A bucolic scenery of the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is truly idyllic. The region is located close to the Thai, Cambodian and Vietnamese borders at an altitude between 1,100 and 1,300 m what ensures a cool balmy weather throughout the year. Boasting highly fertile soil, regular rainfalls and temperate climate, the Bolaven Plateau is an ideal ground for growing coffee. The main variety of coffee gown locally is robusta which constitutes about 80% of the whole crop. Coffee farms dot the plateau with the farmers' houses right in the midst of their plantations.
It is easy to visit on your own as many of the plantations welcome visitors. There are also coffee plantation tours on offer which are often is a by-product of local farmers. They are more than eager to show visitors the process of coffee production – from cherry to cup. For the best experience time your visit for October–February when coffee crop is harvested.
The Boulaven Plateau is also famous for its spectacular waterfalls – Tad Fane waterfall and Dong Hua Sao. If you are in the area, do not miss them.
The Bolaven Plateau is best reached from Pakse, in the south of Laos. It is about 30 km from the city. There are passing by buses plying route 16E or you can reach the plateau via a hired motobike from Pakse.
Bolaven Plateau: Prime Coffee Destination in Laos
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Nestled in southern Laos, Boulaven Plateau is well-known and admired for its stunning natural scenery of coffee and tea plantations, unspoilt nooks and crannies and fascinating ethnic culture.