Where to get a great coffee or tea in Luang Prabang, Laos
After a long day of temple hopping in Luang Prabang, there is nothing quite like relaxing by the river with a cup of strong, rich Laotian coffee. Coffee grown in the highlands of Laos is considered to be some of the best in the world, and Luang Prabang has no shortage of cool cafes to visit.
Some of Luang Prabang's cafes cater heavily to tourists, others are more local and traditional. Wherever you go, however, you can count on being served a delicious drink.
Our favorite cafes in Luang Prabang and our recommendations of what to order
1. Saffron Coffee's Espresso, Brew Bar, & Roastery
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| cascara - coffee cherry tea |
Saffron Cafe is well-known among tourists in Luang Prabang. The cafe has two sections: an indoor section and an outdoor area where you can sit and enjoy your coffee along the peaceful river. The cafe offers wide variety of drinks, pastries, and food. I ordered this pot of coffee cherry tea, and sat by the river in the morning. I had such a serene and beautiful view of local Lao life. As I sat, I watched local people crossing the river on the old wooden ferries. The view is one of the best in the city.
Price: $
WIFI: yes
AC: no
Must-try: a pot of Saffron’s famous cascara, or coffee cherry tea, a strong and sweet brew made from the usually-discarded coffee cherry after the beans have been removed.
Location:
https://goo.gl/maps/3j2zG6Fgdqz
2. Ock Pop Tok Silk Road Cafe
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| butterfly tea at Ock Pop Tok’s Silk Road Cafe |
I really like the idea that the money I spend at Silk Road Cafe goes to help support the ethnic minority groups of Laos. This is more than just a cafe. They also have a showcase of traditional tribal handcrafts such as scarves, bags, clothes, etc. You can also help to support their organization by purchasing their products or enjoying drinks and food at the cafe. While we were there, we were lucky to get to watch a weaving demonstration by Mrs. Kiang, a local master weaver. I ordered this refreshing glass of butterfly pea and ginger lemonade. They are also the only cinema in town! Op Pop Tok shows a second-run movie every Thursday night. Tickets are 70,000 kip per person, and include dinner.
Price: $
WIFI: yes
AC: no
Must-try: a cool glass of butterfly pea tea (bright purple, sweet, and served with a tiny bit of lime), or a glass of iced Cafe Lao
Location:
https://goo.gl/maps/B7isKNMNn5U2
3. Indigo Cafe
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| hot Cafe Lao at Indigo Cafe, Luang Prabang |
Another good cafe to try out in town is the Indigo Cafe, located just down the road from the
Royal Palace. This cafe offers a wide variety of food and drinks, but what makes it so famous is its bakery, with its delicious fresh bread and pastries
I ordered a hot Lao coffee, which comes with condensed milk at the bottom (milk is optional), and a delicious buttery croissants. The coffee is great and has the nice, rich aroma that is so distinctive for Lao coffee. The croissant was very crispy on the outside but so soft and buttery on the inside. It’s so crispy that the flakes went everywhere!
Price: $ (15.000 kip for coffee/10.000 kip for croissant)
WIFI: yes
AC: no
Must-try: traditional Lao Coffee and a fresh croissant from the bakery (pay for coffee and pastries separately)
Location:
https://goo.gl/maps/NtxhS1fkxKF2
4. Le Banneton
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| famous croissant at Le Banneton, Luang Prabang, Laos |
Backpackers, expats, and tourists across Asia rave about the croissants at Le Banneton. This cafe is located in an ideal spot where you can indulge in gorgeous temple views in the old historical town of Luang Prabang. I ordered a lemon iced tea which was very refreshing (and perfectly sour!), Lao coffee that was so smooth and rich, and of course, a world famous croissant! These buttery, soft, warm croissants are what put Le Banneton on the map in Luang Prabang, and what keep travelers coming back again and again.
Price:$
WIFI: yes
AC: no
Must-try: a hot croissant fresh from the Le Banneton bakery
Location:
https://goo.gl/maps/MrpCy4PKkC32
5. Prachaniyom Coffee Shop
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| Best Lao Coffee in Luang Prabang - very traditional cafe on the riverside |
This is a true secret gem in Luang Prabang. Lao iced coffee is AMAZING. It’s so rich in taste and aroma, and the coffee at Prachaniyom is the best I’ve had so far! Their coffee is super rich and strong, and served over condensed milk and ice to be the perfect sweetness. Most importantly, I can a drink this cup of coffee and admire the serene morning views of the Mekong River and mountain for only 8.000 kip! The best coffee in the city is also the cheapest! I’m being honest by saying that this is even better than the coffee that you can get at an expensive cafe. I highly recommend you to try their pork porridge as well. It makes for a delicious (and super cheap) breakfast. This cafe is only open in the morning, from 4am until 11am, so get their early and enjoy some coffee with your new local friends along the river!
Price: $ (8.000 kip for both coffee and porridge)
WIFI: no
AC: no
Must-try: traditional iced coffee and rice porridge
Location:
Prachaniyom Coffee Shop
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