Laos may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of vegan travel, but this stunning, landlocked gem of Southeast Asia has plenty to offer. From aromatic curries and fresh herbs to sticky rice, tropical fruits, and creative tofu dishes, you’ll find that eating vegan in Laos is both possible and delicious – especially once you learn a few local words and know what to look for. In this guide, we’ll share traditional vegan-friendly Lao dishes, what to expect at different types of eateries, helpful phrases, and insider tips from our travels across Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane and Nong Khiaw.
Laos – Quick Facts
An overview of essential information about Laos.
Short overview
Laos is a landlocked Southeast Asian country known for its mountainous terrain, Mekong River landscapes, and Buddhist monasteries. The nation offers a slower pace of life with charming towns like Luang Prabang, the capital Vientiane, and adventure opportunities in Vang Vieng. Laos is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, perfect for travelers seeking tranquility, nature, and authentic local experiences.
Practical tips
- Languages: Lao (official), French and English spoken in tourist areas.
- Time zone: UTC+7.
- Plug type: A, B, C, and sometimes E/F (European-style plugs).
- Best time to travel: November–February for cooler, dry weather; March–May is hot, June–October brings the rainy season.
- Transport: Buses, tuk-tuks, and domestic flights connect major towns. Boat travel along the Mekong is popular in certain regions. To get around inside towns and cities, tuk-tuks, taxis and motorbikes are the best option.
- Best for: temples, rivers, mountains, trekking, culture, and slow-paced exploration.
Traditional Lao Dishes & How to Veganize Them
Lao Cuisine
Lao dishes share similarities with Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, but stand s out for their bold herbal flavors and love of sticky rice. Dishes often feature ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and chili. While fish sauce or shrimp paste are common, most meals are cooked fresh – so it’s usually easy to ask for them to be left out. Many Lao Buddhists also eat vegetarian meals on certain days, which means meat-free dishes are well understood, even if the word “vegan” itself isn’t widely known.
Savory Dishes
- Sticky Rice (Khao Niew): A staple in every meal, naturally vegan and great with fresh vegetables.
- Vegan Larb (Larb Jay): A minced “salad” of tofu or mushrooms with lime juice, roasted rice powder, mint, and chili. Ask for no fish sauce and no meat.
- Khao Soi Lao: Northern-style noodle curry similar to the Thai version, usually with milder spices. Ask for no meat, fish sauce, or egg noodles.
- Papaya Salad (Tam Mak Hoong): The Lao original of Thailand’s Som Tam – more fermented and spicier. Ask to skip fermented fish (pa daek) and fish sauce.
- Riverweed (Kaipen): Made from freshwater algae, often seasoned with garlic and sesame seeds. A tasty, healthy Lao snack, especially popular in Luang Prabang.
- Stir-Fried Morning Glory (Pak Boong Fai Daeng): A common side dish across Laos; just ask for no oyster sauce or fish sauce.
- Lao Noodles (Feu or Khao Piak Sen): Many noodle soups come with chicken or beef broth, but vegetarian versions can be requested at some cafés.
- Curries: Curries can easily be vegan if, just ask with no fish sauce or shrimp paste.
Sweets and Snacks
- Sticky Rice with Mango or Banana (Khao Tom Mat): usually vegan.
- Coconut Pancakes (Khanom Krok): often found on night markets, usually vegan and made with coconut milk.
- Grilled Sweet Potatoes or Bananas: common on street stalls, simple and naturally vegan.
- Fresh Fruit & Smoothies: everywhere! Just ask for “bo sai nom” (no milk).
Breakfast in Laos
Typical Lao breakfasts might feel a bit unusual for Westerners who are used to sweet or bread-based mornings. However, as vegans, we really enjoyed the local meals often served in homestays: simple fried rice or noodles (sometimes with egg that can easily be left out) and fresh fruit. “Western breakfast” options, on the other hand, were often very egg-heavy, with the only vegan alternative usually being toast and jam.
In bigger cities like Luang Prabang or Vientiane, you’ll also find modern cafés offering smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and coffee with plant-based milk.
Drinks in Laos
- Fruit Smoothies: Ask for “bo sai nom” (no milk).
- Fresh Coconut Water: Widely available.
- Lao Coffee: Traditionally served with condensed milk – ask for black coffee (“kafe dam”) or with coconut milk.
