Cafes in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, as a UNESCO World Heritage Town, owns enviable relaxing atmosphere. When it comes to its cafes, you can double that chilled vibes with its unbeatable serene townscape.
Most cafes’ architecture are compounded by a mix of French colonial, traditional Lao and a little of modern design, that’s why Luang Prabang’s cafes are singular and remain characters that could make you feel as if you traveled back in time.
1. Utopia Restaurant and Bar
Anyone who’ve been there claimed that this place reflects what its name is all about. Utopia is a superb bar, restaurant and one of the cafes in Luang Prabang provided the ultimate serene and relaxing atmosphere facing the Mekong River as the only scenery Utopia has to offer.
People often read novels, enjoy decent WiFi or just simply relieve negativity and absorb positive energy of nature all around. For non-coffee drinkers, good news is there are Beerlao sold to keep those creative juices flowing.
While you lounging on beanbag cushions, you might also notice a group of people doing their yoga class. This is because the Yoga Class usually takes place on a little terrace right above the Mekong River at 7.30 A.M. and continues for an hour. The class is for everyone to participate even for first-timer.
Opening Hours: Daily 8.00 AM – 11.30 PM.
2. The Laos Buffalo Dairy
En route to the Kuang Si waterfall, there is a side trip you should take. It’s called ‘The Laos Buffalo Dairy’ where you’ll find sweet homemade ice cream, a petting zoo, an organic farm and one of the rustic cafes in Luang Prabang.
We recommend you touring the farm with two options of enticing packages to choose from: 50,000 Lao Kip for touring the farm and visiting the calves in restricted area, getting up close with all animals where you’ll witness the wonder and amazement in your kids’ eyes regardless whether it’s their first, second or third time.
The other package costs 100,000 Lao Kip. It’s pretty similar to the aforementioned package but what’s added is a bunch of desserts waiting to be finished at the dairy’s cafe: cakes, tea or coffee, buffalo milk ice cream flavored in lemongrass, caramel, green tea, black sesame, taro, basil, chocolate and other flavors varies day-to-day.
Opening Hours: Daily 9.30 AM – 5.00 PM.
3. Le Banneton Cafe French Bakery
Le Banneton is not just one of the quaint cafes in Luang Prabang, but a place for people watching. This little coffeehouse down a side street comes with glamorous opposite view, which is a Buddhist temple. Meaning that coffee lovers can sip their favorite coffee along with observing the lives of Laotians who drove pass.
If it’s not the Buddhist temple over there, you might think as if you were in France for their French-style bread: such as baguette, croissant, apple pie etc.
Le Banneton is a great place to hang out especially when you’re having amazing fresh bakery while looking across the street at magnificent temples.
Opening Hours: Daily 6.30 AM – 9.00 PM.
4. Le Bistro Ban Vat Sene
One of the cafes in Luang Prabang that’s great for people watching is Le Bistro Ban Vat Sene, a cafe that is walkable from Le Banneton Cafe French Bakery as it is only 300 meters away. Noticeable by a recently renovated house with red doors, the cafe can be a perfect background for your photos and a cozy eatery for breakfast/brunch/lunch and dinner.
You may enjoy sitting in front of a cafe at midday, savor scrumptious confection and observe slow-paced life in this former capital of Laos.
When the night has turned cold, there is a warm corner upstairs to nestle up alone or with special someone. The staff here also speak English so there won’t be language barrier to bother :)
Opening Hours: Daily 6.30 AM – 11.00 PM.
5. Zurich Bread Factory and Cafe
A loaf of bread beautifully presented is a sheer definition for Zurich Bread Factory and Cafe. Combining a concept of stylish, comfort and healthy food, the cafe serves Italian and Spanish coffee, hot sandwiches which developed by a chef who seek special recipe using Ciabatta, Multigrain Bread, Rye Bread and Seed Bagel.
Added to this menu, is a variety of western dishes such as pasta, pizzas, steaks, soups, salads and authentic Lao cuisine that you can get nutrients due to the fact that their menu are made based on healthy concept with premium and organic ingredients.
By saying that their breakfast and brunch menu is extensive, you can fill and please your taste buds at the beginning until the end of the day. On the whole, Zurich Bread Factory is an air-conditioned fantastic bakery for anyone on the lookout for sweet course.
Opening Hours: Daily 5.00 AM – 9.00 PM.
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