Saffron Coffee's Espresso, Brew Bar, & Roastery

This guide includes where to eat and drink, where to stay, what to do, and where to work remotely in Luang Prabang, Laos — a sublime little city on the confluence of the mighty Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Luang Prabang is a must-visit in your explorations of Southeast Asia. Orange robe-clad monks stroll the streets lined with historic French architecture. Welcome smiles, delicious cuisine, and ancient wats all await you at this UNESCO world heritage destination. With thoughtful new investment from savvy local business owners and French and Swiss expats who were stuck here (and fell in love) during Covid, the town is at a perfect inflection point of old and new. You can sit down to a bowl of soup on the sidewalk, dine at a 5-star hotel, and sip an IPA at a trendy cafe — all within a few blocks of each other. But hurry, Luang Prabang is not too far from the visitor tipping point.

On the list of hidden gems, Luang Prabang must be at the top. After a 2-day journey on the slow boat from the Thai border, I was blown away by the peaceful, wholesome city. I didn't expect much of the place, other than it being the base from where I'd visit the impressive Kuang Si Waterfall. I was blown away and brought to actual tears after discovering many social initiatives and witnessing authentic local interactions in what would become one of my favorite cities in the world. As an expert in community based, sustainable travel, I fell in love with Luang Prabang.

a weekend in luang prabang