Luang Prabang may be a small town, but it has more than its fair share of cafés dotted throughout. Whether you’re looking for something super vibey or a place to work, Luang Prabang has a wealth of wonderful café options to keep you caffeinated.

It might surprise you to know that Luang Prabang is a town filled with nearly as many cafés as there are temples. Coffee isn’t new to Laos, but café culture has become increasingly popular in Luang Prabang. Trendy “slow coffee” joints and local Lao-style coffee— Luang Prabang’s ever-evolving coffee scene has something for everyone. I’ve put together this guide to include 24 of the best cafés in Luang Prabang so that finding your morning caffeine fix is a breeze.

coffee culture in laos ↴

Laos’ neighbor, Vietnam, gets a lot of attention for its thriving coffee culture and the delicious roasts it produces— and rightfully so. But, no one should count Laos out of the coffee game. In fact, Laos produces some of the most exceptional coffee in the world, especially if you like it rich and strong. Laos produces two main types of coffee: Robusta and Arabica. Robusta is typically used for “Lao coffee”, which is sweetened with condensed milk. Arabica is used at most cafés around Luang Prabang for espresso-based drinks.

A majority of the coffee produced in Laos is grown in southern Laos. This area of the country forms a relatively cool and damp microclimate, ideal for coffee plantations. There has been a recent surge in coffee production in northern Laos after agricultural researchers found the mountains great for growing coffee. Coffee up north has proven to be a valuable source of income for hill tribes who once relied on opium production prior to the government banning it. The increase in coffee farming in the north combined with a long history of coffee farming in the south has resulted in a wide variety of delicious coffee that can be found across the country.

Today, coffee has become one of the country's three main agricultural exports and has helped fight poverty that exists within the country. In addition, Laos sets a high bar when it comes to environmentally respectful coffee production standards.

best cafés in luang prabang ↴

BRR café

Located in Ban Mano, at the front of Le Sen Boutique Hotel, Brr Café’s slick, minimal interiors pair well with its minimal coffee menu. The café specializes in “slow coffee”, also known as manual brew or pour-over coffee. The baristas here take great pride in crafting the perfect cup for each customer, leaning into the ceremony of coffee. The morning light here bounces off of the dark wooden furniture beautifully as remote workers tap away on their keyboards. Brr offers a small variety of cakes to accompany their coffee, but the beverages and design here are the standouts.

LE PETIT PRINCE CAFÉ (어린왕자카페)

Looking for delicious coffee accompanied by fresh, healthy food? Le Petit Prince Café might just be the place you’ve been looking for. This café and its staff pride themselves on the fresh produce they use as ingredients for the food they serve. In the words of the café owner, “We make food with care, knowing our family eats it.” Not only is the menu filled with healthy food, it’s eclectic. Items like ibimbob, chicken katsu, and cobb salad sit alongside a drink menu comprised of iced mochas, classic cappuccinos, and limeades. Come for breakfast, stay for lunch— Le Petit Prince Café truly brings something new to Luang Prabang.

Coffee Express

At first look, you might think that Coffee Express was a wooden hut not offering much, but you’d be wrong. If you walk through this humble café, it reveals itself to be a garden oasis that includes outdoor seating around a pond. Coffee Express serves a variety of iced, blended, and hot drinks. They also have snacky pastries that differ depending on the day.

café Sinouk

Café Sinouk combines a Lao food menu with a long list of coffee beverages served iced, blended, or hot. They even have coffee cocktails! But it’s not the food or the coffee that put Café Sinouk on my list of favorites: it’s the story behind it. The café’s founder, Sinouk spent 30 years in France, until 1994 when he finally returned to his fatherland, Laos. Upon his return, Sinouk was determined to develop a business that would create jobs in southern Laos and would have the potential to be exported to contribute to Laos’ reputation. Thus, Sinouk Coffee was born. Sinouk also co-founded the Lao Coffee Association (LCA) with his father, Sisouk Sisombat, which focuses on promoting the welfare of Lao coffee farmers and business people.

TWO LITTLE BIRDS CAFÉ

A local family opened this beautiful vegan café in September 2019, and I feel so lucky that it survived the pandemic so that I could enjoy its insanely delicious menu in 2022. The food is made fresh to order and contains vegan-friendly goods including smoothie bowls, vegetable curries, and traditional Lao coffee (there’s no espresso machine). As a family-owned and operated establishment, the staff here are incredibly friendly. The service I’ve received here always feels warm and homey— like I’m amongst friends. I highly recommend their berry smoothie bowl for something refreshing or their green curry for something savory.

360Sunset

360Sunset is where you’ll find the creatively-inclined Luang Prabang youth skateboarding and knocking back Lao cuisine at sunset. Part skate park, part café, 360 provides a glimpse into what the next generation of Lao creatives envisions for Luang Prabang. A modern soundtrack plays in the background of the café, aptly set alongside the Mekong River. The menu here is in Lao, but don’t let that stop you!

