Laos Travel Guide

Big ticket attractions including Wat Phu Champasak, the Mekong River islands of Si Phan Don and the Bolaven Plateau make Champasak one of the most visited provinces in Laos. Champasak has a long history that begin with participation in the Funan and Chenla empires between the 1th and 9th century AD. Between the 10th and 13th century became part of the Cambodian Angkor Empire. Following the decline between the 15th  late 17th centuries, it was enfolded into the Lan Xang kingdom but then broke away to become an independent Lao kingdom at the beginning 18th century. The short-lived Champasak kingdom had only three monarchs: Soi Sisamut (1713-37), who was the nephew of Suriya Vongsa, Sainyakuman (1737-91) and finally Fai Na (1791-1811).

Today Champasak Province has a population of more than 500,000 including lowland of Lao (many of them Phu Thai), Khmers and a host of small Mon-Khmer groups, most of whom live in the Bolaven Plateau region.
 

Admission US$3, children 8 & under free – Open: 8 am – 4.30 pm

The ancient Khmer religious complex of Wat Phu is one of the highlights of any trip to Laos. Stretching 1400 m up to the lower slopes of the Phu Pasak range (also known more colloquially as Phu Khuai or Mt Penis), Wat Phu is small compared with the monumental Angkor-era sites near Siem Reap in Cambodia. But the tumbledown pavilions, ornate Shiva-lingam sanctuary, enigmatic crocodile stone and tall trees that shroud much of the site in soothing shade give Wat Phu an almost mystical atmosphere. These, and a site layout that is unique in Khmer architecture, led to Unesco declaring the Wat Phu complex a World Heritage Site in 2001.

Sanskrit inscriptions and Chinese sources confirm the site has been worshiped since the mid 5th century. The temple complex was designed as a worldly imitation of heaven and fitted into a larger plan that evolved to include a network of roads, cities, settlement and other temples. What you see today is the product of centuries of building, rebuilding, alteration and addition, with the most recent structures dating from the late Angkorian period.

At its height the temple and nearby city formed the most important economic and political center in the region. But despite its historic importance, the 84 ha site remains in considerable danger from the elements. Detailed studies reveal that water erosion is pressuring the site and without a systematic water management plan the buildings will eventually collapse. Italian and Japanese funded the projects have helped stabilize the southern of two ancient canals built to channel water away from the central structures. However, the equally important northern side of the site. To see it, compare the relatively intact terraced steps and pavilions on the south of the site with those on the north, With about 1 million needed to repaired the northern canal and terrace, Wat Phu’s future is by no means secure.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Years of work by the Italian Archaeological Mission and the inimitable Dr Patrizia Zolese, the leading expert on Wat Phu who has been working at the site since 1990, have resulted in the first detailed map on the site and surrounding 400 sq km, revealing much about way the ancients lived. During the last two years the local and falang archaeologists have restored the ceremonial causeway, replacing slabs and re-erecting stone makers that had been scattered across the site. Restoration of the Nandi Hall is underway and is expected to be finished in 2009.

Don’t miss the museum ( 8am – 4.30 pm) beside the ticket office. Extensive cataloging work has recently been completed on the dozens of lintels, nagas (mythical water serpents), Buddhas and other stone work from Wat Phu and it associated sites. Descriptions are in English.

CHAMPASAK IN ANTIQUITY

Under the palm trees and rice paddies 4km south of Champasak town is the remains of a city
that was about 1500 years ago, the capital of the Mon-Khmer Chenla kingdom. The site is known today as Muang Kao (Old City), but scholars believe It was called Shreitapura.

Aerial photographs show the remains of rectangular city measuring by 2.3km bay 1.8 km, surrounded bay double earthen walls on three sides and protected on the east by the Mekong river. Other traces of the old city include small baray, stone implements and ceramics. The sum of all this is an extremely rare example of an ancient urban settlement in the southeast Asia, one whose design reveals how important religious belief was in the workings of everyday life.
The original of the city remained a mystery until Southeast Asia’s oldest Sankrit inscription was discovered here. The 5th century stele stated the city was founded by king Devanika and was called Kuruksetra and also mentions the auspicious Sri Lingaparvata nearby, A clear reference to the mountain near Wat Phu Champasak. The “Honoured since antiquity” the mountain was believed to be the residence or the manifestation of the Hindu god Shiva, and even today local people honoured the mountain as the place of Phi Intha (the soul of protecting spirit of the mountain)
By the end of the 5th century the city was thriving. It continues as a major regional center until at least the 7th century, as showed by two Nandi Pedestal ( Shiva’s bull mount ) sculptures discovered in 1994-1995 bearing inscriptions by king Citrasena- Mahendaravarman, the conqueror who later shifted the kingdom’s capital to Sambor Prei Kuk in northeast Cambodia. Archaelogical material suggest the city was inhabited until the 16th century.

