CIVIBADemocracy and Civic Practices

Space

Talat Sao

Vientiane (Chanthabouly) · Vientiane · Laos

Third placeCivic food1961

Vientiane's great central bazaar, on this site since 1961. In 2004 the state commissioned a Singaporean group to build the adjoining mall, and in 2012 hundreds of traders protested against the demolition of the old U-shaped block and rising rents, something very rare in Laos. In 2018 the group handed back its concession, and in 2020 a Chinese company won a new 40-year one to replace the block, despite opposition from many residents. There is no news of the block after 2020.

Led by
The market traders; the state as grantor, with the Singaporean group Excalibur (2004-2018) and the Chinese company Hua Xin Development (since 2020)
Status
Transformed
Participation
Vernacular
Visitable
Yes, a shopping complex in the city centre; it is unclear what remains of the old market
Contact
No public contact on record
Last reviewed
1 October 2026

Verification

Verified

This place is backed by at least one primary and one secondary source, reviewed within the last twelve months. The sources appear below with their consultation dates.

  • Verified two sources including a primary one, or first-hand knowledge of the place
  • Partial one source on record
  • Unverified starting knowledge, sources pending

Sources

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