Best Coffee in Southeast Asia - Laos Coffee Beans_ How to Drink Laos Coffee_ How Much is Laos Coffee

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Introduction to Laos Coffee

You might not believe it, but Laos actually produces some of the world's best coffee. Compared to other parts of Southeast Asia, Laos has a relatively short history of coffee cultivation, only beginning when French settlers introduced it in the early 20th century. However, the region's unique natural environment has allowed Laos coffee beans to gradually reveal the kingly presence of Southeast Asia's finest coffee.

In Asia, the best drip coffee comes from Vietnam, while Laos boasts the most exquisite freshly ground coffee.

Laos coffee beans are renowned for their delicate and complex aromatic body and rich flavor profile. The aftertaste reveals citrusy fruit notes and floral aromas, subtly accompanied by chocolatey sweetness. Compared to most heavily-flavored coffees in Southeast Asia, Laos coffee offers a fresher taste that is gentle and long-lasting.

Coffee Growing Regions

All Laos coffee beans are cultivated in the Bolaven Plateau of Champasak Province in the southern region, primarily distributed around Paksong. Therefore, Paksong is also known as the coffee capital of Laos. This area is situated at approximately 15 degrees latitude with an altitude exceeding 1,300 meters. The climate is suitable, rainfall is abundant, and the nutrient-rich volcanic ash soil creates exceptionally favorable conditions for local coffee cultivation.

In Laos, both Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties are cultivated. Initially, all coffee grown in Laos was Arabica. Later, due to disease issues, approximately 80% was converted to Robusta cultivation. Today, similar to Vietnam, there is a renewed effort to expand Arabica coffee planting.

Coffee Production and Distribution

The production volume of Laos coffee beans was originally not large. Apart from domestic consumption, almost all Arabica beans were exported to France—a relationship that has remained unchanged since colonial times. Apparently, after the French left, the Laotian people didn't know how to sell coffee. Robusta coffee, however, is exported to Thailand, destined for Nestlé, which might explain why Thai Nestlé coffee tastes particularly good.

Paksong doesn't have many large plantations; most are small-scale farmers. Despite having the best coffee, tourism is just beginning to develop. If you're a passionate coffee enthusiast, you can visit local villages. November to January is the harvest time for Arabica coffee, while February to March is for Robusta. If you're not that enthusiastic, you can still find first-class local coffee in cafés in Vientiane or Luang Prabang—remember to choose Arabica varieties. Laotian people also enjoy pouring coffee into glasses mixed with condensed milk, and after finishing, they like to have another cup of green tea.

Coffee Cultivation History and Varieties

Around 1920, French settlers began cultivating coffee in the Bolaven Plateau of southern Laos, mainly Arabica varieties of Typica and Bourbon.

Between 1940 and 1990, affected by external factors such as wars, agricultural disasters (mainly frost and leaf rust), and national policies, coffee varieties were gradually replaced by more disease-resistant and higher-yielding Robusta varieties, with a small amount of Liberica also present.

After 1990, Arabica varieties began to regain attention.

Currently, Robusta still accounts for the majority of production.

Coffee Production

Total Laos coffee production 2013-2016 (unit: bags, 60kg per bag)

Traditional Coffee Growing Region: Bolaven Plateau

The Bolaven Plateau derives its name from the most populous ethnic group in the region, "the Laven," originally meaning "the Laven people's homeland." Located between the Annamite Mountains, bordered by Laos and Vietnam to the east, and the Mekong River to the west, with altitudes ranging from approximately 1,000 to 1,350 meters (3,300 to 4,430 feet).

The Bolaven Plateau is the region with the longest history of coffee cultivation in Laos, as well as the largest area and highest production volume. Among these, the three areas covered by the plateau (namely, Paksong in Champasak Province, Thateng in Salavan Province, and Laongam in Sekong Province) produce 95% of Laos's total coffee production. The coffee cultivation area in these three regions spans approximately 70,000 hectares.

In addition to the three areas mentioned above, other regions of the Bolaven Plateau also have coffee production.

Furthermore, northern provinces also have coffee cultivation, though on a smaller scale.

Laos province coffee cultivation area (2011-2012)

Coffee-Themed Travel

The Bolaven Plateau is famous for its pleasant climate, magnificent waterfalls, and high-quality coffee. Examples include Tad Fang (also known as Dong Hua Sao), the largest waterfall in Laos (120m drop), surrounded by mountains and pristine forests. The surrounding areas remain cool year-round, with coffee plantations operating on the mountains, where visitors can enjoy coffee while sitting in cable cars hundreds of meters high.

Additionally, there is the small town of Paksong, known as the "coffee market."

The coffee and scenic beauty of the Bolaven Plateau have been featured in National Geographic magazine and recommended by Lonely Planet.

Most coffee farms in this region, like their American counterparts, not only operate coffee farms but also offer coffee tourism experiences.

FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse bean varieties, where you can find various famous and lesser-known beans, while also providing online store services. https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

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FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473