On going research bay Dr Zolese and her team has reveal that a second city was built near the Wat Phu after the 9th century. She believes the Nang Sida temple was at the centre of this city, which was probably Lingapura, a place mentioned in many ancient inscriptions but which has not been categorically identified by modern scholars.

Founded by the French in 1905 as an administrative outpost, Pakse sits a the confluence of the Mekong River and the SeDon ( Don River ) and is the capital of Champasak province. The town has grown quickly since the Lao –Japanese Bridge across the Mekong was opened in 2002, facilitating brisk trade with Thailand. Its position on the way to Si Phan Don in the far south, the Bolaven Plateau and remote provinces to the east, and Thailand to the west means anyone choosing to travel in the south will almost certainly spend time in Pakse.

The centre of Pakse retains the sort of Mekong river – town lethargy found in Savanakhet and Tha Khaek futher north. Fewer conolial – era buildings remain, though do look for the Franco – Chinese – style Chinese society building on Th 10 in the centre of town.

The vast Talat Dao Heung ( new market ) near the Lao – Japanese Bridge is one of the biggest in the country. Famous for its selection of fresh produce of coffee from the fertile Bolaven Plateau. Short day trips from the Pakse can made to Ban Saphai and Don Kho weaving centres 15 km north of town.

SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES

Champasak historical Heritage

Museum
Admission US$ 0.50 – Open 8.30 – 11.30 am & 1.30 – 4 pm
Has a few artifacts and a lot of boring documents chronicling history of the province. Once you get past the Lao and communist hammer – and – sickle flags at the entrance you are in the best part of the museum – three very old Dong Son bronze drums and striking 7th –century sandstone lintels found at Uo Moung (Tomo Temple). The simple textile and jewellery collection from the Nyaheun, Suay, and Laven groups is also interesting for its large iron ankle bracelets and ivory ear plugs since these are rarely worn nowadays.

Also on the ground floor are musical instruments, stelae in the Tham script dating from the 15th to 18th centuries, a water jar from the 11th or 12th century, a small lingam ( Shiva phallus ), plus a model of Wat Phu Champasak.

One you head upstairs you’ll be beginning you last five minutes in the museum. Apart a small collection of Buddha images and forlorn – looking American weaponry. It’s all headshots of party members.

Wats
There are about 20 wats in the city, of which Wat Luang and Wat Tham Fai ( both founded in 1935 ) are the largest.

A monastic school at Wat Luang features ornate concrete pillars whimsy departs from canonical art without losing the traditional effect. Behind the sim is a monk’s school in an original wooden building. A thaat on the ground contains the ashes of
Khamtay Loun Sasothit,a former prime minister in the Royal Lao Government.

Wat Tham Fai, near the Champasak Palace Hotel is undistinguished except for its spacious ground, making it a prime site for temple festival. It’s also known as Wat Pha Baht because there is a small Buddha footprint shrine. The stupas and Pepsi billboard near Rte 13 make good photos in the afternoon.

Massage and Sauna

The professional and popular massage and sauna Clinic Keo Ou Done (Traditional Medicine Hospice – Tel: 251895, 020-5431115 – Open: 4-9 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am – 9 pm Sat-Sun) has an air-con massage room and herbal sauna segregated by gender. A massage (highly recommended!), usually with medicated balms, costs US$ 2.50 per hour. Unlimited use of the herbal sauna costs US$ 0.80. To get there, take a jumbo east on Fte 13. About 100m before the Km 3 marker, turn right and follow the “Massage Sauna” signs another 800m.

EATING

Eating with the locals, especially at breakfast and lunch, is a fun experience. The restaurant under the Lan Kham hotel, just across Rte 13, the Mengky Noodle Shop are safe and popular places for noodle soup; Mengky is rightly famous for its duck breakfasts. Even better is the Local restaurants on Th 46, each one serving something slightly difference, just wander along and take your pick. The restaurant are open all day.

