beer lao factory tour

Destination: Beer Lao factory tour (Vientiane area, Laos)

Sep 24, 2013 | Laos

Your tour guide will escort into the theatre for a video introduction to the company. Combining corporate and communist propaganda, the company with the government as a partial owner surprises no one by showing itself as a responsible corporate citizen. While very little of the 8–9 minute video is worth remembering, one standout highlight was the 280 million liter capacity mentioned for 2012.

Afterwards, meander around a few exhibits — most notably the awards won and the famous locals in Western suits. Your tour guide will then take you across the street to what I’ll call the new building.

Opened in December 2012, the maze of overhead pipes in this still-shiny factory would make Rube Goldberg proud. While no pictures are allowed inside, keep your eyes open for all the details around. From the control room, one person could theoretically run all the machines, transferring liquid from one tank to the next.

Climb the stairs to the second floor, where the smell of mash permeates the place. You’ll pass by many of the same tanks, but without the relatively low ceiling or all the pipes. Several tanks measure in the hundreds of hectoliters (1 hectoliter equals 26.4 gallons for the Americans), while the process itself is fairly straightforward.

Just behind the new building is the second building — slightly older, and has a bit more noise to go with the ubiquitous yellow crates. Unless your drinking habit requires you to imbibe from the vat itself, it’s got to get to a bottle or can first. See the beverage go from vat to bottle, courtesy of the overhead catwalk. It’s a rapid fire look at most everything from the can washer to the label applier (40,000 an hour), the bottle filler (24,000 an hour), and plenty of other fast-paced machines. I do wish there was a bit more explanation or sense of order — so many moving parts mean you aren’t sure what step you’re watching.

Outside, the yellow crates full of 640ml bottles ready for sale are stacked 6 meters high. Again, no photos allowed inside the factory — inside the museum or outside the factory is fine.

Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, the factory tour gives you an appreciation for how the beverage is made. The scale alone makes it worth the visit, but anyone seeking the mythical beer-drinking Mecca would do better to return to a TV commercial. It’s an industrial manufacturing plant, first and foremost, not a host for twentysomething alcoholics and their fantasies.

Name: BeerLao Factory Tour Address: Thadeua Rd, Vientiane (GPS: 17.871181,102.655989 ) Directions: This one may be known by the tuk-tuks, but your best bet is to rent a motorbike. From Vientiane, you’ll be leaving on the road going southeast out of town, Rue Setthathilath (note this is a one way road). Stay on this main road / expressway — drive / ride for about 13km, and you’ll see the unmistakable yellow building and steel tanks on either side. Start at the building on the right.

Hours: tours ONLY available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:30pm-4:30pm (Wednesday has an additional hour of tours available, from 9:30am-10:30am). Admission: 40,000 kip per person. Phone: 021–81–20045 or e-mail [email protected] Website: www.beerlao.la

Hey, I’m Chris!

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How to Spend 1 Day in Vientiane the Best Way Possible (2024)

Vientiane is frequently described as sleepy, boring, uneventful, or all of these together.

I think it’s charming.

It’s Southeast Asia’s smallest capital. Vientiane is unlike megapolises like Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, and Hanoi in all the best ways – the hustle and bustle is gone, traffic is lighter, air quality is not as bad, etc.

Yes, it pales in comparison to Luang Prabang and so most backpackers don’t spend a lot of time in Vientiane. But you know what? One day in Vientiane is more than enough to get a quick feel and visit the sights!

What you will visit on this Vientiane itinerary

Places you can realistically visit in 1 day include:

• Morning and night markets
• At least 3 Buddhist temples (Wats) including Wat That Luang
• Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe – the Patuxay
• COPE Visitor Center where you will learn all about Laos’s being the most heavily bombed country in history and their current troubles with unexploded ordnance (UXO)
• The Old Town

For this itinerary, I will assume you have a full day in Vientiane. If you’re arriving from Thailand and leaving for another place in Laos on the same day, you may have to cut something out.

I advise you to spend at least 1 night in Vientiane before hopping on the high-speed train to Luang Prabang .

Morning Market

We’re starting the day with the most authentic place in Vientiane – the local market.

I am specifically talking about the Talat Sao Morning Market . It’s right beside the Central Bus Station where you can catch minibuses to most places in Vientiane.

Outside, the market has local produce, fresh meat, and some delicious snacks. Look for the places that serve hot Lao soup for breakfast.

Inside, it’s more reminiscent of a mall than a local market. Textiles, gold, trinkets, shoes, glasses, etc. You can find it in Talat Sao.

The third floor houses the food court with more options for breakfast.

The real drawback of the morning market? It’s mostly cheap Chinese goods. Few are made in Laos. But you gotta see it all, right?

You will be able to see the imposing arch from Talat Sao. Follow the main avenue Lane Xang for about 750 meters and you will reach Laos’s own Arc de Triomphe.

I find it funny that the monument commemorating those who fought against the French for the independence of Laos looks too similar to the Parisian monument in memory of those who fought for France.

At least Vientiane’s Patuxay, or Victory Gate as it should be translated, is built following Buddhist principles and is adorned with all sorts of mythical creatures such as Nagas- one of the symbols of Laos.

You can even get inside the Patuxay and go to the top. The view isn’t spectacular as it’s not that high but it makes for a memorable experience.

• Open: 8:30 to 17:00 every day
• Price : 30.000 LAK (1.5$)

Fun fact: The Patuxay was built using American cement intended for a new airport which is why it’s nicknamed “The Vertical Runway”.

Wat That Luang Complex

After chilling for a little bit in the newly built ( by the Chinese ) garden behind the Patuxay, proceed to the next destination. It’s only 2.3 km but if you’re not too keen on walking in the heat, negotiate with a nearby tuk-tuk to take you there for 20.000 to 30.000 LAK (1-1.5$).

Wat That Luang

I am of course talking about Wat That Luang – a complex of at least 4 different Buddhist temples including one of Vientiane’s most recognizable places – the golden stupa of Pha That Luang .

Oh, I don’t think I will ever get tired of looking at Wats.

You can marvel at all of the monastical complexes from outside for free. If you want to enter Pha That Luang (the Golden Stupa), you will have to buy a ticket.

