In Laos’ Bolaven Plateau, Champasack Province, the air is often filled with the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans.
There, each cup of coffee reflects generations of tradition and craftsmanship. Renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans, Lao coffee is earning global recognition for its unique flavor and cultural significance.
The southern Lao province is responsible for over 80 percent of the nation’s coffee output. This high-altitude region, reaching 1,300 meters above sea level, features mineral-rich volcanic soil, cool temperatures, and ample rainfall, ideal conditions for cultivating premium coffee beans.
Farmers in Champasack employ traditional coffee-growing practices, handpicking beans to ensure only the ripest cherries are harvested. Wet processing is widely used in the region, where beans are fermented and sun-dried to enhance their complex flavors and aroma.
Highlighting its global recognition, Laos’ renowned coffee brand, Lao Mountain Coffee, won Continental Awards for Asia at the 2022 World Coffee Challenge in Spain. Competing with the finest coffee varieties worldwide.
For travelers seeking to experience the essence of Bolaven Plateau coffee, Weekend Café and Camping in Paksong is an ideal first stop, conveniently located near most popular tourist sites in Champasak.
Sokxay ‘Mee’ Yotsopha, 23, owner of Weekend Café and Camping, in Paksong District, Champasack, shared the story behind his coffee shop, which first opened in 2020.
“At first, we didn’t plan to open a coffee shop; it was originally built to sell seasonal fruits,” Sokxay explained. “The name ‘Weekend Café’ was inspired by my university schedule, as I only had free time on Saturdays and Sundays.”
Initially, the café operated only two days a week. By 2023, it expanded to daily operations, with ongoing efforts to improve and develop the business. Growing customer demand led to the hiring of two employees, with plans to add more staff by 2025 to meet the needs of its visitors.
Sokxay’s passion for coffee was shaped by his upbringing on a family coffee farm on the Bolaven Plateau, inspiring the creation of the café.
“Our aim is to create a space for people to exchange ideas about coffee and to make our café a must-visit destination for tourists in Paksong. We’re close to Tad Fane and Tad Yuang waterfalls, making us a perfect stop for travelers.”
The café goes beyond serving coffee, offering green tea, red tea, and other beverages. It also supports the local community by sourcing products from nearby villages and creating seasonal jobs during the harvest, helping to boost the regional economy.
The café primarily uses beans from their own farm but also features varieties from Kenya, Colombia, and Ethiopia. “Our Lao beans are the best sellers and are also distributed to other cafés in the province and other provinces.”
In 2022, Laos exported 20,000 tons of coffee, including 15,000 tons of Robusta and 5,000 tons of Arabica. Despite Robusta’s larger share, Arabica beans have captured international acclaim, spotlighting Laos as a rising star in the coffee world.
The coffee industry sustains approximately 40,000 families across 83,000 hectares, making it Laos’ second-largest export after cassava. Coffee plays a pivotal role in the national economy, supporting smallholder farmers and rural livelihoods.
Laos has recorded over five million tourists this year, exceeding expectations and generating more than USD 1 billion in revenue, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone announced on 18 November.
According to the PM, domestic tourist numbers surpassed the target by 27 percent, reflecting the success of the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign.
Sonexay also credited the surge in tourist arrivals to the Laos-China Railway, which connects key destinations like Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Oudomxay. From adventure activities to UNESCO-listed heritage sites, these provinces offer attractions that have made them top tourist destinations.
To complement these developments, tourism authorities have worked to enhance services at hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, while adding new facilities at tourist sites.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister emphasized plans to further promote tourism by targeting specific groups and strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors. Efforts will focus on improving roads, tourist attractions, and facilities, while modernizing tourism management.
Beyond the convenience of the railway, Laos’s distinctive natural and cultural offerings have drawn global attention. For instance, the river trips in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park have earned widespread acclaim, with Condé Nast Traveler ranking the park among the world’s top 10 best night safaris in February 2023.
Laos’s dedication to sustainable tourism has also garnered international recognition. Luang Prabang, known for its rich cultural heritage, received an award in the 2024 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories for its commitment to responsible tourism and cultural preservation. The award will be formally presented in Chile from 10 to 12 December.
