Lake Toba is located in the Northern Sumatra area of Indonesia, and it is the largest volcanic lake in the world. Lake Toba is vast in size and comparable to the size of Hong Kong. Constant volcanic activity changes the landscape annually, and tourism has seen a real drop in recent years, due to turmoil in neighboring areas. Chinese tourists still frequent Lake Toba, especially during the Chinese New Year. With the drop in tourism, many vendors have packed up and moved to bigger touristy areas, but there are still some great finds if you are looking for local crafts in Lake Toba.

Parapat Open Market is a good place to get started with your Lake Toba shopping. The market offers an array of items from household goods to your run of the mill standard souvenirs. All prices are negotiable, so brush up on your bargaining skills before venturing into the market. Parapat market is a great place for locals to sell their fruits, vegetables, and there is a sprawling row of butchers. Not only is Parapat Open Market ideal for buying produce, general toiletries, clothes, and souvenirs, but it is an excellent venue for people watching - make sure to bring your camera (it is always polite to ask locals before taking their photo).

Deli Shopping Center in Medan is a four story retail outlet. Most of the shops within the Deli Shopping Center are clothing, and shoes stores, with a variety of mom and pop eateries. The prices here are fixed like most other shopping malls worldwide, but you can find some great bargains. Gold is relatively cheap in this area of the world, and gold is the one thing you should always bargain on for price. The Deli Shopping Center is also notorious as being a gay social center.

Local Crafts are scattered about the Lake Toba region, you might find them near your hotel, or along the side of the road, but the quality is always generally pretty good. Along the road from Simanindo to Tuk Tuk you will find some excellent woven fabrics. For about $30 US you can purchase a beautiful, hand woven rug with gold thread, a wonderful Lake Toba keepsake. Another good choice to bring back would be the traditional Batak Ulos. The Ulos are a traditional shoe that are woven with a Batak fabric. The Batak people only wear the shoes for special occasions, such as weddings, or funerals, but they are used in Batak homes as decoration.