You can visit the complex anytime. For Pha That Luang:

• Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 to 17:00 with 1 hour lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00.
• Price: 30.000 LAK (1.5$)

Reclining Buddha

While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the Reclining Buddha .

There isn’t anything particularly special about this Buddha here but it’s important to know the significance and symbolism of Buddha’s different positions.

The reclining Buddha is in the final stage of earthly life just before reaching nirvana after death.

If you’re not Buddhist remember: pictures with the Buddha are OK as long as you don’t have your back towards him!

COPE Visitor Center

Did you know that Laos is the most bombed country in the world?

Countless millions of bombs were dropped over the country during the Vietnam-American War. Why? Because the Viet Cong went through Laos to get to South Vietnam. So the Americans bombed everything indiscriminately.

Over 200 million bombies remain buried in Laos’s earth. A bombie is a small piece of ordnance from a bigger cluster bomb. It is powerful enough to kill. Most of these are unexploded – every month Laotians are killed or maimed by one of these. If the current rate of clearance continues, it will take Laos 200 years to clear all the bombies.

Learn all about Laos’s war history, the toll these bombies have on locals today, what NGOs are doing to help and clear the land, and much more at the COPE Visitor Center in Vientiane.

• Open: Every day from 8:30 to 16:00.
• Price: Free but donations appreciated

There is a similar UXO Laos Visitor Center in Luang Prabang if you skip the one in Vientiane.

Oh, and take some tissues – you will need them.

Ho Phrakeo Museum

Ho Phrakeo used to be a Royal Temple. Built in the 16th century to house a particularly important Emerald Buddha artifact, today it’s one of Vientiane’s most visited museums.

• Open : 8:00 to 16:00 with a lunch break between 12:00 and 13:00
• Entrance fee : 30.000 LAK (1.5$)

You will see an Emerald Buddha inside but it’s not THE one . The original Emerald Buddha is inside Bangkok’s Grand Palace having been stolen during the Siamese occupation.

Inside Ho Phrakeo you will also find hundreds of other Buddhist artifacts and archeological finds from all across Laos. It’s a good way to end your 1 day in Vientiane.

Buddhist Wats in the Old Town of Vientiane

The Old Town of Vientiane is the area hugging the Mekong River. I may be the first to use this term – Vientiane used to be small and the Old Town was The Town.

But Vientiane is growing and expanding laterally. When you go to the Northern Bus Station or the new Laos-China Railway Station, you will notice the growing number of new buildings dotting the countryside.

Back to the Old Town – the heart of Vientiane. You will spend your evening here and chances are your lodging is also in this area. There is a Buddhist Wat behind every corner, so pick at least 2 and visit them before dark.

• Wat Sisaket : serene and significant
• That Dam Stupa : The Black Stupa. The legend claims that it used to be gold. It’s considered the protector of Vientiane.
• Wat Mixay : Very colorful
• Wat Ong Teu
• Wat Xieng Nyeun

Night Market

It’s borderline criminal not to end your day at the Vientiane Night Market!

Even if you just browse around the clothing section and shop for smells at the food court, it’s still indisputably a must-see attraction in Vientiane.

And if you decide to buy stuff, don’t forget to bargain first! Except at the food court – there the prices are set ( but are quite high compared to elsewhere in the city ). Find out more about money and bargaining in Laos .

Do you have 2 days?

One day in Vientiane is enough to see the main sights but if you have 2 days, you can either spend the second drinking coffee/beer in the Old Town or check out these two places below.

Buddha Park

The Buddha Park is bizarre, eccentric, and if it weren’t for its skyrocketing popularity, could be classified as obscure.

It’s a park of 200 unique sculptures, not all of them depicting Buddhas, despite the name.

They are all inspired by Hindu and Buddhist religious beliefs and characters. But also feature skulls, demons, animals, and demi-gods. Macabre and surreal.

You may be led to believe that it’s an ancient place of great spiritual significance. Wrong! It was created in the 1950s by a lone mystic under the name of Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, who some considered a spiritual leader and others – just plain insane.

What’s more, Mr. Sulilat left Laos in 1975 after the communist revolution and hopped over the Mekong to his birthplace of Nong Khai in Thailand where he built a second bizarre park full of concrete sculptures. This one he named Sala Keoku- “Keoku’s Hall” – after the hermit that inspired him to follow a spiritual path in his life.

Sulilat’s mummified body is enshrined inside Sala Keoku. Truly occult stuff.

• Open: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 17:00. Sunday from 10:00 to 15:30.
• Ticket: 40.000 LAK (2$)
• How to get there: Take bus #14 from Vientiane Central Station (just behind Talat Sao morning market). Bus ticket costs 12.000 LAK (0.6$)

Beer Lao Factory

90% of the domestic beer market in Laos is captured by one brand – Beer Lao .

The Laotian alcohol giant has made a name for itself in the region. I’ve tried most of the local beer in Southeast Asia and I think Beer Lao is the best.

So do Laotians who refuse to change it for imported beer!

You can visit Beer Lao’s brewery and tour the premises. Their website is not very helpful: the “Book a Ticket” page is still under construction but if you just turn up you can enter and explore the Beer Lao Museum.

They do tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 13:30 but email [email protected] to confirm.

• Open : Every day from 8:00 to 18:00
• Ticket : 40.000 LAK (2$)
• How to get there : Bus #14 conveniently stops in front of the factory.

Where to stay in Vientiane

Stay somewhere in the Old Town, near the Night Market. It’s an area full of nice places to eat and with plenty of accommodation options for all budgets.

For budget backpackers , I recommend Barn 1920s Hostel . It’s the best-rated hostel in Vientiane, its dorms are only 4 beds ( less chance of someone snoring, right? ) and it has that vintage atmosphere from the Roaring Twenties.

For couples and those who don’t want to share a room, my vote goes for Le Luxe Boutique Hotel . It’s cozy and clean, the staff is helpful and it’s in a superb location.

You’ve got the money to splurge and you want the best hotel in Vientiane? Don’t look further than La Seine Hotel . I won’t go on and on about why it’s the best – all I will say is: rooftop restaurant and bar. Just trust me, alright?

Where to next?

If you’re in Vientiane coming from Thailand, then you have two options: go south or go north.

In North Laos, you can stop at Vang Vieng (and climb that famous viewpoint with a motorcycle ) and then proceed to Luang Prabang – the jewel, the pearl, the diamond. Where culture, religion, and nature intersect.