With plans to improve infrastructure and diversify offerings, Laos is set to attract even more visitors in the years ahead.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/tv.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-12-22 09:40:182024-12-10 09:42:27Laos Welcomes Over Five Million Tourists in 2024, Generating Over USD 1 Billion
On 29 October, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar gathered to discuss action plans to tackle the yearly transboundary haze pollution issue, as well as solutions to address air pollution during the dry season.
During the meeting, the three countries agreed to address pollution-related issues, such as hotspot reduction, forecasting and monitoring systems, law enforcement, and sustainable agricultural management, all under the Joint Plan of Action – CLEAR Sky, which was agreed upon back in April 2023 to combat transboundary haze pollution.
Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, emphasized that the tri-nation cooperation is a response to the need to address rising PM2.5 levels in the region’s air, which stem from several sources, including industry, transport, and, in particular, forest fires and agricultural burning.
This comes after severe air pollution engulfed three main provinces of Laos in February this year, including Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, and Champasack. In these areas, the AQI rose as high as 145 to 160, which is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups. During the same period, all 66 provinces in Thailand also experienced the smog, particularly Bangkok, where the AQI was recorded at around 141 to 165.
The impact of air pollution is not limited to physical health as research also shows that the smog can also affect the mind. A study by Oklahoma State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology revealed that wildfire pollution in Southeast Asia, especially smoke from neighboring countries, significantly worsens public mood during severe air pollution.
In October 2023, former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also visited Laos to discuss plans to address hazardous transboundary haze ahead of the burning season. He pledged support for mapping fire risk areas in Laos and developing a joint action plan to control cross-border air pollution affecting Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
In the same month, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported that Laos typically experiences heightened air pollution during its dry season, spanning from November to April annually. This period sees an increase in practices such as waste burning, deforestation, and the burning of agricultural land, all of which are significant contributors to high air pollution levels.
Lao Coffee: A Journey Through Flavor, Heritage
In Laos’ Bolaven Plateau, Champasack Province, the air is often filled with the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans.
There, each cup of coffee reflects generations of tradition and craftsmanship. Renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans, Lao coffee is earning global recognition for its unique flavor and cultural significance.
The southern Lao province is responsible for over 80 percent of the nation’s coffee output. This high-altitude region, reaching 1,300 meters above sea level, features mineral-rich volcanic soil, cool temperatures, and ample rainfall, ideal conditions for cultivating premium coffee beans.
Farmers in Champasack employ traditional coffee-growing practices, handpicking beans to ensure only the ripest cherries are harvested. Wet processing is widely used in the region, where beans are fermented and sun-dried to enhance their complex flavors and aroma.
Highlighting its global recognition, Laos’ renowned coffee brand, Lao Mountain Coffee, won Continental Awards for Asia at the 2022 World Coffee Challenge in Spain. Competing with the finest coffee varieties worldwide.
For travelers seeking to experience the essence of Bolaven Plateau coffee, Weekend Café and Camping in Paksong is an ideal first stop, conveniently located near most popular tourist sites in Champasak.
Sokxay ‘Mee’ Yotsopha, 23, owner of Weekend Café and Camping, in Paksong District, Champasack, shared the story behind his coffee shop, which first opened in 2020.
“At first, we didn’t plan to open a coffee shop; it was originally built to sell seasonal fruits,” Sokxay explained. “The name ‘Weekend Café’ was inspired by my university schedule, as I only had free time on Saturdays and Sundays.”
Initially, the café operated only two days a week. By 2023, it expanded to daily operations, with ongoing efforts to improve and develop the business. Growing customer demand led to the hiring of two employees, with plans to add more staff by 2025 to meet the needs of its visitors.
Sokxay’s passion for coffee was shaped by his upbringing on a family coffee farm on the Bolaven Plateau, inspiring the creation of the café.
“Our aim is to create a space for people to exchange ideas about coffee and to make our café a must-visit destination for tourists in Paksong. We’re close to Tad Fane and Tad Yuang waterfalls, making us a perfect stop for travelers.”
