A landlocked country located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos is a visual masterpiece and a tranquil home of vibrant cultural heritage. But perhaps another valid reason for visiting this beauty may be because of the emerging coffee culture. Nestled between lush mountains and winding rivers, Lao PDR produces some of the most flavorful and aromatic coffee in the region, thus attracting coffee lovers around the world.
Image of coffee tree in Laos (Source: HomeLao)
Mainly grown on the Bolaven Plateau, with its rich volcanic soil and cool climate, ideal for growing robusta Arabica and rich Robusta beans, coffee cultivation in Laos is a perfect venture. As more discover the delights of Laotian coffee, cafes have become part of urban and rural life, offering unique experiences with the blending of traditional and modern brewing techniques.
Coffee production in Laos (Source: ReginaGBeach)
Address: Kingkitsarath Road, Luang Prabang, Laos (along the Mekong River)
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Perched on the banks of the Mekong River in historic Luang Prabang, Saffron Coffee is one of those must visits for any coffee aficionado who values the source and quality of their cup. This quaint café proudly partners with more than 800 local farmers in Northern Laos to help them grow sustainable coffee that preserves traditional farming methodologies while increasing their livelihoods.
Inside of Saffron Coffee (Source: NadiaSigit)
Saffron Coffee is the epitome of a place where rustic and modern styles blend together in perfect harmony. Equipped with wooden decorations and a river viewing terrace, it will be just perfect for having freshly brewed coffee while contemplating the beauty of Luang Prabang.
Open space at Saffron Coffee (Source: NadiaSigit)
The menu promises to be a real treat to the taste buds, ranging from classic espresso to unique drinks like "Saffron Nitro Cold Brew," with a rich and smooth delivery.
Address (Vientiane): Fa Ngum, Vientiane, Laos (near the Mekong Riverside Park)
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
The Joma Bakery Cafe has two branches in Vientiane and Luang Prabang that cater to locals and international visitors alike. Since its inception, the shop has been renowned for great coffee presented with an array of delectable bakery items, sandwiches, and refreshing smoothies.
The staff at the cafe are always ready to serve (Source: joma)
The cafe is cozy and warm, ideal for anything from casual meetups to a productive morning working on your laptop. What makes Joma special is its commitment to consistency and quality. Their coffee menu is pretty comprehensive, with options ranging from classic cappuccinos and Americanos to rich, strong Vietnamese style iced coffee served with sweetened condensed milk.
Coffee at Joma Bakery (Source: NadiaSigit)
Paired with a freshly baked cinnamon roll or a hearty bagel, Joma makes for a delightful coffee experience any time of day.
Address: Road No. 20, Km 32, Bolaven Plateau, Laos
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Smack in the middle of the Bolaven Plateau, Sinouk Coffee Resort is decidedly more than just your regular coffee shop but an entire coffee experience. Visitors to this resort can submerge themselves in Laotian coffee from bean to cup among verdant plantations of said coffee. The Bolaven Plateau usually produces some of the finest beans in the region, and Sinouk Coffee puts such fertile grounds to full use.
Spacious coffee shop (Source: DiscoverLaos)
Set amidst the resort, this amazingly designed cafe offers guests an opportunity to experience a range of coffee drinks from beans grown and roasted within the premises. It is a unique experience of taste, with Sinouk Arabica being the signature noted for its well balanced acidity and rich flavor profile. Enjoy with a slice of homemade cake or with traditional Laotian snacks for the complete enjoyment of your meal.
Address: Rue Hengbounnoy, Vientiane, Laos
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Get your modern and vibrant coffee experience at Naked Espresso in Vientiane. Naked Espresso is trendy, perfect for that great cup of coffee, and very popular with the locals and the expatriates. Minimalist in atmosphere, with sleek lines, adequate amounts of natural light, and a cozy setting, it enables one to work productively or converse comfortably.
Naked Espresso coffee bean products (Source: NakedEspresso)
Naked Espresso is probably best known for its well crafted espresso based beverages. The single-origin beans are a matter of pride with its baristas in each cup, there is perfect balance one can expect. If you want something cold and refreshing, try their iced coffees, very popular during the sweltering afternoons of Vientiane. A variety of cold non coffee drinks is also available, such as fresh fruit smoothies and herbal teas.
Coffee at the Espreso (Source: getnakedespressobar.com)
Then there is the food menu at Naked Espresso, complete with an all day breakfast, freshly baked pastries, and wholesome salads. It is, therefore, a great place to go when looking for a leisurely brunch or casual business meeting. Digital nomads also love the reliable Wi-Fi and seating arrangements making it comfortable and productive to work on the go.
Address: Rue Nokeokoummane, Vientiane, Laos
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
At Dexter Cafe & Bar, they do things a little differently by combining the casual atmosphere of a standard coffee shop with the dynamic vibe of a vibrant bar. Situated in the heart of Vientiane, Dexter Coffee is a place that morphs from a quaint hideaway during the day into a lively area at night. It is its dual nature that makes Dexter a favorite hangout of coffee lovers and nightlife enthusiasts alike.
Outside Dexter Cafe (Source: MarieTheBaguettes)
The café does serve up some stellar offerings for the coffee drinks during the day: anything from rich and aromatic espressos to creative lattes with local flavors infused in. The baristas at Dexter are quite competent with latte art, always ready to make that drink to your liking. For those seeking to indulge in something a little stronger, Dexter does have a signature cocktail menu infused with coffee, such as Espresso Martini and Cold Brew Old Fashioned.
Inside Dexter Cafe (Source: BKKMenu)
Dexter has a sophisticated yet modern feel with plush furniture and both indoor and outdoor seating set the tone. Whether to sit and read or enjoy company over drinks, this is it. No other place showcases this blend of coffee culture and nightlife, it is a must see for variety lovers.
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Address: Rue Samsenthai, Sihom Village, Vientiane, Laos
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sihom Coffee in Vientiane provides more of a rustic and authentic coffee culture experience. From Laotian traditional coffee culture, this charming cafe is laid back and worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Rustic wooden decor and cozy seating make Sihom perfect for escaping for several hours and indulging in simple pleasures.
Sihom Cafe in Laos (Source: Facebook)
What really sets Sihom Coffee apart, however, is the fact that they specialize in local ways of preparing coffee. One can try Lao coffee here that is prepared in such a way as to bring out the rich, earthy flavors of beans from the Bolaven Plateau. The coffee is served with or without sweetened condensed milk and should not be missed for those who want an authentic local experience.
Address: Rue Setthathirath, Vientiane, Laos
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Common Grounds is located in the heart of Vientiane, offering a cozy haven that has won many locals, expats, and travelers. More than just a cafe, Common Grounds is a social enterprise committed to positively affecting the community with the support of local initiatives and job opportunities.
The atmosphere in the cafe is quite relaxed, welcoming for families, thus perfectly serving the purposes of either a casual coffee date or a relaxing afternoon with friends. Inside, there is enough space and airiness, comfortable seating, and space for kids to play around, making it family friendly. It has a pretty inviting outdoor seating surrounded by greenery, making it just the right tranquil getaway from the busy city streets.
Modern restaurant space (Source: TheshopsatYale)
For the size that it is, Laos packs a punch where flavor, creativity, and culture in coffee is concerned. Let Asia King Travel take you on a journey of the most memorable café experiences you will never forget in Laos.
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