3 Best Restaurants in Pakse, Laos

This heritage shophouse in Pakse's old quarter has been lovingly converted by its Japanese owner into a warm café space infused with minimalism and Lao touches. The coffee here might be the best in Laos, and there are fresh homemade pastries, too.

A Pakse mainstay, this restaurant serves vegetarian and nonvegetarian Indian and Malay food, including excellent dosas and curries. Western-style breakfasts are prepared starting at 6:30 am—perfect for the early-morning minivan crowd heading to the 4,000 Islands.

The sixth-floor restaurant at the Pakse Hotel not only has the best view in town, but it also has some of the best food. Start with a sunset cocktail on the rooftop terrace, then move on to a romantic candlelight dinner under the stars. There is a choice of French food and pizzas, but it's the Lao food here that really stands out.