and the warmth of tropical mountains and forests.
Choose a heart for your relatives and friends. This heart is not only used to share the experiences during the journey, but also transformed into a tangible memory through the slow time on the Mekong River and the temperature in the hands of the craftsmen.
If you are looking for something that is both stylish and won’t fall into the cliche, you might as well follow the following seven categories of elegant things and two very special hidden places to bring home this unique Southeast Asian style.
Seven categories of elegant objects weave memories of Laos
1. Handmade cotton and linen fabrics: auspiciousness worn on the body
The loom has been passed down from generation to generation by Laotian women. It uses natural cotton, linen and silk threads to weave the ancient totems of the Dai people.
The elephant symbolizes strength and wisdom, the lotus symbolizes purity and auspiciousness, and the geometric patterns record the ancestors’ understanding of heaven and earth.
A handmade skirt or shawl, the texture is breathable and light, and the pattern is like a code of time.
Choose a scarf printed with a strolling elephant pattern and give it to a friend. It not only has practical functions, but also contains an oriental blessing symbolizing "good luck and good luck".
2. Silver jewelry: Lotus carved on the wrist
According to the ancient lost-wax method, every piece of Laos silverware must go through the shaping process, followed by the demoulding operation, and finally undergo the complicated baptism of engraving.
Craftsmen who often carve lotuses in bud on silver bracelets, craftsmen who often carve peacocks with their tails open on earrings, their carving lines are simple but full of spirituality.
Giving it to a woman can bring out her gentle temperament; giving it to an elder, the gentle luster of the silver itself will also show respect.
A silver bracelet engraved with lotus flowers is unassuming, but it has its own elegance on the wrist.
3. Wood carving crafts: images of living beings on teak wood
There are many good woods in Laos. The craftsmen selected the essence of teak or rosewood and used knives as pens to depict the kindness of elephants, the compassion of Buddha, and the tranquility of monks.
Its shape may not pursue the precise proportions of Western style, but it always has a naive charm.
A wooden elephant, as big as the palm of your hand, is placed on the desk of the study room. The elephant's trunk is raised upward, which has the wonderful color of "attracting wealth and receiving blessings", and also adds a touch of tranquility and exotic Zen to the space.
4. Coffee beans: the fruity aroma of the Bolofen Plateau
Benefiting from the nourishment provided by the volcanic ash soil, the Bolofing Plateau in southern Laos has cultivated Arabica coffee with a rich and mellow flavor.
The beans are roasted to a medium level and have a bright fruity acid and nutty aroma in the mouth, with a long sweet aftertaste.
A bag of vacuum-packed coffee beans is given to like-minded people who know coffee, or to friends who love to brew by themselves. This constitutes a sharing of taste around distant terroir.
5. Beer Lao: A tipsy gift from the Mekong River
One of the country's little prides is Lao Beer. It is brewed with top-quality German malt and local mountain spring water. It has a refreshing taste and a rich malty aroma.
It is not only a good companion for relieving the heat during the journey, but also a great product to share at gatherings.
Take a few bottles of craft beer home from the banquet and drink it with your family and friends. The wine will be sweet with grains. This will be the most sincere way of hospitality in the Kingdom of Lancang.
6. Scented candles: ignite the fragrance of the rainforest
In the rainforest of Laos, the unique scent of lemongrass, jasmine, and ylang ylang are sealed in natural beeswax.
As it burns, the aroma slowly spreads out. It is not as sharp as that of industrial fragrances, but it is like a wisp of green smoke in a Buddhist temple, appearing gentle and soothing.
When I gave it to friends whose lives were in a stressful state, I found that this candlelight could be a gift to them, giving them a moment of tranquility and soothing effect.
7. Traditional musical instrument Khaen (sheng): the charm of playing bamboo pipes
As a cultural symbol of Laos, Khaen is cleverly composed of a row of bamboo tubes of different lengths. The sound it makes is distant and clear, just like the sound of the wind gently passing through the bamboo forest, and as unique as the tinkling sound of the crisp spring water.
It represents the nation's philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
Give this profound and cultural value to a friend who loves music or national culture. This instrument may seem simple, but it can play ancient melodies that touch people's hearts.
Two treasures, where you can find your favorite items with peace of mind
The Vientiane Morning Market (Talat Sao), which started trading activities when the morning light was low, presents a picture of the life of local residents.
From cotton and linen fabrics to wooden Buddha statues, there is a dazzling array.
You need to be attentive to taste and negotiate with stall owners in good faith, as you will often get unexpected rewards.
Luang Prabang Night Market: As night falls, Foreign Street turns into a colorful souvenir market.
The environment is elegant and the products are well displayed. From silverware to aromatherapy, most of them are handmade products.
Shop here for more romantic fireworks.
Carry elegant things and have a worry-free journey home
Price reference: The price range of fabrics is NT$50 to NT$300; the price range of silver jewelry is NT$80 to NT$500; the price of wood carvings is between NT$150 and NT$800; the price of coffee per bag ranges from NT$60 to NT$200; the price of beer per bottle is between NT$8 and 15; the price of aromatherapy is between NT$30 and NT$100; the price of musical instrument Khaen ranges from NT$100 to NT$400.
The tip given by the customs is that if wood carvings and some silverware are going out of the country, you need to pay attention to the inspection regulations for animal and plant products in each country. If necessary, you should keep the purchase certificate properly.
Liquids (such as beer) must be checked and wrapped in clothing. Fragile items such as aromatherapy and wood carvings can be wrapped layer by layer using bubble wrap or soft cotton and linen clothing to ensure safety.
Put this selection guide that comes from deep inside into practice, and you will find that what you bring home is not just the utensils, but the calm, simple and smart unique charm of Laos.
Comments NOTHING