Consider taking the new Laos-China Railway to go north.

In South Laos, you will find more rural places and outstanding scenery. Consider stopping in Thakhek for what’s come to be known as the Thakhek Loop and in Pakse for the waterfall-galore Bolaven Plateau Loop .

You will also like:

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• 1 Day in Ho Chi Minh City: The Best Short Itinerary (2024)
• 17 Awesome Day Trips from Kutaisi
• Myra Ruins in Demre: Santa Claus was born here! (kind of)
• Is Midyat, Turkey Worth a Visit? These 15 Places Say Yes!
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Beerlao — Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Best Beer in Laos

One cannot travel through Laos without being exposed to Beerlao. Signs, tablecloths, and of course ample amounts of Beerlao beer can be found in pretty much every corner of the country.

In my personal experience, I had my first taste of Beerlao even before I got into the country while I was still on my Lao Airlines flight into Luang Prabang. That was the first of many Beerlao to come over the course of the next month that I spend in Laos.

As essentially the official beer of the country since the Laos government holds a 50% stake in the company, Beerlao is cheap and readily available.

In this blog post, you'll learn a bit more about the Beerlao brand as well as Lao Brewery Company who makes this and other varieties of beer.

Beerlao Brands

In addition to their flagship beer, Lao Brewery Co, abbreviated LBC, has a lineup of six other beer varieties. In order of their release date, here is a list of all Beerlao beer brands along with their alcohol content.

• Beerlao : introduced in 1973, this pilsner has a 5% ABV
• Beerlao Dark : introduced in 2005, this strong pilsner has a 6% ABV
• LaneXang Lager Beer : introduced in 2008, this pilsner has a 5% ABV
• Beerlao Gold : introduced in 2010, this pilsner has a 5% ABV
• Beerlao While : introduced in 2018, this white lager has a 5% ABV
• Beerlao IPA Limited Edition : introduced in 2019, this India Pale Ale has a 5% ABV
• Luang Prabang Beer  introduced in 2021, this lager has a 4.5% ABV

LBC is associated with Carlsberg and locally produces beer from Denmark including Carlsberg, Tuborg Green, Somersby Apple Cider, and Somersby Blackberry. From France, LBC also brews 1664 Blanc.

As you might imagine, all of these brands can be bought throughout Laos.

How Much Does Beerlao Cost?

The price of Beerlao throughout Laos is 10,000 kip ($1 US) for a 640 ml (21.6 oz) bottle and 5,000 kip ($0.50 US) for a 330 ml (11.1 oz) bottle or can.

As you can see from the drink menu below, you are encouraged to buy the Beer Lao big bottle at this Laos restaurant in Phôngsali  since regardless of size, all Beerlao prices are the same.

In some cases, Beerlao costs the same as a bottle of water.

Beerlao Ingredients and Calories

Beerlao is brewed with rice, malted barley, hops, yeast, and of course water.

Other than rice and water, Lao Brewing Co sources its ingredients from other countries. In particular, the hops and yeast are brought in from Germany while the malt comes from France and Belgium.

Although Beerlao doesn't publish nutrition information for any of its beer, a typical 330 ml serving of a pilsner contains around 145 calories.

Is Beerlao Gluten Free?

No. Although the primary ingredient is rice, since the beer contains malted barley, Beerlao is not gluten free.

Where Can You Buy Beerlao?

You can of course buy Beerlao pretty much everywhere in Laos, but what about the rest of the world?

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Beerlao is sold locally in Tucson at an international supermarket called Lee Lee with a few additional locations in the Phoenix area. I would imagine that other large international grocery stores carry Beerlao in the United States.

The United States alcohol retailer  Total Wine sells Beerlao  cans and bottles in select locations. Depending on where you are located, you can have it shipped to you.

The American tavern chain World of Beer also has Beerlao available for purchase at some of its restaurants.

According to their website, Beerlao exports to the following 12 countries:

• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Lao Brewery Company Information

Lao Brewery Co., Ltd came into existence in 1973 under the name Lao Beer and Ice Factory. Ownership and investments changed over the years, but today the Lao Government owns 50% of the company while Carlsberg Breweries owns the other 50% according to their website.

The headquarters of Lao Brewing Company is in Vientiane. The second brewery was opened in May 2008 in the Champasack Province.

You will soon be able to do a Beerlao brewery tour, but as of the time of this writing, Lao Brewery's website says "coming soon".

Until then, I'm curious what your thoughts are about Beerlao. Love it? Hate it? Let us know below.

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Beyond Beerlao: Sampling Craft Beer in Laos

November 12, 2018 By Ryan Victor 6 Comments

No trip to Laos would be complete without a few bottles of the country’s flagship beer, Beerlao, one of the most popular mass-market brews in Southeast Asia. The green and orange labels with the tiger logo appear at pretty much every bar, restaurant, shop, and roadside stand in the country.

To locals and visitors alike, Beerlao seems like the only game in town. Vietnam, Thailand, and even Cambodia have all built their craft beer industries at a rapid pace, as tourists, expats, and locals have started looking for more flavorful options. But Laos’ beer scene has mostly stagnated, with Beerlao accounting for 95% of the country’s beer sales.

That’s not to say that microbreweries in Laos are completely absent, but the beer circuit there is a short one, and almost entirely located in the country’s capital, Vientiane. Most tourists spend very little time there, meaning they miss Laos’ craft beer scene completely.  

But I was not about to! On the contrary, I made a point to try almost every brewery in Laos, though unfortunately, I haven’t made it to Batieng Brewery down in Champasak (and neither have many other travelers, it seems). Let’s take a look at all the other breweries in Laos.

Lao Brewery Company (Beerlao)

Heineken lao brewery (formerly lao asia pacific breweries), le patitoh cafe, corebeer brewhouse, why try craft beers in laos.

Before we explore Laos’ craft beer scene, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way. The ubiquitous Beerlao is normally priced at 10,000 kip ($1.25) for a tall boy-sized bottle, and it’s stunningly popular with backpackers , expats, and locals alike.

There’s little disagreement that Beerlao is better than similar offerings in Cambodia and Thailand (like Angkor, Chang, and Singha), though that’s hardly a ringing endorsement. That being said, Beerlao makes use of better ingredients than other mass-market breweries in the region, importing malt from Belgium and hops from Germany.

