Ban Xang Hai: The Whiskey Village
Discover traditional Lao culture and witness the art of rice whiskey production in the charming village of Ban Xang Hai.
Ban Xang Hai, also known as the 'Whiskey Village,' is a traditional Lao village on the banks of the Mekong River, near Luang Prabang. It's renowned for producing Lao rice whiskey (Lao-Lao) using traditional methods passed down through generations. Visitors can witness the whiskey-making process, sample the local brew, and explore traditional crafts.
A brief summary to Ban Xang Hai
- 263J+963, Sang Ha, LA
Local tips
- Sample the local Lao-Lao rice whiskey, but be aware of the various (and sometimes unsettling) infusions.
- Purchase handmade textiles and other crafts directly from the artisans.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Pak Ou Caves.
- Respect local customs and traditions when interacting with villagers.
Getting There
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Boat
Many tourists visit Ban Xang Hai as part of a Mekong River cruise to the Pak Ou Caves. Boats typically depart from Luang Prabang and include a stop at the village. The boat trip to Ban Xang Hai and the Pak Ou Caves takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. The cost of a Mekong River cruise to Pak Ou Caves, including a stop at Ban Xang Hai, ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 LAK.
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Road
Ban Xang Hai is located approximately 25 km north of Luang Prabang. You can hire a tuk-tuk or taxi from Luang Prabang. A tuk-tuk to Ban Xang Hai will cost approximately 150,000-200,000 LAK. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter in Luang Prabang and drive yourself. Scooter rentals typically cost around 80,000-120,000 LAK per day.
Discover more about Ban Xang Hai
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Slow Boat Terminal
10.2 km
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The Namkhan - Luang Prabang
13.0 km
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MandaLao Restaurant and Elephant Rescue Park
14.1 km
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Mekong Riverview Hotel
14.8 km
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Chaluenxay Boutique Hotel
14.9 km
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Villa Ouis Namkhan Riverside
14.9 km
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Xieng Thong Noodle
14.9 km
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Wat Chomphet
15.0 km
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Victoria Xiengthong Palace
15.0 km
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Mekong River Cruises
15.0 km
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Ancient Luang Prabang
15.1 km
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Burasari Heritage
15.1 km
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Barn Laos Luangprabang Hostel
15.1 km
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Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel
15.2 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Manifa Elephant Camp
1.7 km
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Pak Ou Caves
5.4 km
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Pha An
6.3 km
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ຜາຮຸ້ງ PhaHung Cliff
6.8 km
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Sun set LPB
8.1 km
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Jungle Shrine
13.5 km
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Henri Mouhot Grave
13.8 km
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Wat Had Siaw
13.8 km
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Xangkhong Posa Weaving and Paper Handicraft Village
14.1 km
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Riverview Park
14.8 km
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Wat Long Koon
14.8 km
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Wat Pak Khan Khammungkhun
14.8 km
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ricer sun booth
14.8 km
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Royal Carriage House
14.9 km
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Wat Xiengthong
14.9 km
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Essential places to dine
ຮ້ານ ປີ້ງເປັດໜອງສາມຂາ
2.5 km
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Amazing Mekong View Restaurant
5.7 km
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Manivanh Restaurant
5.8 km
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Namthip Sokdy Restaurant
5.9 km
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Heuangpaseuth Restaurant
6.0 km
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Lang Ban Garden Restaurant
13.7 km
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The View Kaengnoon Restaurant and Park
14.0 km
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The Teahouse luangprabang
14.0 km
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Tamnukdin Lao Restaurant and Cooking Classes
14.4 km
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Lao Luang Prabang Restaurant
14.7 km
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Viewpoint Cafe
14.8 km
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Xieng Thong Phonsavanh Restaurant
14.8 km
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Peninsula Xieng Thong View Restaurant
14.8 km
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SACKy @ Blue Lagoon Restaurant
14.9 km
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IL Tavolo Luangphrabang
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
morning market
13.5 km
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Nalongkone Shop：Saa paper handicraft
14.0 km
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Sa Paper Handicraft Tanh Manipoun
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Patta Textile Gallery and Cafe
14.1 km
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Nang Boua Loy Silk shop
14.1 km
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CELADON-The Essence of Luang Prabang
15.0 km
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Phanom Handicraft Center
15.0 km
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Hemp Fabric Hmong Shop
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GAEBI
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The Boutique by Ock Pop Tok
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Zurich Bread Factory & Cafe
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Her Works Luang Prabang
15.3 km
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Khinthong Lao Silk
15.4 km
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Friends Visitor Center / Anakha (The Blue House)
15.4 km
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Passa Paa
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Red Rose Wine Bar
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LPMC Bar & Restaurant
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Nagini by 3 Nagas
15.3 km
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POP UP BAR
15.5 km
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Artisan Bar
15.5 km
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Icon Klub
15.6 km
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Little Lao Culture Bar
15.6 km
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Sun Song Social
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Maolin Tavern
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B82 Bar Luang Prabang
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Mekong Sunset View Restaurant
15.6 km
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Dientes Sabai
15.7 km
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Rainforest Bistro & Bar
15.7 km
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Tangor Restaurant Bar & Lounge
15.7 km
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Lost In Baan - Asian Fusion - Restaurant & Bar
15.7 km
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