Ultimate Guide to Laos Coffee at the Bolaven Plateau in Pakse, Laos
These are raw unprocessed Laos coffee beans have you ever seen one?
When most people think about coffee in Southeast Asia, Vietnam usually gets all the attention. But there is one country that is severely underrated, Laos. Laos Coffee rarely makes the conversations and that was certainly true for me.
I traveled to Pakse, Laos, planning to explore its beautiful waterfalls and natural wonders, coffee wasn't even on my itinerary. But after joining a tour and visiting several plantations and tasting freshly roasted beans overlooking the plateau, I quickly realized that Laos coffee is one of southern Laos' best-kept secrets.
And so I wanted to share this experience and knowledge with you, If you want to open your minds to the world of Laos coffee and take a trip yourself to the Bolaven Plateau, well then read on in this Ultimate Guide to Laos Coffee!
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What is Laos Coffee?
A nice cup of Iced Americano made from Laos Coffee beans at the Bolaven Plateau
One of the things I love most about traveling is finding places that turn out to be completely different from what I expected. Southern Laos was one of those places.
Before arriving in Pakse, most of my research focused on waterfalls like the Tad Fane and Tad Yuen Waterfall and the famous Bolaven Plateau Loop. Coffee barely appeared on my radar, so I assumed it was just a small part of the region. I couldn't have been more wrong.
As soon as I started exploring the Bolaven Plateau, coffee was everywhere. Plantations stretched across the hillsides, cafes served locally roasted beans, and many farms welcomed visitors for tours and tastings. It quickly became clear that coffee plays a huge role in everyday life of the Laotian people.
A Laos coffee plantation at the Bolaven Plateau near Pakse
To preface, agriculture is a huge industry in Laos with roughly 62% of the total population being employed in Agriculture. 50% of agricultural exports is rice but Coffee is the real export commodity. You see rice, grains, and other goods are cheap and don’t provide much income, but coffee beans.
Due to the unique geography of Southern Laos, coffee bean grown here are one of the highest quality in South Eat Asia. Therefore prices for these beans are substantial enough to be able to provide for much of the families working in this industry.
95% Laos coffee is grown on the Bolaven Plateau, a fertile highland region in southern Laos about 1,350 meters above sea level, known for its rich volcanic soil, cooler temperatures, and ideal growing conditions perfect for the coffee plant. I’ll talk more about the Bolaven Plateau later but just know…
Annually, Laos produces roughly 20,000 tons of coffee beans. Both Arabica and Robusta, but Robusta is more preferable for Laos Coffee making up about 15,000 tons of total production.
One reason many travelers have never heard of coffee in Laos is because the country produces far less coffee than neighboring Vietnam. Even so, if you enjoy speciality coffee beans, then you’ll likely know the rising interest in Laos coffee.
My YouTube Video on Laos Coffee
If you’d like you can check out my YouTube video above where I explored the coffee farms of the Bolaven Plateau in Pakse, Laos to sample some of the coffee myself. I even bought some coffee beans home and brewed them to share with you guys in the video!
And if you enjoyed the video how about subscribing to my YouTube Channel? I’m just branching out to YouTube and I’d really appreciate your support!
The History of Coffee in Laos
Some more raw umprocessed Laos coffee berries
Coffee has been a part of Laos for over 100 years ever since the country’s colonization by the French. The French were the first to start growing coffee around 1915, experimenting with coffee growing in various regions. Some of these early efforts were only partially successful, but it all turned upside down when coffee arrived on the Bolaven Plateau in the Paksong region of Southern Laos near the city of Pakse (lovely city by the way).
The plateau proved to be the ideal location for growing coffee, thanks to its cooler climate and rich volcanic soil and altitude. Over the next few decades, production slowly increased and the area became the hub of the nation's coffee production.
Today, most of Laos coffee is still cultivated on the Bolaven Plateau and coffee is one of the major agricultural export crops in the Lao Kingdom. The industry has also grown beyond the realm of large-scale production in recent years. Laos Coffee beans have become a hot topic thanks to small roasters, independent coffee stores, and specialty coffee producers, bringing more travelers and coffee lovers to a part of Laos that is seldom seen.