Much of Beerlao’s success can be attributed to its multi-decade monopoly on the Lao beer market; from its inception in 1973 up until 2008, it was the only brewery in the country, with the Lao government and Danish beer giant Carlsberg as the majority shareholders. A captive market formed over the years, and it’s going to take quite a few more before locals’ taste buds are willing to stray far from the familiar.

For the first 32 years of the company’s existence, Lao Brewery made one single beer, the original Beerlao. Today, they make Beerlao in three not entirely distinct flavors  – original, gold, and dark – as well as and their seldom seen LaneXang lager.

Given a choice among the four, I most often went with dark, which seems to have a higher malt content (and usually a 2,000 kip, or $0.25, higher price tag). The gold is lighter than the original recipe and really not worth buying. LaneXang is sold in very few places, and its flavor doesn’t differ much from the standard Beerlao; I’m not really sure why it exists.

However, the company jumped on the craft beer bandwagon this year and introduced its “ crafty line ,” made up of White, Amber, and Hoppy beers. Only one of the three will become a permanent fixture in the Beerlao family, and consumers get to vote on which one. These beers typically cost about 10,000 ($1.25) for a 12-ounce bottle (no tall boy-sized bottles of these, sadly).

The White is similar to regular Beerlao, but with some of its harsher edges sanded off. It’s not exactly a Belgian-style Witbier, as a negligible amount of wheat is used in its brewing (Beerlao, like other beers around Southeast Asia, is made from jasmine rice).

I couldn’t taste any additives like orange peel or coriander either, but that surely would have been expecting too much. If you can find a slice of orange to slip in your bottle, it would probably add to the flavor. That being said, I thought it was a slight improvement over the original Beerlao.

The Amber has a heavier body and a smoother taste than the standard Beerlao, but doesn’t have a distinct flavor. I went in with low expectations for the Hoppy, knowing it would taste nothing like my beloved IPAs at home. But believe it or not, it was pretty good. Somehow that extra hops gives the perception of a smoother finish and maybe a little more body. It was definitely my favorite of the three new flavors – hopefully it’s the one the company will keep.

Lao Brewery used to run tours of its factory in Vientiane and host an on-site museum, but sadly both are currently closed “until further notice.”

Founded in 2008 as a partnership between Heineken and the Lao government, the Heineken Lao Brewery was the first competitor to the Beerlao juggernaut. They produce just two beers native to Laos: Nam Khong and Nam Khong Special (they also brew Singapore’s famous Tiger brand in addition to Heineken).

The original Nam Khong costs the same as Beerlao, 10,000 kip ($1.25) and doesn’t taste too different, retaining the mildly European flavor that made their competition famous. Nam Khong Special, which was only introduced in 2014, takes things in a totally new direction, using locally grown black rice as its primary malt ingredient.

The addition of black rice gives it an earthy flavor that offsets the sweet aftertaste of Nam Khong original. It’s normally 2,000 kip ($0.25) more than the original, and I’d say it’s well worth it.

This is the latest upstart in Laos’ craft beer scene, and without the help of a friend who’s a long-time expat, I would have never even heard about it. Tucked into the suburbs just outside Vientiane’s cluster of foreign embassies, Le Patitoh is a fixture in the city’s expat scene, thanks to its swimming pool and delicious ice cream.

About a year ago, Le Patitoh decided to add a microbrewery to the mix. With six different brews on tap, they’re poised to make a big splash. It sounds like they’re about to start running tours of the brewery, which will be the only one in Laos, as far as I know.

Le Patitoh is also the only one to offer flights of their beers. Wanting to sample as many brews as possible (for research!), that’s what I went with.

The first tasting of the flight was their blonde ale, a surprisingly flavorful brew compared to most light Southeast Asian beers. It was enjoyable, with a medium body and crisp finish, but not something I’d make a special trip out to the suburbs for.

Next up was the wheat, a very yeast-forward beer packed with fruity notes. It was probably my favorite of the flight, and something I could see myself ordering while lounging next to Le Patitoh’s pool. Unfortunately, the third slot on my flight came up empty. While there’s normally a pale ale on tap, they were out of it during my visit.

Then came the most anticipated beer of the flight: the IPA, which is almost always my favorite. Surprisingly, I liked it the least of the four. I don’t know if the keg had gone flat or there was some error in brewing, but it lacked the big hoppy punch I was expecting and almost tasted like a lager. I hope this was just a one-time problem and doesn’t continue as the brewery scales up.

My last beer was the stout, which is always hit-or-miss for me. If you come into this one expecting a thick brew with hints of chocolate, it’s sure to disappoint. But if you’re like me and don’t have much of a taste for the stuff, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Le Patitoh’s take on the stout comes out more like a nice nutty brown ale with a medium body. It’s probably one of the better stouts in Southeast Asia and something I might even be willing to order a full pint of.

Le Patitoh’s beers are 18,000 to 22,000 kip ($2.25 to $2.75) for a (roughly) 12-ounce bottle, and they also offer smaller bottles that are about 8 ounces.

CoreBeer just oozes cool, from the graffiti-style entrance sign that greets you at the door to the vintage light fixtures and quirky furniture inside. The stage, complete with a mic stand and an absurd number of cables, hints that some great live music takes place here, but after scouring their Facebook page and TripAdvisor reviews, I couldn’t tell you when.

After taking a seat near a rather amusing fountain made entirely of beer bottles, I noticed the half-dozen conditioning tanks behind the bar, which gave me hope that this might be one of my best craft beer experiences in Southeast Asia.

Unfortunately, I was quickly relieved of my high expectations when the bartender told me they were out of nearly all their beers, only a basic lager and stout remaining. Each was only 15,000 kip ($1.88) though, a pretty reasonable price for craft beer.

Microbrewery lagers are so often a disappointment, with the only difference between them and their mass-market counterparts being a higher price point. But CoreBeer’s lager wasn’t bad at all; it was hoppier than I expected, less malty than Beerlao, and had a nice, clean taste. It made a solid accompaniment to some pub snacks, which were definitely the star of the show (a perfectly spiced plate of French fries for $3).

