Le Calao restaurant
A historic French colonial gem on the Mekong River, offering authentic Lao and Western cuisine with impeccable service and breathtaking views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Le Calao restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic French colonial gem on the Mekong River, offering authentic Lao and Western cuisine with impeccable service and breathtaking views.
"Experience the magic of dining in a 1904 colonial building with exquisite food and river views."
Mosquito repellent for outdoor dining
If dining outdoors, request a mosquito coil to ensure a comfortable experience.
Try traditional Laotian dishes
Opt for authentic Laotian dishes for a true culinary experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Laotian, French, International
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic French Colonial Ambiance
Dine in a beautifully restored 1904 French colonial building with a charming patio, exuding history and offering a unique atmosphere.
Mekong River View Dining
Enjoy traditional Lao and ethnic dishes with breathtaking views of the Mekong River, especially magical during sunset.
Authentic Lao Cuisine
Savor traditional Laotian dishes, praised for their authentic flavors and prepared with meticulous detail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Mosquito repellent for outdoor dining
If dining outdoors, request a mosquito coil to ensure a comfortable experience.
Try traditional Laotian dishes
Opt for authentic Laotian dishes for a true culinary experience.
Reservations recommended
The restaurant is popular, so making a reservation is advisable, especially during peak times.
Tips
from all over the internet
Mosquito repellent for outdoor dining
If dining outdoors, request a mosquito coil to ensure a comfortable experience.
Try traditional Laotian dishes
Opt for authentic Laotian dishes for a true culinary experience.
Reservations recommended
The restaurant is popular, so making a reservation is advisable, especially during peak times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Le Calao is lauded for its magical ambiance, set in a historic French colonial building with stunning Mekong River views. Diners praise the attentive service and delicious, authentic Laotian dishes, with some also recommending French options. However, a few reviews mention that some dishes, like the Tom Yum Goong, can be diluted or disappointing, and service can occasionally feel overly attentive or unwelcoming.
"This restaurant ticked all the boxes: service, ambience and delicious food. The building is a beautifully restored, French colonial masterpiece that looks across the river. If you’re dining outside, ask for a mosquito coil to avoid the mozzies. Friendly service and extensive menu. I stuck to traditional Laos dishes, ordered too much but ate it all!"
David Maddison
"Chanced upon this place while looking for a dinner place nearby on a holiday where many restaurants were closed and it seemed like a storm was coming. The interior is posh and tastefully decorated and they play nice instrumental music. I sat indoors and it got really warm so I asked for the fan which they gladly obliged. There was a young thin male waiter who was very friendly, polite and attentive. I was the only dining customer.
I ordered the Tom yum goong (asked for it to be less spicy) with rice, lime juice and coconut ice cream.
The Tom yum goong soup was very diluted and honestly tasted like instant soup stock. For the price, the amount and size of prawns was dismal. They were of varying sizes, some really tiny shrimps :( The rice was hard, dry and undercooked. It was a rather disappointing meal given the price and classy ambience. The coconut ice cream was delicious though. It was nutty with bits of coconut inside. Service by the numerous staff were attentive, almost too much as they kept peeping at me, as if i might suddenly run off. Later when paying, the waitress behaved as if I was going to dine and dash. She only thanked me after checking and counting that I had paid in full. Not a nice way to treat customers.."
Joy Ng
"We ordered French dishes, the duck was excellent (very tasty sauce, better than Gaspard's) albeit not the most tender. My wife liked the coq au vin. We like the colonial era atmosphere at night out in the patio, the old Indochina."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Le Calao is set in a beautifully restored 1904 French colonial building, offering a historic and charming atmosphere, especially on its patio.
Yes, the restaurant has a terrace with a gorgeous view of the Mekong River, which is particularly lovely at sunset.
Yes, it is recommended to make reservations as Le Calao is popular among both tourists and locals.
Le Calao offers a blend of traditional Laotian and ethnic dishes, as well as Western cuisine.
If you choose to dine outdoors, it's advisable to ask for a mosquito coil to ensure comfort.
The Sunday brunch buffet is highly recommended, featuring a mix of fine Laotian dishes and classic breakfast items.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
A hidden specialty restaurant | Trip.com Luang Prabang
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Luang Prabang, le top des restaurants et massages
Le Calao propose de délicieux plats laotiens et ethniques ainsi que des plats occidentaux (pour ceux qui en ont marre de manger du riz), avec une signature axée sur la cuisine laotienne traditionnelle. Vous y découvrirez une variété d'ambiances gastronomiques tout en profitant d’une vue exceptionnelle sur le Mékong. Leur brunch-buffet du dimanche est un incontournable mêlant les meilleurs plats laotiens aux petits-déjeuners croissants.
Chef Ann Ahmed’s 8 Favorite Laotian Restaurants Around the World
Whenever I’m in Luang Prabang, I always make a reservation at Le Calao, which is situated in a house built in 1904 with a view overlooking the Mekong River. My favorite dishes are the red weaver ant larvae omelet (kai mot daeng) and Luang Prabang river weeds (kai phen). The kai mot daeng is a delicacy, because red weaver ants produce their eggs only once a year during the cooler months of December and January.
Top 22 Best Restaurants In Luang Prabang, Laos ( update 2025)
Le Calao offers high-quality Lao, ethnic, and international dishes, but with a distinctive focus on Lao cuisine. Each dish is meticulously designed and prepared down to the smallest detail, ensuring to satisfy everyone’s taste at Luang Prabang’s newest culinary destination. A visit to Le Calao offers a variety of culinary atmospheres along with stunning views of the Mekong River.
What are the best restaurants and massage parlors in Luang Prabang?
The Calao offers delicious Laotian and ethnic dishes as well as western dishes (for those who are fed up with eating rice), with a signature focus on traditional Laotian cuisine. You will discover a variety of gastronomic ambiences while enjoying an exceptional view of the Mekong. Their Sunday brunch buffet is the perfect mix of the best Laotian dishes with including breakfasts.
Turning Tides – a gourmet guide to Luang…
Le Calao One of several offerings from Yannick Upravan and Gilles Vautrin offering a colonial setting that embraces both French and Laos cuisines. Popular hangout for local expats who want strong Laos flavours, attentive service and a generous wine list. Six-course Laos menu from £15._
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