Lao, Thai & Vietnamese
Xuan Mai Restaurant
Add: Th4 – Tel: 213245
Meals US$ 1- 2.50 – breakfast, lunch & dinner.
On the corner opposite the Pakse Hotel, Xuan Mai serves top-notch foe (US$ 0.80; the chicken foe is best), khao pun (white flour noodles sweet-spicy sauce), fruit shakes garlic bread. Open until midnight, it’s the best place for a late feed.

Ketmany Restaurant
Tel: 212615
Meals US$ 1.50- 4 – breakfast, lunch & dinner
Serves decent European food good Vietnamese dishes, though not on the English menu so you will need to ask by name. It also has good ice cream and packed – with – process- meat western breakfasts ( US$ 2 )

Champady
Tel: 020-513 0513
Meals US$ 1.5 – 4.5 – breakfast, lunch & dinner.
In a French- era building, atmospheric Champady serves Thai cuisine and coffee in an street side location.

Khem Khong Restaurant
Tel: 213240
Meals US$ 2 – 5 – breakfast, lunch and dinner.
On the Mekong just south of town, this is one of several floating restaurants and has a well-earned reputation for excellent for excellent seafood. It’s best in a group so you can share several dishes, especially grilled fish.

Western & Indian

Delta Coffee
Tel: 030-534 5895
Meal US$ 1- 1.5 – breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Delta serves a vast array or food, the best being the Italian and Thai dishes. The vegetarian lasagna and pizza are particularly recommended but not the gnocchi.

Van Pisa Restaurant
Tel: 212 982
Pizzas US$ 3.5 – breakfast, lunch, dinner .
An Italian-run Italian restaurant where the pizzas are quite good and pastas are as tasty as the ingredients allow. They also serve delicious shakes and ice cream.

DRINKING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Sinouk Coffee Shop
Add: corner Th 9 & Th 11 – Tel: 212552
Coffee US$ 0.6 , Open: 7 am- 8 pm
In the renovated French shop house this café is best known for its (from US$ 2 for 250 gr ). They also sell Beerlao and have a small menu of western dishes.

The Champasak Place Hotel
Add: Opposite the Sinouk Coffee Shop
should have its top floor bar restaurant open by the time you arrive and it should be the classiest drinking spot in town. The roof top bar at the Pakse hotel is also good for sunset Beerlao or two

For some Lao style partying , check out Lotty (Add: Th 11 – Open: 6 – 11 pm), the current favourite night club among young Lao looking to drink and dance; downstairs is where the action is.

The capital of Laos is booming. Driven by rising foreign investment, plenty of foreign aid workers and more urbane youth, change is coming as quickly as in any city in Asia. However, even with all this dynamism you won’t see words like ‘hustle’ and ‘bustle’ being used to describe Vientiane, which can still mount a strong argument for being the most relaxed capital city on earth.

Vientiane means ‘Sandalwood city’ and is actually pronounced Viang Chan (Viang means ‘city’ or ‘place with walls’ in Lao, Chan means ‘sandalwood’); the French are responsible for the modern transliteration. The combination of tree-lined boulevards and dozens of temples impart an atmosphere of timelessness, while the kaleidoscopic architectural styles reflect its historic influences, from classic Lao through Thai, Chinese, French, US and Soviet.

As Laos continues to open itself to the world, Vientiane is where the struggle between a communist past inevitably more capitalist future is most dramatically played out. Lao bands sing lyrics censored by the government to dancing youths who would look at home in any western bar. The Laos National Museum still has displays glorifying the victory over capitalist foreign imperialists, but across the road another slick restaurant opens in what is becoming one of the best valued dining cities on earth The contrasts are fascinating.