Since the stout was the only other option available, I resolved to try it, even though stouts are one of my least favorite beers. Unfortunately, this one can only be described as undrinkable. It tasted incredibly artificial, which seems to be a trend with stouts in Southeast Asia. It was fairly malty and tasted like it had quite a bit of alcohol too.

CoreBeer is conveniently located fairly close to the COPE Center , a must-see when you’re in Vientiane, although it doesn’t open until 5pm and doesn’t get busy for a couple hours after that. The #14 bus runs nearby and only costs 6,000 kip ($0.75).

Proclaiming itself to be one of the first commercial craft breweries in Laos, Rock Brew had been on my list of places to try from the day we crossed the border. I’m so disappointed they don’t have their own tasting room, as their website reveals the most diverse set of beers in Laos, with seasonal offerings coming and going at all times.

When I was in Vientiane, they were brewing everything from a New England IPA to a sour Berliner Weisse. You’ll have to check their Facebook page to find out what they’ve got going during your visit.

Their Rye Pale was big on hops flavor and spicy rye aroma. The body was a little lighter than you might find in a pale ale back home, but it was easily the best beer I had in Laos. The only downside is that it came with a price tag to match, at 50,000 kip ($6.25). That might be reasonable for a good beer in Boston or NYC, but it’s quite the sticker shock in Vientiane, and it’s by far the most expensive beer I saw in Laos. Still, if a good beer is what you’re after, this was a good one to try.

Update: Rock Brew is, unfortunately, on hiatus for the foreseeable future. The owner is supposedly looking to open a new brewery, and given that they made the finest craft beer in Laos, I feel confident that they’ll come back at some point. However, the high price point may have been the cause of their demise, so I hope they can restructure and come back with something a little less expensive, but just as delicious.

Few visitors to Laos ever venture beyond the ubiquitous bottle of Beerlao. It’s cheap, it’s relatively flavorful, and it’s been the pride of the country for decades, so why bother with anything else?

Better taste and greater variety, obviously, but also because it’s interesting to see a craft beer movement in its infancy. In a place that’s tasted little beyond their flagship beer, you can watch as brewers push the boundaries of their country’s (and its visitors’) tastes and see what sticks.

Have you been to any breweries in Laos? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Many thanks to Le Patitoh Cafe for the complimentary beer flight! As always, all opinions are our own.

About Ryan Victor

Born and raised in Montana, Ryan Victor is a lover of the outdoors and a passionate hiker, kayaker, and skier. After he and Jen got married in 2016, they quickly got rid of all their stuff and left their jobs in Boston to fulfill their dream of traveling the world. Now, they travel together (and occasionally separately) while working remotely, and housesit in many of the places they go. Ryan’s visited 20 countries, and his travel style revolves around getting far off the beaten path and finding adventure wherever possible.

April 9, 2023 at 12:29 pm

Thank you for the helpful information. I can attest that as of April 9, 2023, CoreBeer is still open.

April 9, 2023 at 11:39 pm

Glad to hear it! We don’t want the country to slip back into only having Beerlaos. CoreBeer is such a cool space too!

November 16, 2022 at 9:24 pm

Hey, found this article while doing research for our upcoming trip to Laos. I was curious as to whether there was any kind of craft beer scene in the country. It looks like all the breweries you mentioned are now defunct, probably driven out of business by the pandemic. Wondering if you have any updated info for 2022 on whether there are any new players in the scene?

November 21, 2022 at 11:37 pm

CoreBeer in Vientiane is still around. Their Facebook page is being updated regularly https://www.facebook.com/COREBEER.LAOS/ . I see that Google says it’s permanently closed but they put up a FB post about the World Cup. As was noted, Rock Brew closed a while back and it looks like Le Patitoh was killed by the pandemic. I’m not surprised since the pool, restaurant, brewery was very much an expat hangout, specifically Australians who had a lot of issues traveling back and forth during that time. I’m not seeing anything new either. Laos is a really difficult market to start a brewery in. Beerlao is a national symbol and absolutely beloved by locals and tourists, so expats were the only major buyers of craft beer. It’s why the craft breweries were all in Vientiane instead of tourist hubs like Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang. Cambodia has been moderately successful with craft beer simply because they’re lax on regulations and have low start up costs. There’s at least three new ones in Phnom Penh since I wrote that post.

November 17, 2018 at 12:33 am

I must say that I didn’t think Laos had craft beer at all, thanks for changing my mind♥

November 20, 2018 at 10:18 pm

Thanks! Hopefully the movement keeps growing. It’d be great to see craft breweries open up in other towns besides Vientiane.

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Thum Keo!: The Beer Lao Empire

Beer Lao is ubiquitous in Laos. You can’t go more than a block without seeing a yellow Beer Lao sign advertising a restaurant, Beer Lao umbrella shading the sidewalk or yellow crates stacked sky high with 640ml big bottles of Laos’ number one lager.

The lao brewing company.

The Lao Brewing Company has been making beverages in the Lao PDR since 1973. Beer Lao is exported to 12 countries and can be found in Australia , Cambodia, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, France, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, the UK and the US. The crisp, light lager is the drink of choice in the heat of Laos. Typically ordered in rounds of three big bottles and poured over ice into small glasses, Beer Lao can be found in corner shops, night market stalls, restaurants and everywhere in between.

Range of products

The Lao government owns the means of production for Beer Lao , and has a partnership with Pepsi to produce cola near their Vientiane brewery. That’s why you’ll see much more Pepsi than Coke, which is imported. If a menu offers both, the Coke will often be more expensive. The LBC also has a production facility in Champasak Province . Beer Lao Lager and Beer Lao Dark have each won gold medals at beer competitions in Belgium and Japan respectively. LBC is also dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and has taken steps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and save electricity.

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Sponsorships

The Lao Brewing Company’s tiger logo encircled in red and yellow crates is synonymous with a party in Laos. Beer Lao has sponsored events such as Pi Mai Water Festival in Vientiane, Savannakhet and Laos. They host an international new year’s party in Vientiane and have put their name against three seasons of the Band Challenge reality show. Throughout the country, guesthouses, restaurants, and shops have Beer Lao sponsored signs, napkin holders, coasters, umbrellas and tablecloths. It’s not uncommon to see yellow Beer Lao crates filled with cement and repurposed as umbrella stands.