- Beerlao: Laos’s famous beer – vegan-friendly! 😀
Ingredients to Watch Out For
Even though Lao cuisine naturally includes lots of vegetables, herbs, and tofu, there are a few ingredients that often sneak into otherwise vegan-looking dishes. Knowing what to watch out for can help you avoid surprises:
Ingredients to Watch Out For
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fish Sauce (Nam Pa) | A staple in Lao cooking, used in salads, stir-fries, and soups. Always ask for it to be left out (“bo sai nam pa”). |
| Shrimp Paste (Ka Pa) | Found in papaya salad (Tam Mak Hoong) and some curries. Ask to skip it. |
| Oyster Sauce | Common in vegetable stir-fries; can easily be replaced with soy sauce or mushroom sauce. |
| Eggs (Khai) | Sometimes added to fried rice, noodles, or vegetable dishes; just ask for “bo sai khai.” |
| Condensed Milk | Used in Lao coffee and sometimes fruit smoothies. Ask for black coffee or “bo sai nom” (no milk). |
| Mayonnaise | Often added to sandwiches and Western-style salads. |
| Broth or Stock | Even when labeled “vegetarian,” soups may be cooked with chicken or fish broth. You can ask for “nam soup bo sai nua bo sai pa” (soup without meat or fish). |
Types of Eateries
- Local Eateries & Markets: Small local restaurants that serve rice, stir-fried vegetables, and soups. Simple, but most of the time very tasty food! Staff may not know “vegan,” so it’s best to say “bo sai nam pla, bo sai kai, bo sai nua” (no fish sauce, no egg, no meat).
- Night Markets: Night markets usually carry some vegan-friendly finds – grilled corn, spring rolls, coconut desserts, and banana sticky rice.
- Tourist Cafés: Cafés in bigger cities like Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane often cater to Western visitors with plant-based options and labeled vegan dishes.
- Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants: While not as common as in Thailand, a growing number of spots offer exclusively vegan food.
Our Favorite Vegan Spots
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is one of the most vegan-friendly spots in Laos! You’ll find everything from small local eateries and community-driven cafés to international restaurants serving creative plant-based dishes.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Buffet (Luang Prabang Night Market): A long-time traveler favorite, this fully vegan stall at the night market offers incredible value and variety. For around 50.000 LAK, you can fill your plate with rice, noodles, tofu dishes, curries, and a colorful mix of vegetables. The setup is casual and lively, making it a fun spot to grab dinner right in the heart of the market. The food is served warm rather than hot, but it’s packed with flavor and perfect for sampling a range of local dishes. (Note: the vegan stall is located beside a regular meat and fish vendor.)
- Khaiphaen Restaurant: A restaurant with a purpose – Khaiphaen supports disadvantaged youth through hospitality training and job opportunities. The food is just as inspiring as the mission: several dishes are clearly marked vegan, made with fresh local ingredients. Dining here means you’re not only enjoying a delicious meal but also supporting an important social project in Luang Prabang.
- Happy Cat Café: This cozy vegetarian café combines good food with a good cause. Expect colorful smoothie bowls, hearty curries, and vegan twists on typical Lao dishes; all served in a relaxed, cat-friendly space. The proceeds help fund sterilization and care programs for stray animals, so your lunch directly contributes to animal welfare in Laos.
- Two Little Birds Café: A bright, health-focused café that’s perfect for breakfast or lunch. They serve a mix of Lao and Western-inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes, from fresh salads and smoothie bowls to a delicious tofu version of Laab, a traditional Lao meal. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
- Yuni Yupoun: Stylish yet laid-back, this creative restaurant blends Asian and Mediterranean influences. Their menu features curries, fried eggplant, a flavorful Mezze Platter, and burgers (just ask for pita instead of the milk-based bun). It’s a great spot for dinner with friends or a cozy evening out.
- Fathima Indian & Malaysian Restaurant: Located along the river, Fathima is a local favorite for its rich curries, fluffy breads, and generous portions. Many dishes are vegan or can be made vegan on request. The friendly service and scenic view make it a wonderful place to unwind after a day of exploring temples and markets.
- La Silapa Italian & Lao Kitchen: If you’re craving a taste of home, La Silapa offers satisfying vegan-friendly pasta, pizza, and salads in a casual setting. It’s a great pick when you want something different from the usual rice and noodle dishes.
- Lost In Baan: A stylish Asian-fusion restaurant that’s slightly more upscale yet still relaxed. The vegan options are creative and beautifully presented – ideal for a special dinner or a date night in Luang Prabang.
Planning your trip to Luang Prabang? Discover the best temples, waterfalls, cafés, and viewpoints in our complete guide.