Of course, Vientiane is not only about witnessing change. The 6400 Buddha at Wat Si Saket the religious art of Haw Pha Kaeo, and the lotus-inspired lines of Laos’s gilded national symbol, Pha That Luang, speak of the historical importance of the city. Patuxai and the surreal Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park) may have less artistic merit, but like the city itself, they’re not sort of appeal

Highlights

• Gaze up at the tapered golden stupa of the Pha That Luang, the symbol of Laos nationhood
• Chech out the concrete folly that is Xieng Khuan, the bizarre park full of dozens of giaint Buddist and Hindu sculptures
• Treat yourself to a traditional herbal sauna and massage at Vietinane’s Wat Sok Pa Luang
  Enjoy a night out, Lao-style, at on the rock pub and Marina
• Tube, climb, raft, kayak, cycle or walk through the rivers and imposing limestone karst around Viang Vieng
• Catch a glimpse of wild elephants from the elephant observation tower at the Phu Khao Khuay NPA

When we arrived in Vientiane this time and heard an expat describe the city’s eating as “dollar for the dollar the best in the world”, we thought he’d had one too many happy pizzas. But the more we ate the more we thought that actually, he might be right. The ever-growing number street vendors, beer gardens and restaurants now embrace much of the world’s cuisine, and we can’t think of anywhere with this range  for so little money – it’s hard to argue with US$4 or US$5 for a meal that would probably cost five times as much at home.

Countless simple eateries serving fresh and tasty Laos dishes are complemented by establishment offering food as diverse as French provencale, sushi, Indian fusion and North Korean (with rock ‘n’ roll waitresses direct from Pyongyang!

BAKERIES & DELIS

Scandinavian Bakery
Tel: 215199; Add: Nam Phu Street. Pastries US$0.80-150: breakfast, lunch & dinner.
It sells fresh bread, pies, sandwiches (US$2), real Scandinavian-style pastries, cakes and ice cream. It has indoor and outdoor seating, upstairs room has satellite TV

Croissant d’Or
Tel: 223741. Add: Th Nokeo Khulnman. Meals: US$2-3:
The coffee, sandwiches and fine pastries make this petit French-run cafe a long-time favorite

JoMa Bakery Café
Tel: 215265. Add: Th Setthathirat. Meals US$2-5; Breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon-Sat;
JoMa is the first-choice lunch stop for many expatriate workers in Vientiane, a good place for meetings, delicious pastries, sandwiches, quiche, muesli, fruit, shakes and coffee. Wifi is available for US$2.50 an hour.

Swedish Pizza & Parking House
Tel: 21S705; Add: The Chao Anou Street. Pizza: US$ 3-5
More pizza place than bakery, with some pastries and arguably the best pizzas in Vientiane. Delivery available.

NOODLES, CHINESE & VIETNAMESE

Noodles of all kinds are popular in Vientiane, especially in the unofficial Chinatown area bounded by Th Heng Bonn, Th Chao Anou, Th Khun Bulom and the western end of Th Samsenthai. The basic choice is pho (a rice noodle that’s popular throughout mainland Southeast Asia), mii (traditional Chinese egg noodle) and khào pún  (very thin wheat noodles with a spicy Lao sauce). Pho and mii can be ordered as soup, fried or dry-mixed in a bowl, among other variations.

PVO
Tel:  214444; Add:Th Fa Ngum street. Meals: US$ 0.70 – 1.50 UO, Breakfast, lunch & dinner
The food is as good and cheap as ever, with the spring rolls also a favorite. Motorbikes can be hired here.

Vieng Sawan
Tel: 213990; Add: Th Heng Boun street. Meals: US$1.50-3.0. Lunch & dinner
In the middle of Chinatown, It specializes in niem niuang (barbecued pork meatballs) and many varieties of (spring rolls), usually sold in “sets” (sut) , fresh lettuce leaves, mint, basil, various sauces for dipping, sliced star fruit and green plantain. You can also order slin ja here, thinly sliced pieces of raw beef which customers boil in small cauldrons of coconut juice and eat with dipping sauces, or some of the many varieties of spring roll.

Guangdong Restaunt
Tel: 217364, Add:  Th Chao Anou. Meals: US$ 2 – 4, Lunch & dinner
The menu here resembles a small phone book of mainly southern Chinese dishes.

LAO

Riverfront food and drink vendor
Meal: Dinner
The long stretch of vendors that convenes along the levee beside the Mekong river is a great place to watch the sunset eating grilled chicken), minced sausage mixed with rice, herbs and roasted chillies with a plate of greens on the side) and cheap Beerlao.

Ban Anou Night market
Meal: Dinner
This night market sets up in a small off the north end of Th Chao Anou every afternoon. It’s an encyclopedia of street all fresh and freshly prepared – the locals love it.

