Drinks
BeerLao — The Best Beer in Southeast Asia
BeerLao (ເບຍລາວ) is not just a beer — it is a national symbol. Founded in 1971, this lager has earned the reputation of being the best beer in Southeast Asia — and many travelers agree. Brewed according to the German purity law with locally grown jasmine rice, it is light, refreshing, and perfect for 35°C.
- BeerLao Original (Lager): The flagship, golden yellow, 5% Alc. The standard beer. From 10,000 LAK (0.40 EUR) in local restaurants.
- BeerLao Dark: A darker, maltier beer. 6.5% Alc. Harder to find but rewarding.
- BeerLao Gold: Premium version, slightly stronger. In better restaurants.
- On Tap: In some restaurants in Luang Prabang and Vientiane — the freshest BeerLao.
Lao-Lao (ເຫຼົ້າລາວ) — Laotian Rice Whiskey
The Lao-Lao is a rice spirit distilled in virtually every village. 40–50% alcohol, clear to slightly yellowish, with a sharp, earthy taste. It is drunk neat, consumed in large quantities at festivals, and costs almost nothing: 10,000–15,000 LAK for a bottle.
Tasting in Ban Xang Hai (Whiskey Village on the way to the Pak Ou Caves) is a classic — exotic variants are also offered here: Lao-Lao with snake, scorpion, or herbs (more of a souvenir than a delight).
Lao Coffee
The coffee from the Bolaven Plateau is a well-kept secret. The French introduced coffee to Laos, and the high plateau climate produces excellent Arabica and Robusta. Traditionally served as:
- Kafae Lao (Lao Coffee): Strong filter coffee with sweet condensed milk over ice. Sweet, strong, addictive. From 10,000 LAK.
- Kafae Dam: Black coffee, without milk. For purists.
The best cafés: Saffron Coffee (Luang Prabang), Jhai Coffee House (Bolaven), Sinouk Coffee (Vientiane and Pakse).
Other Drinks
- Fresh Fruit Smoothies: Mango, pineapple, passion fruit, coconut. At every corner, from 10,000 LAK.
- Lao-Lao Cocktails: In the trendy bars of Luang Prabang, Lao-Lao is mixed with local ingredients into creative cocktails.
- Nom Wan: A sweet dessert drink made from coconut milk, colorful jellies, tapioca, and ice. At every night market.
💡 Tipp
BeerLao on the Mekong at sunset is one of the ultimate Southeast Asian experiences. Order a large glass (Bia Yai, 0.64l) for 10,000–15,000 LAK and enjoy. And try the Lao coffee with condensed milk — you'll never want regular iced coffee again.
