Joma Coffee

Joma Coffee, a coffee shop in Luang Prabang that mr.hotsia should not miss

For me, mr.hotsia, who has traveled extensively exploring northern Laos for several months, arrivingin Luang Prabangthis time brought both excitement and challenges regarding food and coffee, which are very different from back home. I must admit that coffee in Luang Prabang is not as convenient as in Thailand. There are no fancy shops or a wide variety of coffee drinks like we are used to. At most, it’s traditional drip coffee in bags, similar to rural coffee back home.

But who would have thought that trying this simple style of coffee would give me new perspectives on coffee and life. For many days in Luang Prabang, I had to drink instant coffee mixed with plain cold water, or in the busiest moments, just sip plain coffee powder. The taste wasn’t as luxurious as a cappuccino from Doi Chang or a Starbucks frappuccino in Bangkok, but it offered a deep and different flavor. Coffee is more about the atmosphere and the feelings we have while drinking it than just the taste alone.

From this experience, I want to recommend the coffee shop where I escaped the heat and pondered ideas for the website.www.hotsia.comFor me, that shop is “Joma Coffee,” a two-story old house coffee shop located in the heart of Luang Prabang city.

Atmosphere and location of Joma Coffee

Joma Coffee is not just an ordinary coffee shop because the building is a beautiful old two-story house with seating on both floors. It comfortably accommodates over 20 tables. I really like the atmosphere here; it feels like sitting inside the World Heritage site of Luang Prabang. That day was so hot that most people didn’t want to leave their air-conditioned rooms, but I had to go out to explore the city and stopped to rest here.

The shop is located on a street corner near the Luang Prabang Post Office. If you walk fromLuang Prabang Southern Bus Stationheading south, you will soon find this shop. The shop emphasizes price tags and English menus to accommodate many foreign tourists. Most customers are foreigners who come continuously.

Coffee and pastries at Joma Coffee

Although Luang Prabang still lacks modern coffee shops with diverse menus, this place excels in management and quality professionally. The cakes and cookies here are fresh daily because many customers eat them, so nothing is left over. I noticed the shop has excellent management, with no old or expired items, which I greatly admire.

For coffee, although there are no fancy drinks like in Bangkok, there are fresh coffee and traditional coffee options to choose from. I tried black coffee here while relaxing in the unique shade and breeze of Luang Prabang city. This feeling made that cup of coffee a special drink I still remember today.

Travel and sightseeing around Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a small city full of charm and an important stop for travelers visiting northern Laos. Previously, I traveled through Muang Ngoy and surrounding areas (read more atTravel to Muang Ngoy). Getting to Luang Prabang is convenient by plane, boat, and bus, especially at the Southern Bus Station, which is not far from the city center (details atLuang Prabang Southern Bus Station)

). While I was here, despite the heat that made many people stay indoors, I didn’t miss walking around the cheap food alley and the charming night market (recommended readingCheap food alley and Luang Prabang night market), as well as trying local dishes like Khao Jee, the simple but charming breakfast of Luang Prabang people (read more atKhao Jee, Luang Prabang breakfast)

).

Views from Joma Coffee and mr.hotsia’s memoriesAt Joma Coffee, I planned my websitewww.hotsia.com and learned an important lesson that coffee is not only about taste but also about the atmosphere, the people we meet, and the feelings at that moment. I want everyone reading my story to experience this atmosphere through the words and videos onmr.hotsia’s YouTube channel

After sitting at Joma for almost two hours, the sun began to set and the breeze came. I planned to go watch the sunset at Mount Phousi, a beautiful viewpoint and symbol of Luang Prabang city. This feeling made me love this city even more because it is full of stories and memories I want to share with friends.

For anyone interested in experiencing deep coffee culture in Luang Prabang, I highly recommend Joma Coffee. This shop is not just a coffee place but a spot where you truly get to know the city from a different perspective.

See you in Luang Prabang!
— Mr.Hotsia May 2010