Sekong is one of Laos’ smallest and most remote provinces with fertile valleys, rugged terrain and protected tropical forests. Many ethnic minority groups grow coffee here using traditional methods.
Dak Cheung is an emerging coffee region in the highlands of Sekong province near Vietnam. It has high-altitude terrain and diverse ethnic communities, including the Katu, Talieng, and Yae. These communities are increasingly adopting coffee farming as a main source of cash income and sustainable livelihoods.
Coffee in Sekong Province
CARE International supports remote ethnic women and communities in Dak Cheung to boost their income and lift their families out of poverty through coffee farming. Photo by Nicole Motteux.
The shift to coffee cultivation has significantly improved the lives of upland farmers, with more access to education, healthcare, and other essential needs.
Farmers have better processing and storage, as well as equipment, training, and market access, supported by organisations like CARE International.
All this helps to position Dak Cheung for growth in the specialty coffee market.
Case Study – SuPER WE Coffee Project
Launched in March 2022, the SuPER WE Coffee Project in Dak Cheung District, Sekong Province, Laos, promotes sustainable, low-carbon coffee production while enhancing the profitability and resilience of smallholder farmers.
Funded by the EU under the SWITCH-Asia Programme, the project aims to reduce poverty and boost climate resilience.
It established 17 coffee processing centres across 15 villages, supporting 400 farmers and 70% women. Training programs produced 28 certified trainers, with 40 female producers in leadership roles; 30% report increased confidence and skills.
In April 2023, the Lao coffee industry held its first coffee auction, connecting farmers with private buyers. Sinouk Coffee offered the highest price of 69,000 kip per kilogram, purchasing five tons of coffee.
In March 2023, coffee samples from Khounxay and Dakden villages won second and third prizes at the Lao Green Coffee Competition, reflecting improvements in coffee quality. The annual event was supported by the EU-funded ARISE Plus Laos project, implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Origin Highlights
Exceptional Biodiversity in Remote Sekong
Clouded leopards, native to Southeast Asia, are one of the most ancient cat species.
Sekong’s biodiversity is exceptional, a haven for some of the world’s rarest and most endangered species.
The Xe Sap National Protected Area, spanning 1,300 km² of pristine forest, is home to the elusive saola, often called the “Asian unicorn” due to its rarity, along with black-shanked douc langurs, clouded leopards, and a diverse array of wildlife.
This remote and largely unexplored region is a critical stronghold for conservation efforts, with organisations like the Saola Foundation working to protect its fragile ecosystem. Comma Coffee actively supports these efforts, dedicating a brand to raise awareness and funding for saola conservation.
Sekong also offers stunning landscapes and cultural richness. Visitors can cool off at the breathtaking waterfalls of Tad Faek and Tad Se Noi, both surrounded by lush greenery and ideal for swimming and picnicking. Adventure seekers can trek through dense jungles, visit remote villages, and experience the province’s rich ethnic heritage.
Sekong is home to the Katu, Alak, and Ngae ethnic groups, each preserving centuries-old traditions. Travelers can explore Katu longhouses, where entire families live under one roof in elevated wooden homes, or witness the intricate craftsmanship of Alak weavers, known for their vibrant textiles. Sacred spirit houses, central to local animist beliefs, provide insight into the deep spiritual connection between the people and their land.
With its extraordinary biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage, Sekong remains one of Laos’ most untouched and rewarding destinations for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Sekong sits high in the Annamite Range, overlooking Vietnam and the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail. Photo by Nicole Motteux.
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