What Makes the Bolaven Plateau Perfect for Coffee?
The Bolaven Plateau is 1,294 meters above sea level, wow!
As I began to explore the Bolaven Plateau, I noticed that it was quite different from the lowland areas around Pakse, Laos. It wasn't as hot, there were more green trees and coffee plantations were endless.
More importantly, these conditions happen to be exactly what coffee plants love. Some of the factors that make the Bolaven Plateau so great for growing Laos coffee are:
Elevation - The vast majority of the coffee farms on the plateau are cultivated between 1,000 and 1,350m above sea level. The higher altitude coffee cherries can ripen slowly, which helps to create richer and more complex flavors.
Volcanic Soil - The plateau is supplied with fertile volcanic soil which is good for coffee plants to grow in. It's one of the reasons that the region has become the hub of coffee in Laos.
Cooler Temperatures - The climate of the plateau is much cooler than Pakse. The weather is less extreme, which makes it more conducive to year-round coffee farming.
Plenty of Rainfall - The area also has abundant rainfall, ensuring that the coffee plants grow well and the yields are steady.
What Does Laos Coffee Taste Like?
A bag of Yellow Catuai Laos coffee beans that I bought from the Bolaven Plateau
Before visiting the plateau, I wasn't sure what to expect from Laos coffee. After stopping at places in Paksong like the Sinouk Coffee Resort and the CC1971 Cafe, a coffee shop built form the bombed remains of an electrical building, I quickly became a fan.
Most of the Laos coffee I tried was smooth and easy to drink, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. Some cups had subtle fruity flavors, while others were richer and more intense thanks to the use of Robusta beans, which are often used for espresso based drinks like Lattes and Cappuccinos.
I could tell there was something special about drinking a cup of Laos coffee grown just a few hundred meters away from where I was sitting. It was either the coffee or the scenery across the Bolaven Plateau, but everything tasted more delicious up there.
How to Visit the Bolaven Plateau From Pakse, Laos?
The Bolaven Plateau is a bit remote, the nearest city is Pakse, Laos
Getting to the Bolaven Plateau is surprisingly easy. Since it's located just outside Pakse, Laos, you can explore the region by motorbike, or by booking a private van/driver, or on a guided tour such as this Full Day Bolaven Plateau Tour(iconic waterfall visits included),. Which option is best really comes down to how you like to travel.
Option 1: Join a Guided Bolaven Plateau Tour
It’s fascinating to see these Laos coffee berries get processed to coffee beans
For most travelers, especially those short on time, joining a guided Southern Laos or Bolaven Plateau tour is the easiest option. This was the option that I went with as I was traveling with family and it’s the easiest hassle free option.
I joined the above mentioned Full Day Bolaven Plateau Tour and it departs directly from Pakse and combine the Laos coffee plantations with some of the region's most famous waterfalls. This means you can learn about coffee in Laos, visit a working farm, and stand in front of towering waterfalls like Tad Fane and Tad Yuang all in the same day.
The biggest advantage is, of course, convenience. You don't have to worry about navigation, road conditions, or deciding which plantations are worth visiting. Everything is organized for you, and local guides often provide insights you might otherwise miss.
If you're only spending a few days in southern Laos, a guided Bolaven Plateau Day Trip is a great way to experience the highlights without needing to plan every detail yourself.
Option 2: Ride the Famous Bolaven Plateau Loop
Bike rentals are plentiful in Pakse, so you can explore the Bolaven Plateau Loop
If you've spent any time researching southern Laos, you've probably heard about the Bolaven Plateau Loop. This multi-day motorbike route has become one of the most popular adventures in the country!
The route winds through coffee plantations, small villages, dramatic waterfalls, and scenic countrysides. If you think the cities of Southeast Asia I all hustle and bustle, well there’s nothing like taking a few days to explore the pure unadulterated elements of nature.
If you have a motorbike, or looking to rent one, the flexibility it offers you is unparalleled.
See a coffee farm that looks interesting? Stop.
Spot a roadside cafe serving freshly roasted beans? Pull over.
Want to spend an extra hour watching the rain roll across the plateau from a plantation viewpoint? No problem.
