Coffee in Attapeu Province
Remote Attapeu province in southern Laos is wild and rugged with thick forest, rivers and magnificent waterfalls. It borders Vietnam and Cambodia with mountains, rolling hills, and fertile lowlands.
The province lies on the southern edge of the Bolaven Plateau, where high-altitude volcanic soils create ideal conditions for Arabica and Robusta coffee cultivation.
The province is drained by the Sekong River, which supports agriculture and livelihoods. The tropical monsoon climate brings distinct wet and dry seasons, with heavy rains between May and October.
Attapeu also has fertile alluvial plains suitable for rice cultivation and other crops. Dense forests cover much of the province, contributing to biodiversity and eco-tourism.
Notable coffee regions are Sanamxai and Xansai.
Sae Pong Lai Waterfall, Attapeu, Laos, a hidden gem amidst rugged terrain.
Case Study – Co-op Okinawa
In 2024, Co-op Okinawa established a coffee cooperative in Xansai, Attapeu, to support 614 local farmers, under the leadership of Osamu Ishihara. Previously, farmers sold coffee beans individually at low prices because they lacked access to market information.
Coffee cherries ripening in Xansai, Attapeu, where Co-op Okinawa supports local farmers to improve market access and transparency. Photo by Nicole Motteux
The cooperative now enables stronger price negotiation, knowledge sharing, and higher trade volumes through collective harvesting.
Looking ahead, they plan to develop a roasting plant, which could double the trade value of their coffee. The cooperative has already increased farmers’ profitability and market reach while fostering independence, collaboration, and skills development.
This initiative supports sustainable agricultural practices and strengthens the farming community in Attapeu.
Origin Highlights
Attapeu’s Untouched Wilderness
The remote coffee-growing areas of Attapeu are home to several monkey species, including the red shanked-douc monkey (Pygathrix nemaeus) and other macaques. Photo by Nicole Motteux
Attapeu’s wilderness remains among the most untouched in Laos. This remote province is rich in biodiversity and historic temples.
The Dong Amphan National Protected Area is home to Asian elephants, tigers, gibbons, and gaur on its vast 2,000 km2, while the Xepian National Protected Area, shared with Champasak province, is a critical wetland habitat for rare species like the giant ibis.
Both parks can be explored via guided treks, wildlife tours, and river expeditions. Visitors can also experience the Brao, Oy, and Lao Loum communities’ deep cultural traditions, including bamboo weaving, spirit ceremonies, and intricate handicrafts.
Wat Sakae is an important historic temple, with intricate Buddhist carvings. It’s a popular local destination during Lao New Year.
With its rich biodiversity and expanding coffee sector, Attapeu is gaining recognition in Laos’ specialty coffee landscape, offering traders and buyers high-quality beans from one of the country’s most remote and unspoiled regions.
© 2025. All rights reserved.