The competition

While it will come as no surprise that the Lao Brewing Company claims a 98% share in the Lao beer market, there are a few other options including Heineken and Beer Savan available for customers. In 2017, Lao Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd (which opened in 2008) changed its name to Heineken Lao Brewery Co., Ltd. In addition to Heineken, they produce Namkhong and Tiger Beer . Savan Brewing Company is a family-run brewery located in Savannakhet Province and has a distribution center on 9W northeast of town that produces an American-style lager.

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25 Authentic Asian Experiences

From taking in the towering mountain ranges flanking the Karakoram Highway to a tall, pink glass of air bandung , here are 25 places to go, people to see and things to try across Asia

Sip Asia's Hippest Beer


Sivilay Lasachack, the Laos-born, Czech-trained brewmaster behind one of Asia's hottest beers, doesn't actually drink alcohol. She prefers tea. Thankfully, there are hordes of people willing to take the rice-based booze off her hands. A hit with backpackers and global beer snobs alike, the hard-to-find Beer Lao has become a quintessential part of a trip to Southeast Asia. Find out what the buzz is about by touring the firm's Vientiane plant. You'll get the full story — and a chance to drink a great beer — fresh off the line.

— By Emily Rauhala

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Just Another Beer? Not to Those in Laos on a Mission to Create a Global Buzz

By Emily Rauhala

• May 25, 2009

VANG VIENG, Laos — In this tourist town on the Nam Song River, Beer Lao is as ubiquitous as sneakers and sunburns.

Backpackers stroll the streets with a bottle of lager in each hand. Beer snobs like it, too. Time magazine has called it Asia’s best local beer. And the brand’s logo adorns everything from patio furniture to street signs.

But the buzz stops there. Outside Laos, Beer Lao is notoriously hard to find.

Like a film festival winner without a distribution deal, the rice-based lager has struggled to turn cult status into anything other than good press. Even with backing from the Danish brewer Carlsberg, which owns 50 percent of the company that makes Beer Lao in partnership with the Lao government, just 1 percent of its annual production is exported.

The company, Lao Brewery, hopes to change that. It would like to see 10 percent sold abroad, and it is counting on Vang Vieng’s beer-loving backpackers to help them make the sale.

Lao Brewery is building a network of fans-turned-distributors who import and sell the beer in select markets. Some distributors are former travelers who see potential in a brand with little international exposure. Others just really like the beer.

In Hong Kong, the brand is in the hands of Jerry Cheung, who has a love for lager and an affinity for the laid-back pace in Laos.

Mr. Cheung first tried Beer Lao while living in Cambodia in 2006. “It was the most unique beer I’d ever tasted,” he recalled. He flew to Vientiane, where the beer is made, soon afterward.

Beer Lao is made with rice in addition to malt. This, Mr. Cheung says, gives the beer a flavor that is light and crisp.

Not everyone is sold on the beer. Randy Mosher, a beer marketing consultant and author of “Tasting Beer: An Insider’s Guide to the World’s Greatest Drink,” is skeptical about the beer’s “unique” taste.

“This is very much one of the international-style pilsners that happens to be brewed in exotic locations,” he said. “Fizzy yellow beers tend to be all the same.”

Mr. Cheung, however, was sold. Within a year he had quit his job, persuaded Lao Brewery to appoint him as a distributor and founded an import firm with two Canadian friends.

That firm, Aseurica, is now the exclusive distributor for Hong Kong and Macao. It sells cases of beer to local bars and sponsors yachting trips and beach parties aimed at expatriates.

The beer is priced competitively, Mr. Cheung said. In Hong Kong’s central district, it sells for 44 Hong Kong dollars, or about $6, a bottle — about the same price as Carlsberg, Stella Artois or Heineken.

Part of the challenge is selling grass-roots chic to the masses. Since Hong Kong is low on backpackers and high on bankers, Mr. Cheung and his partners use locally made promotional materials instead of merchandise from headquarters.

This allows them to offer, say, a yacht-appropriate custom-fitted bottle cooler instead of a branded beer glass.

Mr. Cheung said the strategy was a bit do-it-yourself, “but it gives us flexibility.”

Butsarakorn Srikhongrak, Lao Brewery’s marketing manager, said the ad hoc approach was working. Because of similar deals with a handful of distributors, Beer Lao is available across Southeast Asia and in cities in the United States, Japan, Britain, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. There are plans to expand to the Philippines, Israel and China next year, she said.

Lao Brewery said it sold 132 million liters, or almost 280 million pints, of beer last year and had revenue of $145 million. This year, the company is expecting revenue to grow 10 percent.

Beer Lao enjoys a 99 percent market share in Laos. In other countries, however, when it is lined up next to big brands like Heineken and Corona, it becomes more critical to stand out.

An added challenge, said Sivilay Lasachack, Lao Brewery’s Laos-born, Czech-trained brew master, is that few people know what — or where — Laos is.

“When I travel internationally, people say, ‘I like your beer, but what is Laos?’ ” she said. “I tell them it’s the country next to Vietnam, come visit.”

Mr. Cheung encounters similar questions. “Even here in Asia, people are like, ‘Laos, where is that?’ ” he said.

Relative obscurity, or the lure of the exotic, is certainly a big part of the appeal — as Coors learned in the days when its beer was available only in the Western United States. That may be why Carlsberg and Lao Brewery are moving slowly.

It is definitely why Fiona Read, a teacher from Britain, shopped for Beer Lao T-shirts while vacationing in Vang Vieng recently. A friend from Britain had asked for a Beer Lao shirt. Ms. Read obliged.

“Apparently it’s quite a cool beer to drink in London,” she said.

“I think it’s considered sort of a funky, travelers’ beer,” she added. “Anybody who has traveled would drink it.”

Lao Brewery hopes that proves true. Not everyone has traveled, but nothing makes you thirsty like a beer you cannot drink.

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Tsingtao Beer Museum

The Tsingtao Museum and Beer Factory (founded in 1903) is “must see” attraction that should not be missed. The tour is broken up into three parts.

• Post author By Colton
• Post date April 8, 2010
• 1 Comment on Tsingtao Beer Museum

TsingTao Beer Museum : The Museum and Beer Factory (founded in 1903) is “must see” Qingdao attraction that should not be missed. The tour is broken up into three parts: (1) history of Tsingtao Beer over the past 100 years, (2) walk through tour of how Tsingtao Beer is made, (3) current brew factory production with a final stop at the bar for some samples. And don’t forget the “Drunk Room”, a simulation of drunkenness with slanted walls and floors.