You can typically complete the Bolaven Plateau Loop in 2 or 3 days.
Option 3: Hire a Private Driver in Pakse, Laos
Another popular option for travel in Southern Laos is hiring a private driver
Now if you don’t know how to ride a motorbike or if your travel arrangements do not allow for such frivolousness, then hiring a private driver is an excellent middle-ground option.
You'll still have the flexibility to customize your itinerary, but without needing to navigate unfamiliar roads yourself. It's particularly popular among families, couples, and small groups who want a more comfortable experience.
While it's naturally more expensive than renting a motorbike, splitting the cost between several people can make it surprisingly affordable.
The Best Coffee Farms and Cafes to Visit in the Bolaven Plateau
Paksong Highlands, one of the many coffee plantations in the Bolaven Plateau that you can explore
The Bolaven Plateau in Southern Laos is a large region so there is plenty of coffee plantations and cafes to explore, and YES, some of these plantations are open for tourists to visit. Here are a few Laos coffee shops and coffee plantations I recommend you stop at if you want to learn more about Laotian Coffee.
Jhai Coffee House
Jhai Coffee House exhudes a lot of local charm
If you're looking for a coffee experience that gives back to local communities, Jhai Coffee House is a cafe located near Paksong, Laos that is worth a visit. Jhai Coffee House is unique in that it is a social enterprise model. The organization works to support local development projects while promoting sustainably sourced coffee from the region.
They specialize in high quality locally produced coffee from nearby communities. They serve your usual espresso based drinks like Lattes, Cappuccinos, and what not, but if you really want to get the flavors for locally grown Loas coffee beans, then I recommend trying their pour overs. Of which they have a couple of beans to choose from (and you can purchase some beans as well).
Jhai Coffee House is a really great spot to learn more about the local coffee farms and communities and if you have even a smidgen of interest in coffee, then this is a spot you cannot miss.
Address: Ban Lak 45, Paksong, Laos
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM | Mon - Sun
Phone Number: +856 20 56 501 579
Sinouk Coffee Resort
One of the more touristy yet educational places to learn about Laos Coffee
But if you only have time to visit one cafe or plantation, Sinouk Coffee Resort is the easiest recommendation on my list.
As the name suggests this is a resort so if you are exploring the Bolaven Plateau and need a base of operations or a place to stay then the Sinouk Coffee Resort has you covered. Aside from that the property combines a working coffee plantation, as well as a restaurant, and cafe all in one location. It's beautifully maintained and very accessible for if you’re a first-time visitor exploring the Bolaven Plateau.
Surrounded by beautiful nature and waterfalls but since we’re talking about coffee here, the resort boasts a bunch of related Laos coffee activities such as; the Coffee Gallery where you can learn about coffee processing, the plantation, of course, to see coffee cherries blooming, and coffee cupping sessions to try different beans.
Address: Paksong-Thateng Road, LakKhao Village, Bolaven Plateau, Champasak Province
Opening Hours: 24 Hours | Mon - Sun
Phone Number: +856 30 955 8960, +856 20 9949 4994
Paksong Highland Coffee / Bolaven Cafe
A nice selection of coffee beans for you to purchase at the Bolaven Cafe
For a more traditional plantation experience, if you watched my YouTube video on Laos Coffee in the Bolaven Plateau that I linked at the beginning of this blog post, one of the places I showcased was the Bolaven Cafe which is located near the town of Paksong, Laos. This farm offers a closer look at coffee cultivation and processing without feeling overly commercialized.
There is a cozy little coffee shop selling a variety of different coffee beans for you to sniff and try. This is a bit more of a true-to-life authentic coffee farm experience, so if you enjoy that kind of style then the Paksong Highland Coffee farm is a must visit.
Address: 57CM+22F, Unnamed Road, Paksong, Laos
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Mon - Sun
Phone Number: +856 20 91 986 541
CC 1971 Cafe
A bittersweet reminder of the tumultuous history of the Bolaven Plateau
Now this is a wholly different and quite frankly somber way to experience Laos Coffee in the Bolaven Plateau. CC 1971 Cafe is one of the most unique stops to include on any Bolaven Plateau itinerary. At first glance it looks like a stylish café serving excellent locally grown coffee, but the building itself tells a much deeper story. The café was created inside the ruins of a former electrical facility in Paksong that was heavily damaged during “America’s Secret War in Laos”.