FORMULA B

Stepping into the immaculately designed Madame Boupha, passing through its bright teal door, and making your way up the wooden stairs almost makes it feel as though Formula B is a hidden oasis. In reality, this trendy Lao-owned café is the hangout for Luang Prabang’s Instagrammers in the making. And, who could blame them? Formula B’s interior design begs to have its photo taken. Exposed brick walls, fabulous natural light, and a selection of cakes that look a bit like art make it visually appealing. The coffee concoctions here are enough to send even those with a pungent sweet tooth into a sugar coma. It seems Formula B’s fondness for cakes and sweet pastries has spilled over into their beverage offerings. Still, with its central location, strong WiFi, and pretty insides all paired with the fact that it is Lao-owned, Formula B easily makes this list of Luang Prabang’s best cafés.

DADA CAFÉ

The funky corner café is known for its blue exterior and pastel pink interior being easily visible from the street, but Dada deserves to be on your radar for several reasons. The first is that there is plenty of space. Despite Dada being quite popular, you won’t have to worry about whether or not there will be a seat available for you here. They offer riverside seating outdoors, as well as two floors of booths and tables, and an outdoor balcony with table space. Next, the selection of juices, coffees, and food here is varied and everything I’ve had here is delicious— the cakes and fruit shakes especially! Finally, the service. Dada’s staff are always friendly and ready to greet you with a smile. Dada makes a great workspace but is equally nice for a relaxed hang with a group of friends.

T56

T56 is another new-on-the-scene cafe. Walk into the two-story café and you’ll instantly be cooled off thanks to the blasted air-conditioning. The cooler temperature is immediately appealing, but T56’s aesthetic interiors and cabinet pastry selection add to the list of reasons why you’d want to hide away from the Luang Prabang heat here.

Canopy Coffee

Canopy only opened in October 2022. As a new addition to the Luang Prabang café scene, it’s noteworthy for offering guests Mekong Riverside seating on cushions near Lao-style woven bamboo tables. Canopy is in a fantastic location for sunset, so make sure you don’t miss out on having a delicious Lao coffee here at golden hour.

big tree café

This Korean-owned café has a long-standing history in Luang Prabang of providing hungry tourists with delicious food and great coffee in a beautiful, natural setting. Run by a South Korean family, Mija Son, the menu here is Korean/Lao fusion. The terrace area of Big Tree is an ideal spot for a cocktail or coffee. Big Tree’s garden lights up at sundown, creating an intimate ambiance right across from the Mekong Rover. Big Tree is frequented by artists, as the space doubles as a café-restaurant and an art gallery.

Zurich Bread Factory + Café

The bread from Zurich is magnificent. The coffee and tea selections here are respectable, but it’s truly the freshly baked bread that is of note. By the loaf or in the form of a perfectly laminated croissant; no matter how you take it, if you buy it from here it’s bound to be delicious. The almond croissants stick out in my mind as some of the best in Luang Prabang. As a bonus, the WiFi here is quite stable. There is a second Zurich location opening near Wat Visounarath soon!

Dao Coffee

Dao is considered by many to be the crème de la crème of Lao coffee. Its slightly out-of-the-way location means that it’s usually very quiet, albeit the afternoon buzz of local business meetings. While all of their coffee is good, a visit here isn’t complete without ordering their signature drink: the iced mocha. Dao Coffee truly showcases food and coffee done the “Lao way”- fresh, aromatic, and rooted in culture.

Pasaneyom Coffee Shop

My absolute favorite cafe in Luang Prabang doesn’t have WiFi or newspapers to read. There isn’t air conditioning or a fan in sight. Seating is limited, so go any later than 7 AM and you’ll likely have to wait for the locals to finish their breakfast. So, what makes it my favorite? Pasaneyom serves the best Lao-style coffee in Luang Prabang and their donut/fry bread baskets haunt my dreams. Pasaneyom is located right on the corner of Kitsalat Road and the Khem Khon. After tak bat (almsgiving), the locals can be found at Pasaneyom grabbing a coffee on the river or a fried egg and noodle soup for breakfast. Go early and mingle with the locals; smiles cross every language barrier.

Indigo House

Indigo is beautiful, conveniently located, and serves truly delicious food. I’ve never had a meal, cake, or snack at Indigo that I wouldn’t recommend. Indigo offers some vegan and gluten-free options. Indigo is located right across the road from the sandwich stalls near the Library end of the main street. Indigo has a fantastic atmosphere that offers mood music and dim lighting for those who want to sip away the evening in an intimate environment. The sticky rice and jeow combo here is spicy but is a nice taste of local cuisine. The vegan burger here is pretty dang good too if you’re willing to spend. Make sure you head up to the rooftop at dusk for beautiful sunset views and to watch vendors set up the night market.