Don’t miss the Qingdao International Beer Festival – China Oktoberfest held annually during August. It usually kicks off with a grand opening concert and celebration at the end of July.

Very enjoyable presentation and excellent video. thank you. Will definitely come and visit soon.

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Sprecher Brewery Tour $4.14 TOURS ON SUNDAY, 4.14.2024 Learn more about 414 day HERE. 

4 beer samples, unlimited soda, all ages welcome, tour information.

Tours are available Thursday through Sunday. Book tickets up to 6 months in advance by clicking the button at the top of the page.   The tour is about 45 minutes, and there are no stairs on the tour route. The tour includes 4 free beer samples for adults 21+ with ID, and unlimited soda samples for all. Why cant we bring our beverages on tour? And why are we wearing these crazy hair nets? Great questions! First, because you look cool. No but really, while beer is NOT considered a food product by the FDA, soda is a food product. That means we adhere to the same safety protocols that a factory producing your food does. This is great for all, employees as well as our guests and customers. This ensures a high-quality product that is safe and regulated for quality, safety and consistency. SQF Certification: The highest level of this standard. While the FDA requires a certain level of safety standards, we have the highest level you can receive. SQF. Many big box stores require that the products they sell come from an SQF facility. We employ people that JUST focus on this certification. READ MORE ABOUT SQF HERE.  Fun Facts: Average amount of full semi’s leaving Sprecher Daily: 10 Employees 1985 – 5 2019 – 55 2023 – 140 2024 - 175 This includes brewers, biologists, food scientists, safety experts, semi drivers, bartenders, designers and more! How many hours a day do the canning and bottling lines run? 5am-Midnight 19 hours a day/4 Days a week  (Monday-Thursday). That means the canning and bottling lines DO NOT run on weekends - but they sure are fun to look at. **Want to see the bottling line in action? Thursday is your day - but be warned, 365 bottles a minute can be loud.  You may book day-of at the brewery, but tour spots are first come, first served, so we recommend reserving ahead of time. Children aged 5 and under are free. Adults $12.00 ($15 on Saturdays), minors (under 21) $5.00 ($7 on Saturdays). Your online reservation can be cancelled or changed up to 48 hours in advance of your tour. No refunds are available within 48 hours prior to tour time. While you may not be planning to drink alcohol, pricing will not change for adults. The ticket price is based on the experience and capacity and the sampling is complimentary. Didn’t use all your sample tickets? See the wooden donation box on our bar. Sprecher gives monthly to a rotating non-profit, a portion of your ticket price will be added to our donation! Please be aware that Saturdays are our busiest day of the week. If you prefer more room and less noise, we suggest Friday or Sunday tours for weekend dates. Our production does not run in the factory Friday-Sunday.  All tables are first come first served and no reservations are taken. If you have a group of 12 or more, please reach out to [email protected] to make any special arr angements after booking your tour online. FAQ Q: Do I have to purchase a ticket for very young children? A: Children that will be sitting on a lap DO NOT need a ticket. All other minors will require a ticket. Q: Do my unused sample tickets have cash value? A: Unused sample tickets cannot be used another day, in exchange for product, or refunded.  Q: Can minors drink at Sprecher with adult / parent supervision? A: Sprecher will not serve alcohol to minors under any circumstances. Parents and guardians cannot give permission. Any person or persons supplying alcohol to a minor will be asked to leave without refund.  Q: Can I bring outside food or drink? Can I eat or drink on the tour? A: Sprecher does NOT allow outside food. We have a functioning snack kitchen on site! There is no eating or drinking on the tour (not to worry, you have plenty of time for both)

Tasting Experience Information

Visiting on a Wednesday? Don’t be shy! Stop by! Sprecher is now offering a “Tasting Experience” that does not include a brewery tour but DOES include unlimited soda for all and 4 x 8oz Sprecher Beer or Hard Soda pours. Tasting wristbands are walk in only, no booking online! Adults $8 Minors $5.  Questions? Bringing a large group? Drop us a line [email protected]

Instructions for your Brewery Tour

When you arrive for your brewery tour, park in the lot on the West side of the main building, 701 W Glendale Avenue, Glendale WI. Check in for the tour at the gift shop front desk to receive your tour wristbands and FREE commemorative tour glass, then wait in the beer garden for the tour guide to announce the beginning of your tour. Enjoy your brewery tour, take photos and tag us on social media @sprecherbrewery with hashtag #BrewGoodThings! Sprecher Brewing Company has been manufacturing hand-crafted top quality craft beverages for nearly forty years. To keep our manufacturing processes aligned with our food safety and quality standards consumers have come to expect, we recently have made some changes to our tours. Given the nature, size, and shape of our facilities, only service animals trained or in training to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability are permitted on tours. We cannot allow other dogs, pets, or animals, including those whose sole function is to provide comfort, emotional support, companionship, or therapy. In order to protect the livelihood or our employees and to keep the manufacturing process fully functional, tour areas will be limited in nature and there will be no interactive participation in manufacturing. Rest assured, there are plenty of interactive exhibits and games in the taproom and guests will still receive the Sprecher tour experience. In addition, guests will be able to view high quality video showing an up and close never seen before soda manufacturing point of view. Sprecher is also asking that all guests comply with the following precautions:  1. Do not visit if you are feeling ill or have recently tested positive for COVID-19, flu, or any other communicable disease.  2. Food and drinks are not allowed on tours. Please enjoy all snacks and beverages in the tap room.  3. Please do not touch anything in the production facility.  4. Hair restraints must be worn during the tour.  5. Dogs are not allowed. 6. Smoking or tobacco is not allowed. 7. Pictures and videos inside the production facility are not allowed.

Group Tours

Want to book a private Sprecher brewery tour for a group of 30+ people? We accomodate group brewery tours on Thursdays after 3pm. Email [email protected] for more information!

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W: www.authenticlaotravel.com

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Quality Tours, Great Prices

7 days central laos discovery, this popular 7 day trip takes you through the most vibrant lands from luang prabang to vientiane through the plain of jars and vang vieng.....

