Upon stepping onto the land of Laos, a rich and distinctive aroma of coffee subtly greets the senses. This fragrance emanates not only from street-side cafés but also drifts across the sprawling plantations of the Bolaven Plateau. Today, Lao coffee is more than just a beverage; its unique flavor and cultural significance have earned it a place on the world coffee map, making it a key driver of rural development and a calling card for the nation.
A barista brews coffee at a coffee shop in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 22, 2025.
The history of coffee cultivation in Laos dates back to the early 20th century during the French colonial period when the French introduced coffee beans to the region. Over time, coffee evolved into a representative cash crop and major export, so much so that the image of coffee farmers harvesting beans is printed on the 500 Kip banknote.
This photo taken on Nov. 9, 2025 shows coffee beans at a coffee plantation in Champasak Province, Laos.
The quality of Lao coffee stems from exceptional natural conditions. Official data shows that coffee is grown in 11 provinces across Laos, covering approximately 97,400 hectares. Champasak Province in the south is the core producing area, with over 50,000 hectares of plantations. The Bolaven Plateau, where the province is located, enjoys abundant sunshine, ample rainfall, and a cool climate. Its mineral-rich, slightly acidic volcanic soil provides an ideal environment for coffee trees.
An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 17, 2025 shows a view of the Bolaven Plateau in Champasak Province, Laos.
As one of Laos' main agricultural exports, the coffee industry generates significant economic returns and creates numerous jobs. According to Lao News Agency, coffee exports in 2024 exceeded 50,000 tons, earning over 100 million U.S. dollars. Official statistics indicate that Lao coffee is sold to more than 20 countries and regions worldwide, with key markets including Thailand, France, Japan, Belgium, and Finland.
Freshly roasted coffee beans are seen at a coffee plantation in Champasak Province, Laos, Dec. 17, 2025.
The thriving coffee industry also fuels rural revitalization of Laos. On the Bolaven Plateau, the sight of farmers busily harvesting coffee cherries is commonplace.
A farmer picks up coffee cherries at a coffee plantation in Champasak Province, Laos, Nov. 9, 2025.
A farmer shows newly-picked coffee cherries at a coffee plantation in Champasak Province, Laos, Nov. 9, 2025.
Farmers clean coffee cherries at a coffee plantation in Champasak Province, Laos, Dec. 18, 2025.
Farmers dry coffee beans at a coffee plantation in Champasak Province, Laos, Dec. 18, 2025.
A worker roasts coffee beans at a coffee plantation in Champasak Province, Laos, Dec. 17, 2025.
A coffee roaster presents freshly roasted coffee beans at a coffee plantation in Champasak Province, Laos, Dec. 17, 2025.
Furthermore, coffee has become a platform for promoting Laotian culture. Packaging of local coffee products often features cultural symbols like the That Luang stupa and elephants. Inside cafés, waitstaff in traditional sinh skirts, wall hangings of woven textiles and wood carvings, and the sound of Laotian music in the air combine to create a distinctive cultural experience.
This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2025 shows coffee beans sold inside a coffee shop in Luang Prabang, Laos. From left to right, the patterns on the coffee packaging feature the Patuxai (Victory Gate) in Vientiane, the That Luang Stupa in Vientiane, Vat Phou temple in Champasak, and Wat Xieng Thong temple in Luang Prabang.
This photo taken on Dec. 31, 2025 shows a coffee shop with traditional decoration in Luang Prabang, northern Laos.
An attendant dressed in the traditional Lao sinh skirt serves coffee to a customer at a coffee shop in Luang Prabang, northern Laos, Dec. 31, 2025.
Simultaneously, a growing domestic consumer market nurtures a profound local coffee culture. In cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, street cafés abound, often filled to capacity. People chat leisurely over cups of coffee, where the rich aroma blends with the vibrancy of daily life, painting a dynamic picture of urban culture.
Tourists enjoy coffee at a street-side café in the ancient city of Luang Prabang, Laos, on Dec. 26, 2019.
A barista brews coffee at a coffee shop in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 22, 2025.
The mellow fragrance of coffee encapsulates the essence of the Laotian terroir, carries the hard work of its farmers, and tells the story of an industry on the rise. Within this aroma lies not only the character of Laos but also the people's aspirations for a better life.