Saffron Coffee

Saffron Coffee is one of the pillars of Luang Prabang’s café community; an example of excellent coffee and service. It was one of the first cafés of its kind in Luang Prabang; one that featured a full menu of espresso drinks, snacks, meals, and an inviting environment for remote workers, coffee enthusiasts, and families. It sets the bar for superb espresso in Luang Prabang. If your love of good coffee is not enough to get you through Saffron’s doors, the fact that it supports Hill Tribes in northern Laos and protects the environment should. Saffron’s sustainable coffee production and commitment to the 780 farming families they partner with is enough to win my vote for favorite café in Luang Prabang. Saffron has both outdoor and indoor seating, and fantastically reliable WiFi. The cherry on top for me is their bangin’ menu that features standout dishes like falafel wraps, cascara bagels with coffee jam, and frittata lorraine. Saffron is simply a must-visit in Luang Prabang.

Le Café Ban Vat Sene

Air-conditioning, attentive staff and a wide selection of coffee, tea, and food make Cafe Ban Vat Sene a great place to escape a sticky afternoon in Luang Prabang. The WiFi is very fast and fairly reliable, making it a good spot for remote work. Located just off Sisavangvong Road. With a connection to the upscale L’Elephant restaurant merely two blocks away, it’s definitely a bit pricier. There are up-to-date newspapers here from Vientiane, Bangkok, and even France (the Le Monde)! The eggplant vegetarian panini with feta is a favorite menu item of mine. Up the café’s steep set of wooden stairs is an upstairs area filled with ethnic art and seating but typically empty of people.

Le Banneton Café

Laos’ historical connections to France are reflected in the delicious pastries at Le Banneton, a French bakery that offers some of the best croissants I’ve had outside of France. I say that with extra confidence knowing that the large French expat population in Luang Prabang frequents Le Banneton, and can often be overheard catching up with one another as if they were on the streets of Paris. While the pastries are a hit, the traditional breakfast is also a menu favorite. WiFi and a sparkling clean Western toilet make Le Banneton a fantastic place for remote work. I recommend trying literally any and all of the pastries. Not hungry right away? You can order fresh bread and take it to go.

the Silk Road Café by Ock Pop Tok

Nestled away on the quieter end of the main road in Luang Prabang is the Silk Road Cafe by Ock Pop Tok. Green plants surround colorful tables and a long list of shakes, fresh juices, and coffees is handed to you by the smiling staff. The fans and bamboo roof give the cafe something special— you’re not confined to the four walls of a cafe, but you still get a cool breeze and protection from the sun. They have watermelon salad with FETA, people. And it’s freakin’ fresh! Try the watermelon juice with ginger and cayenne pepper. This will clear out your gut and clear up your skin! And trust me, I have some seriously shitty skin, so when something works I live for it. The Silk Road Cafe has all kinds of events it offers in collaboration with the Living Crafts Centre.

Joma Bakery

Joma Bakery makes this list thanks to its vegetarian options and its end-of-the-day discounted baked goods. There are two Joma locations in Luang Prabang, on opposite ends of the main street. Both locations offer the appeal of air-conditioning and a bevy of baked goods. There are lots of meal options including sandwiches, salads, and wraps. The coffee here is fine, but I prefer to go here for a bigger breakfast. I highly recommend the Veggie and Hummus Platter!

LE CAFÉ PATRIOME

Found on the outskirts of Luang Prabang’s main streets is unsuspecting Le Café Patriome, one of Luang Prabang’s newest coffee spots. This locally-owned café is most identifiable thanks to a handpainted mural of a traditional Lao temple on its outer walls. The breakfasts here are half the price of those along the main road but are every bit as delicious. The food, service, and coffee at Le Café Patriome are all great, but the coffee shop’s relaxing atmosphere is what made me a repeat customer.

COMMA COFFEE

Comma Coffee is allocated just down the road from Wat Visounarath, but you’d be forgiven if you didn’t see it at first. Walk through the main cafe area after ordering your food and drink and head to the back garden where the quietest, air-conditioned space is waiting for you. There’s plenty of seating (both indoors and outdoors), lots of natural light, and a menu with both coffee and food. The baked goods are a welcome treat in the afternoon, as are their creative iced drinks. Comma is my new go-to for remote work thanks to its serene setting, aesthetic design, and quiet environment.

Family bakery

Leave your shoes at the door, Family Bakery will warmly welcome you in for a delightful breakfast. This spot is relatively new in Luang Prabang. It’s small, sitting near the Nam Khan, but the cushion floor seating gives it a relaxed feel, which is perfect for an easy, casual breakfast. Backpackers and budget travelers frequent Family Bakery thanks to its low price point and proximity to several hostels in the area.

LuLaLao Coffee

The beauty of LuLaLao Coffee is found in its simplicity. The newly-opened coffee shop is located just steps from Wat Visounarath, but you’d be forgiven if you walked right by. It tends to blend into its surroundings. Here you can find a limited menu with specialty pour over coffees. The staff at LuLaLao are incredibly friendly and take great care to manually brew each cup to perfection. This is a great place to meet a friend for a catch-up or to cool off with a coffee soda after visiting the nearby temple. They do offer egg sandwiches as their only food item, so this probably isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for food to accompany your drink.