Read: Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang
Nong Khiaw
Despite being a small riverside town, Nong Khiaw has a surprisingly good selection of vegan-friendly spots – from cozy local restaurants to cafés with a view. Here are some of our favorites:
- Mango Tree Restaurant: If there’s one place we couldn’t get enough of in Nong Khiaw, it’s Mango Tree. This family-run restaurant has such a welcoming, homey vibe, and their menu is full of vegan-friendly dishes made with care. Everything we ordered was packed with flavor, but the eggplant tofu was the clear favorite – so good that we kept coming back twice. And yes, the mango sticky rice absolutely lives up to the name of the place!
- Pepper & Ginger: Pepper & Ginger is a cozy local restaurant with a welcoming vibe and a menu that clearly labels vegan dishes – however, with some dishes like “fruits with yogurt” also marked vegan, there’s a possibility they mix up the word with “vegetarian”. However, for all the hearty meals, you can order without worry: there will be no animal products, as ingredients like cheese and milk are rarely used in savory Lao dishes.
- Bamboo Shoot Restaurant: Set right by the river, Bamboo Shoot is a favorite among many travelers: the kind of place where you’ll want to linger over a meal and enjoy the view. It’s also where we discovered riverweed for the first time, a local delicacy made from dried Mekong algae seasoned with sesame and garlic. Super tasty (and very nutritious!), it’s a must-try for vegan travelers. Their fruit shakes are refreshing too – they usually add milk powder, but just ask them to skip it. They understand veganism perfectly well, and it’s no problem to leave it out.
- Couleur Café Restaurant: Couleur Café blends local Lao recipes with a few Western and French-inspired favorites, making it one of Nong Khiaw’s most popular dining spots for travelers. The service is attentive and flexible: when we mentioned needing something for our early Phar Khew viewpoint hike, the team kindly prepared a tofu and veggie sandwich to take away, even though it wasn’t listed on the menu. Just remember to ask for no mayonnaise to keep it vegan.
Curious about this little, charming town? Explore Nong Khiaw – a peaceful riverside village surrounded by limestone mountains. Find the best hikes, viewpoints, and local eats in our detailed travel guide.
Read: Nong Khiaw Travel Guide
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng surprised us with a few fully vegan places run by kind and dedicated locals. Bread is also much more common here than in Thailand – a clear sign that you’re getting closer to Vietnam and its famous Bánh mì! (Have a look at our article Vegan in Vietnam (coming soon)). You’ll find plenty of street vendors selling sandwiches filled with veggies, avocado, and often tofu; a great and easy vegan option on the go.
- Kapphet Vegan: Fully vegan place! We both had the Pad Thai here, which was fresh and flavorful. A must-visit for a satisfying local vegan meal.
- Amazing Vegan Food: True to its name! 😀 We had the falafel, which was a nice change from the common Lao food, the springrolls and the curry were incredible. Everything was tasty and prepared with care by the kind owner.
- H&H Vegetarian Food & Pizza: Delicious homemade dishes and a super kind owner who’s vegan herself. Great spot for a relaxed meal.
- Vang Vieng’s Best Buns: Streetfood stall selling buns for just 10.000 kip per bun. They have a vegan version stuffed with mushrooms and tofu. Perfect as a quick, tasty street food snack or take with you for a day trip!
Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, also has some great spots for vegan travelers.
- Vegan Center Café: A delicious, fully vegan buffet with a wide range of options – for just 80.000 kip, you can refill your plate as often as you want with local dishes, like curries and pho to tasty mock-meat dishes. The staff are super friendly and attentive, always making sure your tea and water are refilled. A must-visit for a satisfying and affordable vegan meal!
- Vegan Reunion Café: We didn’t get the chance to try this one ourselves, but it has great reviews. Travelers like the cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and creative vegan menu; definitely worth checking out if you’re in the city!
Supermarkets & Markets
You’ll find soy milk, instant noodles (check ingredients!), coconut milk, and snacks in most supermarkets like Mini Big C, M-Point Mart, and J-Mart. Local street markets offer fresh fruit, herbs, and vegetables at very low prices; ideal if you’re self-catering.
In many towns, there are morning and evening markets worth exploring:
- Morning markets are best for local produce, tofu, and freshly cooked snacks.
- Evening markets often feature ready-to-eat street food and a lively atmosphere.
- Luang Prabang Night Market even has a small vegan food stall offering a buffet-style selection of vegetables, tofu dishes, noodles and rice – an easy, affordable dinner option for travelers.