The café goes beyond serving coffee, offering green tea, red tea, and other beverages. It also supports the local community by sourcing products from nearby villages and creating seasonal jobs during the harvest, helping to boost the regional economy.
The café primarily uses beans from their own farm but also features varieties from Kenya, Colombia, and Ethiopia. “Our Lao beans are the best sellers and are also distributed to other cafés in the province and other provinces.”
In 2022, Laos exported 20,000 tons of coffee, including 15,000 tons of Robusta and 5,000 tons of Arabica. Despite Robusta’s larger share, Arabica beans have captured international acclaim, spotlighting Laos as a rising star in the coffee world.
The coffee industry sustains approximately 40,000 families across 83,000 hectares, making it Laos’ second-largest export after cassava. Coffee plays a pivotal role in the national economy, supporting smallholder farmers and rural livelihoods.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/11/20/lao-coffee-a-journey-through-flavor-heritage/
Laos Welcomes Over Five Million Tourists in 2024, Generating Over USD 1 Billion
Laos has recorded over five million tourists this year, exceeding expectations and generating more than USD 1 billion in revenue, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone announced on 18 November.
According to the PM, domestic tourist numbers surpassed the target by 27 percent, reflecting the success of the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign.
Sonexay also credited the surge in tourist arrivals to the Laos-China Railway, which connects key destinations like Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Oudomxay. From adventure activities to UNESCO-listed heritage sites, these provinces offer attractions that have made them top tourist destinations.
To complement these developments, tourism authorities have worked to enhance services at hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, while adding new facilities at tourist sites.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister emphasized plans to further promote tourism by targeting specific groups and strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors. Efforts will focus on improving roads, tourist attractions, and facilities, while modernizing tourism management.
Beyond the convenience of the railway, Laos’s distinctive natural and cultural offerings have drawn global attention. For instance, the river trips in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park have earned widespread acclaim, with Condé Nast Traveler ranking the park among the world’s top 10 best night safaris in February 2023.
Laos’s dedication to sustainable tourism has also garnered international recognition. Luang Prabang, known for its rich cultural heritage, received an award in the 2024 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories for its commitment to responsible tourism and cultural preservation. The award will be formally presented in Chile from 10 to 12 December.
With plans to improve infrastructure and diversify offerings, Laos is set to attract even more visitors in the years ahead.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/11/19/laos-welcomes-over-five-million-tourists-in-2024-generating-over-usd-1-billion/
Laos, Thai, Myanmar Action Plan Launched to Address Transboundary Haze
On 29 October, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar gathered to discuss action plans to tackle the yearly transboundary haze pollution issue, as well as solutions to address air pollution during the dry season.
During the meeting, the three countries agreed to address pollution-related issues, such as hotspot reduction, forecasting and monitoring systems, law enforcement, and sustainable agricultural management, all under the Joint Plan of Action – CLEAR Sky, which was agreed upon back in April 2023 to combat transboundary haze pollution.
Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, emphasized that the tri-nation cooperation is a response to the need to address rising PM2.5 levels in the region’s air, which stem from several sources, including industry, transport, and, in particular, forest fires and agricultural burning.
This comes after severe air pollution engulfed three main provinces of Laos in February this year, including Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, and Champasack. In these areas, the AQI rose as high as 145 to 160, which is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups. During the same period, all 66 provinces in Thailand also experienced the smog, particularly Bangkok, where the AQI was recorded at around 141 to 165.
The impact of air pollution is not limited to physical health as research also shows that the smog can also affect the mind. A study by Oklahoma State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology revealed that wildfire pollution in Southeast Asia, especially smoke from neighboring countries, significantly worsens public mood during severe air pollution.
In October 2023, former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also visited Laos to discuss plans to address hazardous transboundary haze ahead of the burning season. He pledged support for mapping fire risk areas in Laos and developing a joint action plan to control cross-border air pollution affecting Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
In the same month, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported that Laos typically experiences heightened air pollution during its dry season, spanning from November to April annually. This period sees an increase in practices such as waste burning, deforestation, and the burning of agricultural land, all of which are significant contributors to high air pollution levels.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/31/laos-thai-myanmar-action-plan-launched-to-address-transboundary-haze/