Flipper's Guide through the Cafés in Luang Prabang

I have now been in Luang Prabang for two weeks and I have tried a lot of the cafés in town. I thought therefor I should share some of my thoughts. There is one major difference between Stockholm and Luang Prabang and that is the tempo. I am not saying Stockholm is hectic but Luang Prabang is very laid back. Very laid back. Ordering a coffee in Stockholm takes you a minute, and your latte is finished and ready to be served. In Luang Prabang it takes the same amount of time to order a can of soda as it takes in Stockholm to order a grilled sandwich. Luckily, most people who go to cafés and restaurants are tourists and have all the time in the world.

Scandinavian Bakery: This café you find on Main Street and serves everything from Coffee to fruit shakes to pizzas. As the terrace is a meter above the street level it gives a nice view over the street. They serve Scandinavian-style cookies which is a real treat when being homesick.

Ancient Bon Café: Ancient Bon Cafés has both a guesthouse and a café, the guesthouse you find in the center of town across the street from the Hmong Market and the Café is out on the peninsula, just a block from where I live. They have a wide variety of coffee shakes and drinks, but also teas and smoothies. Their Frappes can compare to Starbucks's Frappucinos. Maybe even better since they're much cheaper and the drinks are topped with an Oreo Cookie. I tend to go here alot because of their coffee and free wifi. However, the small café is better than the guesthouse as the service is mush better and has a more personal touch.

JoMa Café and Bakery: Just a block away from Ancient Bon Café and Guesthouse. This café is very west-inspired, and has a Starbucks/Espresso House-feel over it. Drinks are good, especially their fresh passion fruit juice. The Iced Latte was a little too strong for me. They also have a lot of sandwiches, non which I've tested though. They should take it easier with the AC, last time I was there it was freezing. It's OK, but if you're only in Luang Prabang for couple of days you can skip it. I also heard the owners are religious fanatics, forcing their staff to read the bible. JoMa=Josef and Mary/Maria

Saffron: This café you find on the riverside by the Mekong. They have an excellent location, having an outside seating just by the river. Nice atmosphere and they always play good music. This is the most expensive option, but their sandwiches looks really good, and their coffee is great. Also free wifi.

Well, I am not a professional reviewer so this is what you get really. When in Luang Prabang, I recommend having lunch at Saffron or another restaurant by the Mekong, and maybe have a fruit shake in the afternoon at the Scandinavian Bakery. Then take a stroll at the Night Market which start at five in the evening before going to one of the restaurants on Main Street trying some delicious Lao food, maybe the set menu at Coconut Garden. Finish your evening at one of the vine bars in town.