TOUR SUMMARY:

Duration:                   7 Days

Suggested Time:    08:30-16:30 depending on daily itinerary

Location:                  Luang Prabang - Plain of Jars - Vang Vieng - Vientiane

This popular 7 day trip takes you through the most vibrant lands from Luang Prabang to Vientiane through the Plain of Jars and Vang Vieng.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Luang Prabang Arrival & City Tour

You will be met at the airport by your local Private Guide. Take  private air conditioned vehicle driving straight to Wat Xieng Thong temple which is one of the most beautiful in Laos.  Upon leaving Wat Xieng Thong we will take a walk through the streets of Luang Prabang observing the historical architecture of French colonial buildings and local life before paying a visit to the National Museum, the Former Royal palace which was built 1904-1909 by the French Architect and was gift from the French to our last king of Laos. Next is a visit to Vat Visoun temple commonly known as That Mak Mo (the water melon stupa) built in 1520 AD it is now a Buddhist temple Museum followed by a stop at Vat Aham and Vat Mai. Upon reaching the main street of Luang Prabang we will climb up to the top of Mt. Phousi for a 360 degree view of the city. Then we drive straight to waterfall about 45mn where there will be a stop for Lunch (not included)

After you have enjoyed your Lunch at Kuang Si Waterfall time will be spent at your leisure around the National Park where you can take a refreshing swim walk through the Asian Bear Rescue Centre before  returning to the hotel.  Free time until dinner.  After dinner guests have the opportunity to spend time in the Night Market at leisure. ​

PRIVATE TOUR AVAILABLE DAILY

Tour highlights:, private tour with local guide, walking tour through the historic streets of luang prabang, boat cruise along the mekong river, journey through the picturesque mountainous scenery, visit to a local handicraft village​.

Day 2 - Alms Giving | Pak - Ou Cave & Handicraft Village

Luang Prabang is the perfect place to see one of the most sacred Lao traditions, the Buddhist Alms Giving Ceremony.  Rise early to witness the procession of monks.  You will have the opportunity to take part in this tradition by offering sticky rice to the monks as they collect their one meal of the day.  After returning to your hotel for breakfast you will later be transferred by private vehicle to the boat pier in Luang Prabang where your boat departs. Cruising by Private boat on the Mekong River observe the picturesque limestone formations and local way of life along the river. The first stop is at Ban Xang Hai also known as the 'whiskey village' to see the process of making lao-lao, the country's beloved rice whiskey second only to Beer Lao in popularity. Explore the sanctuaries of Pak Ou and witness the intriguing sight of over 4,000 Buddha images. Enjoy lunch at a floating restaurant before transferring by private boat to visit Ban Xang Khong Village - Handicraft village - where you will have the opportunity to see locals making local handicrafts by weaving, carving and paper making.  This is also an opportunity to purchase these locally made products as souvenirs before heading back to Luang Prabang.

Day 3 - Luang Prabang - Xieng Khouang

An eight-hour drive to the mountainous plateau of Xieng Khouang is a great way to see more of rural Laos. There are plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs and photograph the spectacular views.  Upon arrival in Xieng Khouang we visit the Old Town and the stupa and Vat Piavat temple at Muang Khoun.

Day 4 -Xieng Khouang - Plain of Jars - Vang Vieng

After breakfast your guide will take you to visit the Plain of Jars which is one of the most mysterious sites in Laos.  You will make a stop at the visitors centre where you will learn about the history of this fabulous site before experiencing these mysterious jars for yourself.

The Plain of Jars are well known as one of Asia's most unusual sites.  Hundreds of stone jars weighing up to a tonne scattered over a large area of countryside.  The jars are thought to be over 2,000 years old but their origins are still a mystery.

From here your guide and driver will transfer you along picturesque winding roads to Vang Vieng. There are stunning vistas of towering limestone karst hills around every turn. Enjoy lunch along the way at a local restaurant (not included).  Upon arrival at Vang Vieng visit Tham Chang Cave which was used as a war shelter when the Chinese invaded in 1887.  The remainder of the day is free for you to relax on the scenic banks of the Song River or explore the lovely town.

Day 5 - Vang Vieng - Vientiane

Today enjoy a leisurely three hour scenic drive to Vientiane. Upon arrival visiting That Luang Stupa, which was built in circa 236 BC to keep the relic of Buddha. This is the main worship site for Buddhist people and now it is a National Lao symbol.  We then take a short drive to Patuxay (the Victory Gate Monument) which was given by the French to Lao Government when we had the first independence in 1946 AD. Resembling the famous Arc De Triomphe in Paris this is now the landmark of Vientiane.

Day 6 - Vientiane

This day will be a city tour around Vientiane. After Breakfast we will take a visit to Wat Sisaket, with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, as well as Vat Hor Pha Keo - the Emerald Buddha temple was built in 16th century now it is a Buddhist artifacts Museum.  Next transfer by mini van to drive about 1 hour south outside Vientiane which is the main area for industry.  Along route you will see the Beer Lao factory where our local beer is brewed and Pepsi factory before passing the first Lao - Thai friendship Bridge which is funded by the Australians. we will then reach the Buddha Park which is the opportunity to learn about the two religions between Hinduism and Buddhism. After spending time exploring around here we then drive back to Vientiane

Day 7 - Vientiane - Departure

The morning is at your leisure, giving you the opportunity for any last minute souvenir shopping until your transfer to the airport.

This tour can also be done in reverse order - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

This tour program has been carefully designed and represents experiences we recommend.  However, should you wish to amend any element of the program to suit your own interests please let us know so we can create a unique trip just for you.

PRIVATE TOUR RATE: Prices are quoted in US Dollars | Per Person

Single supplement applies, our prices represent ground service only, however, if you prefer a package to include accommodation this can be arranged accordingly., tour includes:, tour excludes:.

Private English Speaking Local Guide

Tours and transfers as mentioned by air conditioned vehicle

Sightseeing entrance fees and permits during guided time, boat cruises mentioned , international and domestic flights, visa and any visa related fee - all non asean residents must apply for valid visa, travel insurance (compulsary), hotel accommodation (recommendations can be provided), services and meals if not mentioned in the itinerary, all drinks, including water, soft drinks and alcohol, laundry, telephone calls and any expenditure of a personal nature, tips and gratuities.