Quick Tips for Vegan Travelers in Laos
Use Google Maps
In Laos, especially in larger destinations like Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, or Vientiane, finding vegan food is easier than you might expect. Just type “vegan” or “vegetarian” into Google Maps — you’ll often find cafés and restaurants with plant-based options, and sometimes even fully vegan menus. In smaller towns and rural areas, the results might be more limited. But don’t worry — that doesn’t mean vegan food doesn’t exist. Many small, family-run eateries simply don’t have an online presence yet. In fact, almost every Lao restaurant can prepare a simple vegan meal if you ask kindly.
Tip: After visiting a place, leave a short Google Maps review mentioning the word “vegan.” This helps future travelers and makes plant-based food more visible on the map!
Read more about how you can easily support the vegan community while traveling in our article:
Vegan Travel – Exploring the world without compromising your values
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Check HappyCow
Just like in other countries, HappyCow is a great starting point for finding vegan or vegetarian restaurants in Laos. Most bigger towns have listings with reviews and pictures,a good way to see which spots are fully plant-based and which ones are just vegan-friendly. In more remote areas, you might find fewer listings, so combining HappyCow with Google Maps gives the best overview.
Try Local Lao Eateries
Some of our favorite vegan meals in Laos came from small, no-name eateries serving simple, home-cooked dishes. Menus are often only in Lao and usually focus on meat dishes, but most places can easily prepare a stir-fried vegetable dish, tofu larb, or noodle soup without animal products; all full of herbs, spice, and flavor.
Even if you don’t see a vegan option on the menu, just ask: locals are usually very accommodating and used to adjusting dishes upon request.
Learn a Few Lao Phrases (or Use an App)
In touristy towns, many people understand some English. But in villages or small restaurants, it helps a lot to know a few Lao words. Instead of saying “vegan,” which isn’t commonly used, it’s better to be specific:
Useful Lao Words for Vegans
| English | Lao |
|---|---|
| Meat | ຊາດ (Sāat) |
| Chicken | ໄກ່ (Gai) |
| Fish | ປາ (Pa) |
| Shrimp | ກະປາ (Ka Pa) |
| Egg | ໄຂ່ (Khai) |
| Milk | ນົກຂາມ (Nom) |
| Cheese | ຊີດ (Sīt) |
| Butter | ເມັງມານ (Meng Man) |
| Fish sauce | ນ້ຳປາ (Nam Pa) |
| Shrimp paste | ກະປາກະປາ (Ka Pa Ka Pa) |
Translation Card for Laos
Having this written down (or saved on your phone, don’t hesitate to make a screenshot!) makes things much easier and avoids misunderstandings.
Look for “Jay” or “Vegetarian” Signs
In Laos, the Thai “Jay” (เจ) concept (meaning Buddhist vegan food) also exists, though it’s less common than in Thailand. You might still spot the yellow-and-red Jay symbol (เจ) outside temples or small food stalls in cities like Vientiane or Luang Prabang, especially during Buddhist festivals.
If you see this sign, you’re in luck 😀 : these places serve food that’s completely vegan (no meat, fish, egg, dairy, or garlic/onion).
Practical Laos Tips
How to Get to Laos
Many travelers reach Laos overland from Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai, combining northern Thailand with destinations like Luang Prabang or Vientiane.
From Chiang Rai to Laos:
The most common route is via the Chiang Khong – Huay Xai border. Buses from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong take about 2 hours, followed by a quick crossing of the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River. Once in Huay Xai, you can continue deeper into Laos by bus or take the scenic Slowboat to Luang Prabang (2 days).
From Chiang Mai to Laos:
You can either take a direct bus from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang (around 18-20 hours) or travel first to Chiang Rai and then cross into Laos at Chiang Khong for a shorter, more flexible route.
Arriving by Plane:
International flights connect Laos with neighboring countries. The main airports are Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Pakse, with regular connections from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, and Kuala Lumpur.
Visa & Border Tip:
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at land borders and airports (30 days). Bring USD cash, a passport photo, and note that borders usually close around 6 PM. The Lao Kip (₭) is not available outside the country, so exchange money or withdraw cash after entering.
Money & Payments
The local currency is the Lao Kip (₭), but some places also accept USD. Cash is required in most places. ATMs are widely available in bigger towns, but small eateries or markets usually don’t take cards. Bring some small bills for local buses, fruit stalls, and temples.
The currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK), and cash is still king – especially in smaller towns or rural areas. ATMs are widely available in bigger cities like Luang Prabang or Vientiane, though most charge a withdrawal fee.
We recommend using the Wise multi-currency card for your travels: you can withdraw cash at ATMs with fair exchange rates, hold multiple currencies, and avoid high conversion fees.
