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L'Etranger Books & Tea: A Literary Oasis in Luang Prabang

Discover a literary escape in Luang Prabang at L'Etranger Books & Tea, offering a curated collection of books, delightful beverages, and local souvenirs.

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L'Etranger Books & Tea is a charming bookstore, cafe, and boutique located in a rosewood house in Luang Prabang. Inspired by Albert Camus' novel, it offers a wide selection of books in multiple languages, a cozy tea lounge, and a selection of souvenirs. It's a perfect spot for tourists to relax, read, and immerse themselves in the local culture.

A brief summary to L'Etranger Books & Tea

Local tips

  • Try the iced tea, a local favorite highly praised by visitors.
  • Visit in the morning for a quieter atmosphere to enjoy your book and tea.
  • Check out the unique souvenirs for a memorable keepsake reflecting local culture and craftsmanship.
  • Engage with the owner and staff for insider tips on Luang Prabang.
  • Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and more seating options.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    L'Etranger Books & Tea is located in a central area of Luang Prabang, making it easily accessible on foot from many popular points. From the Royal Palace, simply walk directly across the main street (Th Kingkitsarat). If you're coming from Mount Phousi, walk down the steps and head towards the main street; you'll find the bookstore a short distance away. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are a readily available and convenient way to reach L'Etranger Books & Tea from anywhere in Luang Prabang. Simply tell the driver "L'Etranger Books & Tea on Th Kingkitsarat, near the Royal Palace." A short trip within the central area typically costs between 20,000 to 50,000 LAK, but negotiate the price before you get in. The journey from the airport to the location is around 50,000 LAK.

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Discover more about L'Etranger Books & Tea

L'Etranger Books & Tea is more than just a bookstore; it's a cultural haven nestled in the heart of Luang Prabang. Established in 2001, this unique establishment draws its inspiration from Albert Camus's novel "The Stranger". Housed in a quaint rosewood building in Ban Aphay, it's conveniently located at the foot of Mount Phousi and directly across from the Royal Palace on the main street. Stepping inside L'Etranger is like entering a different world. The welcoming ambiance invites you to explore shelves filled with a diverse collection of books, including bestsellers, classics, travel guides, and children's books, primarily in English. The store also caters to a multilingual audience with sections in French, German, and other languages. Recognizing the scarcity of literature in the area, L'Etranger functions as both a bookstore and a lending library, offering free book loans to locals and rentals for foreigners. The upstairs tea lounge provides a cozy retreat where you can relax on cushions surrounded by a paper lamp and stacks of National Geographic magazines. With over 65 varieties of tea, including black, green, herbal, and local blends, alongside homemade chai and coffee, there's a beverage to suit every taste. L'Etranger also serves breakfast, soups, salads, sandwiches, and vegetarian dishes, which can be enjoyed on the front terrace. L'Etranger is more than just a place to read and sip tea; it's a vibrant community hub. It also functions as a boutique and souvenir store, where visitors can find unique gifts and mementos to take home. With its cozy setting, delicious treats, and a vast array of books, L'Etranger Books & Tea is a perfect spot for tourists to unwind, connect with fellow travelers, and immerse themselves in the literary and cultural fabric of Luang Prabang.

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