Pakse & Paksong: Where Lao Coffee Truly Begins
In southern Laos, Pakse and Paksong are widely known as the heart of the country’s coffee culture. Thanks to the cool climate and fertile volcanic soil of the Bolaven Plateau, this region produces some of the best coffee in Laos, loved by locals and increasingly appreciated by international visitors. Coffee here is not just a
Trying Real Lao Coffee in Pakse Town: Where Visitors Can Taste It
Yes—in Pakse town, travelers can absolutely find cafés that serve real Lao coffee, made with beans grown in southern Laos, especially from the Bolaven Plateau. These cafés are popular with locals, trusted by travelers, and are good places to both taste Lao coffee properly and buy it to take home. One of the most reliable
Traditional Lao Coffee: Sweet, Strong, and Loved by Locals
When Lao people talk about real coffee, they often mean traditional Lao-style coffee, not espresso or café-style drinks. This is the kind of coffee you will see at street stalls, markets, and small local shops—strong, sweet, creamy, and very aromatic. Traditional Lao coffee is usually made from locally grown beans, mainly from southern Laos, especially
Lao Coffee Beyond Laos: Where It Goes and Why It Matters
When travelers enjoy a cup of coffee in Laos, they are tasting more than a local habit—they are tasting a product that now travels far beyond the country’s borders. In recent years, Lao coffee, especially from the Bolaven Plateau, has gained increasing attention in international markets for its quality, aroma, and unique growing conditions. Today,
Nem Nuong in Vientiane: Where to Go When You’re Craving It
For travelers staying in Vientiane, nem nuong is easy to find—and some places are especially loved by locals who eat it regularly. One area well known for good nem nuong is the Tha Deua – That Khao Road area. Along this road, there are local nem nuong restaurants that many residents visit often. These places
Galangal and Lao Coriander: Two Flavors at the Heart of Lao Cuisine
If you spend time eating with Lao families or trying local food, you may notice two ingredients appearing again and again: galangal and Lao coriander (often called phak phai or phak chi lao; in Isan Thai, hom pao). These herbs are central to the taste and aroma of many Lao dishes and are part of
Vegetarian Food in Vientiane: Where to Eat & How to Order (with Lao Phrases)
For vegetarian travelers in Vientiane, eating out is quite manageable—especially if you know a few simple Lao phrases to explain your diet. Lao people are generally understanding and flexible when it comes to food preferences. How to Say “I’m Vegetarian” in Lao You can use these simple and polite phrases when ordering food: Saying this
Vientiane Introduces Yellow City Buses to Improve Urban Mobility
Vientiane, Laos — The city of Vientiane has expanded its public transportation network with the introduction of a yellow city bus service, aimed at improving daily mobility, easing traffic congestion, and offering a low-cost travel option for residents and visitors. The yellow buses operate on fixed routes across key areas of the city and follow
Popular Souvenir Designs from Laos
What they look like and where travelers can buy them When traveling in Laos, many visitors look for souvenirs that clearly represent Lao identity—items that are easy to recognize, easy to carry, and meaningful as gifts. Some designs and items are especially popular and easy to find, particularly in Vientiane. Iconic Lao Designs You Will
Souvenirs to Bring Back from Laos
Thoughtful gifts for family and friends Traveling to Laos is not only about beautiful landscapes and culture—it is also a great opportunity to bring home meaningful souvenirs for your family and friends. Many Lao products are handmade, natural, and deeply connected to local traditions, making them special and memorable gifts. 1. Handwoven Lao Textiles and