Tip: Always keep some small bills on hand for local markets, food stalls, and tuk-tuks – many places don’t accept cards or large notes.
Internet & SIM Cards
Local SIM cards are cheap and reliable. The most popular providers are Unitel, Laotel, and ETL. You can buy a SIM at the airport or in convenience stores. 4G works well in cities and along major routes but can be slower in rural areas. If you prefer not to swap physical SIMs, consider getting an eSIM through apps like Airalo, Nomad, or Holafly: it’s convenient and can be activated before you arrive in Laos.
Drinking Water
Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Refill stations are available in some guesthouses and cafés – a great way to reduce plastic waste while traveling
Local Etiquette
Laotians are gentle and polite. Dress modestly when visiting temples (shoulders and knees covered) and remove your shoes before entering. Avoid touching someone’s head or pointing your feet toward monks or Buddha statues.
Conclusion
Laos might not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of Southeast Asia, but it’s truly a hidden gem. If you love authentic travel experiences, stunning natural scenery, and a calm, unhurried rhythm of life, you’ll find Laos incredibly rewarding. As vegans, we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to find delicious plant-based food here. Apart from a few ingredients to watch out for when ordering, eating vegan in Laos is simple and satisfying. We especially loved the crispy riverweed and flavorful stir-fried vegetable and tofu dishes. If you’re visiting Laos, and we’re sure this small country and its people will win your heart with their charm and warmth.
FAQ: Vegan in Laos
Is Laos vegan-friendly?
Yes, surprisingly so! While Laos isn’t famous for vegan food yet, you’ll find plenty of naturally plant-based dishes like stir-fried vegetables, tofu larb, sticky rice, and fresh fruit. Most meals are cooked fresh, so it’s usually easy to ask for fish sauce or egg to be left out.
What are the best vegan dishes to try?
Some of our favorites include riverweed (Kaipen), vegan larb (Larb Jay), papaya salad (Tam Mak Hoong), stir-fried morning glory, and sticky rice with mango or banana. Don’t miss the vegan buffet at Luang Prabang’s night market for a fun, affordable way to sample a bit of everything.
How can I ask for vegan food in Lao?
The word “vegan” isn’t widely known in Laos, so it’s best to say what you don’t eat. You can say:
“Bo sai nam pa, bo sai kai, bo sai nua” — which means “no fish sauce, no egg, no meat.”
It’s polite and works almost everywhere!
Are there fully vegan restaurants?
Yes — especially in larger towns. In Luang Prabang, check out the night market’s vegan buffet, Happy Cat Café, and Khaiphaen Restaurant. In Vang Vieng, Kapphet Vegan and Amazing Vegan Food are must-visits, while in Vientiane, you’ll love Vegan Center Café.
What ingredients should vegans watch out for?
The most common non-vegan ingredients are fish sauce (nam pa), shrimp paste (ka pa), oyster sauce, eggs, and condensed milk in drinks and desserts. Always ask to leave them out when ordering.
Can I find plant-based milk and snacks?
Yes! Most supermarkets — like Mini Big C, M-Point Mart, and J-Mart — sell soy milk, instant noodles (check ingredients!), coconut milk, and vegan-friendly snacks. Street markets also have fresh fruit, sticky rice, and grilled bananas — all naturally vegan.
Is it easy to eat vegan outside major cities?
In smaller towns, options are simpler but still possible. Most eateries can make a tofu and vegetable stir-fry or noodle soup without meat if you ask kindly. Laotian people are warm and accommodating, so communication goes a long way — a smile helps too!
Further Reading
Blog Articles
Traveling in Laos:
- Slowboat to Laos – An Enchanting Voyage on the Mekong River (+ Vegan Tips)
- Nong Khiaw Travel Guide
- Best Things to do in Luang Prabang
- Sleeper Bus from Vientiane to Hanoi
Vegan Guides:
- Vegan Guide to Chiang Mai
- Vegan Guide to Thailand
- Mae Hong Son Loop as a Vegan: Discovering Thailand’s Stunning North
- Why Vegan? The Reason We Travel the World Plant-Based
- Vegan Travel – Exploring the World Without Compromising Your Values
Useful Resources
About the Authors
Lynn & Daniel are the vegan couple behind VanderlustJourney, combining their passion for adventure and plant-based living. They share stories and visuals of natural places, hikes, vegan discoveries, and meaningful encounters from around the world – always striving to travel with kindness.
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✉️ Contact: vanderlustjourney@outlook.com