Visiting CC 1971 Cafe also gives you a chance to better understand the tumultuous history of the Bolaven Plateau. Between 1964 and 1973, the United States carried out a covert bombing campaign across Laos in an effort to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the Vietnam War.
Much of the Bolaven Plateau became a strategic target because of its location, and many buildings and villages in the region were destroyed. Today a lot of unexploded ordinance still remains…
I found it fascinating that you can enjoy one of the country's best cups of coffee while also learning about a chapter of Lao history that many visitors have never heard about
Address: Unnamed Road Paksong, Laos
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Mon - Sun
Phone Number: +856 20 55 434 855
Where to Stay in Pakse, Laos?
If you're planning to explore Laos coffee and spend a day discovering the Bolaven Plateau, I highly recommend staying in the nearby city of Pakse, Laos.The city is the main gateway to the plateau, making it easy to rent a scooter, join a guided Bolaven Plateau tour, or hire a driver for the day. Pakse also has plenty of great restaurants, cafés, and hotels, so it's a comfortable base to return to after a full day of visiting coffee farms, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.
Budget Hotels in Pakse, Laos
Sanga Hostel - A clean and modern hostel with both dorms and private rooms, perfect for budget travelers looking for an affordable base before exploring the Bolaven Plateau.
You Empire Hostel & Bar - A friendly social hostel in the center of Pakse with comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and easy access to cafés, markets, and tour operators.
Mid-Range Hotels in Pakse, Laos
Le Jardin Hotel (Recommend) - One of the best mid-range hotels in Pakse, offering spacious rooms, a swimming pool, complimentary breakfast, and a peaceful atmosphere after a day of coffee tasting.
Athena Hotel - A reliable choice with modern rooms, an outdoor pool, and a convenient location for exploring Pakse and taking day trips to the Bolaven Plateau.
Luxury or Boutique Hotels in Pakse, Laos
Champasak Grand Hotel - A comfortable upscale hotel overlooking the Mekong River with large rooms, excellent facilities, and one of the most popular luxury stays in Pakse.
Sinouk Coffee Resort - A beautiful boutique resort surrounded by its own coffee plantation in the heart of the Bolaven Plateau. Wake up to the smell of freshly roasted coffee, join plantation tours, and stay just minutes from some of the region's best waterfalls and coffee farms. It's easily one of the most memorable places to stay for anyone visiting the Laos Coffee region.
Details About the Bolaven Plateau in Pakse, Laos
The Bolaven Plateau is also famous for it’s gorgeous natural waterfalls
The Bolaven Plateau is a cool, fertile highland region in southern Laos, located east of Pakse, Laos, at elevations ranging from around 1,000 - 1,350 meters above sea level. Thanks to its volcanic soil, mild climate, and regular rainfall, the plateau has become the heart of Laos Coffee production, with countless coffee farms and cafés where you can tour plantations, watch the roasting process, and enjoy freshly brewed Arabica and Robusta coffee straight from the source.
Beyond the coffee, the Bolaven Plateau is also famous for its spectacular waterfalls, including Tad Fane, Tad Yuang, and Tad Lo, making it one of the best day trips from Pakse.
Is the Bolaven Plateau Worth Visiting?
Visiting the Bolaven Plateau was definitely a memorable travel experience for me
Absolutely. Before visiting southern Laos, I expected the waterfalls to be the highlight of the trip. They were great, but I didn't anticipate how fun I would have finding out about the coffee culture in the area.
The secret to the Bolaven Plateau is more than just the coffee. It's all the coffee plantations, scenic roads, waterfalls and the opportunity to see a more serene side of Laos. The time spent on the farms allowed me to gain a greater insight into the culture and people that make up Laos coffee.
Looking back, visiting the coffee plantations was one of the most memorable of my time on the Bolaven Plateau, and something I'd recommend to anyone planning a Bolaven Plateau day trip from Pakse, Laos.
You may visit for the waterfalls, but don't be surprised if it is the coffee that sticks with you upon leaving.
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