Mekong Riverside Restaurant
Tel: 241375. Add: Th Fa Ngum. Meals: US$ 1.50 – 3; Lunch & dinner
Offers a small menu of tasty Lao staples supplement of snacks you won’t find at home; deep – fried underground singer (cricket; US$2.50 ) with your Beerlao, anyone?

BanVilaylac Restaurant
Tel: 222049. Meals: US$ 2-3.50; lunch and dinner
There are all manner of Lao favorites including, roast duck, grilled fish, roast cow tongue. For a classic Lao meal, order the very hot papaya salad), soupy bamboo- shoot salad, sticky rice and draught beer.

Soukvenam Lao food
Tel: 214441. Add:  89/12 Ban Sisaket. Meals: US$2.5-3.5. Lunch and dinner
Specialties include fish soup with ant larvae in season, spicy minced fish salad, among many others.

Douang Deune Restaurant & Wine bar
Tel: 241154. Add: Th Francois Nginn. Meals: US$2.50-5. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Mon – Sat
The tasty Lao, Thai and Vietnamese favorites here are completed bay an attractive traditional setting and welcome French host.

Makphet
Tel: 260587. Meals: US$3-6. Lunch and dinner, Mon- Sat.
 Run by Friends international (www.friends-international.com), this restaurant trains homeless youth to cook and wait tables. The modern Lao cuisine is both interesting and tasty. A shop upstairs sells handicrafts made by underprivileged families.

FRENCH & ITALIAN

Saovaly Restaurant
Tel: 214 940. Add: Th Manhatulat. Meals: 2.5 – 6 USD
The French and Lao food here is wonderful, with subtle flavors and artistic presentation complemented by an attentive but not harassing service, all for very reasonable price.

Le Vendome
Tel:  216 402; Add: Th In Paeng Street. Meals: US$3- 7, lunch, Mon-Sat. dinner daily.
Tucked away in an old house in a quite street behind Wat In Paeng. It’s intimate, romantic ambience and mix of salads, French crusine, wood – fired pizza and pasta make it a good choice

La Gondola
Tel: 264 075. Add: 39 Th Chao Anou. Meals: 5 – 8 USD, lunch Mon – Sat, dinner daily
Reasonably good Italian fare is served up bay the Italian owner in unpretentious surrounds. Warm atmosphere.

Le Belle Epoque
Tel: 217 581. Add: Th Pang Kham. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, 8 – 16 USD
The menu is mainly French but also has Lao component, dishes include braised lamb shank with organic mash potato (US$13.5) and the delicious flat noodles with grilled eggplant and cream sauce (US$5.50)

L’Opera Italian Restaurant
Tel: 215099. Add: Nam Phu Street, 8 – 16 USD. Opening hours: 11.30 am- 2 pm & 6 – 10 pm
It has become something of a Vientiane institution, but that doesn’t make either overly welcoming or great value. The food is pretty good, with pasta (6.50 USD – 7.50 USD)
The French influence is most noticeable around Nam Phu, where you’ll find three small, atmospheric eateries each serving Gallic cuisine.

Restaurant–bar Namphu
Tel: 216248. Add: Nam Phu Street. Meals: 4 – 10 USD, lunch and dinner.
The menu is a mix of French and Asian fare combined with sophisticated service and an extensive wine cellar- the lunch time set menu is great menu.

Restaurant Procencal
Tel: 219 685. Add: Nam Phu Street. Meals: 3 – 10 USD, lunch & dinner.
It serves rustic southern-French-style dishes, though its pastas and oven-baked pizzas are least as good.

INTERNATIONAL

Khop Chai Deu
Tel: 251546. Add: Th Setthathirat. Meals: 2.5 – 8 USD, lunch and dinner.
Well-prepared Lao, Thai, Indian and assorted Western fare, and lively ambience. There’s live music most days.

Full Moon Cafe
Tel: 6 243373. Add: Th Fiancois  Nginn. Meals: US$3-6.50, breakfast, lunch & dinner
Once there the Asian fusion food won’t disappoint. The tapas and ever-changing set menus are forth considering.

Li Ranch
Tel:  413700, Add: Th Phonsay, Meals: 4 – 6 USD
 Run by a French-Lao couple, this big, breezy restaurant northeast of the centre pays homage to the American southwest The heavy wooden furniture and buffalo horns set the scene, and the steaks (USS4.50) and woodfire pizza (US$4.50 to US$6) are worth the trip. 

