Visiting a Lao Home: Simple Etiquette for Meals, Parties, and Family Gatherings
Being invited to a Lao home—whether for a meal, a small party, or a family gathering—is a warm and meaningful gesture. Lao hospitality is sincere and generous, and guests are usually welcomed as part of the family. If you are a foreign visitor or someone new to Lao culture, a few simple practices can help
A Relaxed One-Day Trip from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
Places to Eat and Visit (Easy & Not Too Tiring) If you plan a one-day trip from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, choosing the right places makes a big difference. Below are easy-to-reach restaurants and sightseeing spots that fit well into a relaxed day without rushing. Where to Eat & Relax Riverside Boutique CaféA peaceful place
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
Starbucks in Vientiane Capital – Locations & Map
If you are in Vientiane and looking for a familiar coffee experience, Starbucks has several convenient locations around the city. 1. Starbucks – Vientiane Center 2. Starbucks – Parkson Vientiane 3. Starbucks – ITECC Mall Note: Locations and hours may change. Please check Google Maps for the latest information before visiting.