THAI

Phikun
Tel: 222340. Add:Th Sihom. Meals: 1 – 1.5 USD, breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Thai food is both good and cheap. Dishes vary, but the dozen or so prepared dishes might include the delicious (chicken fried holy basil). They’re served with rice – about 1USD for two dishes, an extra 20c for each English sign reads “Thai Food”.

Linda SathapornRestaurant
Tel: 415355, Add: corner Th Dong Palan & Th Phonsay. Meals: 3-6USD, breakfast, lunch & dinner
Linda Sathaporn’s three plastic folders filled with picture of their varied tasty Thai dishes make if the trip. It’s very popular with Thais, smart service and large portions it’s easy to see why. Seating is inside or in the more pleasant shaded courtyard out back.

IDIAN

Fathima Restaurant
Tel:  219097. Add: Th Fa ngum Street. Meals US$1-2.5; breakfast, lunch & dinner
The food is cheap and many times better than decor. Vegetarian dishes are big draw, the chicken and meat curries are also delicious. Real ice cream is sold outside.

Taj Mahal Restaurant
Tel: 020 5611003. Meals: US$2-4 USD. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Mon – Sat, dinner Sun.
 It looks like a garage, but the Taj Mahal serves what we think is the best Indian food in Vientiane. The prices are very reasonable and there are plenty of vegetarian dishes.

Rashmi’s Indian Fusion
Tel: 251513, Add: corner of Tha Samsenthai and Tha Pangkham street. Meals: 3-6 USD, lunch, dinner
It was only a matter of time before fusion cuisine arrive in Vientiane, but a mix of Indian and Chinese isn’t quite what we expected. It’s actually better than it sounds and it fusion doesn’t appeal there are more traditional Indian offerings too. Letting Rashmi explain the menu is recommended.

JAPANESE and KOREAN

7 Plus Korean Food
Tel: 415 343, Meals: 2 – 5USD, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Korean food here isn’t bad but coming here is mainly about having a night out style. The beer-garden-type place is huge, and with lots of young Lao and 0.70 USD. Beerlao the atmosphere is always up.

Yulala
Tel: 215 214, Add: Th Heng Boun street. Meals: 2.50 – 4 USD, lunch and dinner Tue – Sun
Run bay young Japanese couple, this restaurant serves tasty, cheap Japanese fusion cuisine in a cool atmosphere-think music bay Bob Dylan. Note there is Shushi or sashimi here.

Pyongyang Restaurant
Tel: 263 118. Add: Th Nongbon. Meals: 5 – 25 USD, lunch and dinner.
Owner by the same people as the Phnom Penh restaurant of the same name, this Pyongyang is even more surreal. Waitress direct from North Korea, trained to sing and dance since childhood, will take your order one minute and step up to the microphone the next to perform perfectly choreographed dance routines and or play electric guitar and drums. It a completes trip

Fujiwara Restaurant
Tel: 222210. Add: Th Luang Prabang. Meals: 6-10 USD, breakfast, lunch, Mon – Sat, dinner daily
Just west of Wat In Paeng, it has an epic menu including all the Japanese favorites and several set meals. Sushi is the specialty and it’s good, but not cheap.

VEGETARIAN

Just for Fun
Tel: 213 642. Add: 51/2 Th Pang Kham. Meals: 1-3USD, breakfast, lunch, dinner Mon – Sat
Offering Thai and Lao cuisine. It also servers Lao coffee and lots of herb teas.

Khouadin Vegetarian
Tel: 215 615. Meals: buffet 1.30 USD, breakfast and lunch
Hidden away behind Talat Sao, this simple restaurant serves pre–cooked but thoroughly recommended vegetarian dishes. Great for a fast, tasty lunch.

SELF-CATERING

Phimphone Market
Add: 96/4 Th Sethathirat. Opening hours: 7.30 – 9 pm.
This restaurant has a wide selection of imported goods, including canned and frozen foods, magazines, personal hygiene and women’s products such as tampons. There more wide upstairs.

Phimphone Market 2
Tel; 214 609. Add: corner Th Samsenthai and Th Chanta Khumman. Opening hours: 8 am – 8.30 pm
This is a smaller branch of the Phimphone Market.