What to Eat
- Mekong River Fish: Pakbeng is located along the Mekong River, so it's no surprise that the local cuisine features plenty of fresh fish. You can try grilled or fried fish, served with sticky rice and a variety of sauces.
- Khao Soi: A popular Lao noodle dish that can be found throughout the country, khao soi is a hearty and flavorful soup made with rice noodles, meat (usually chicken or beef), and a rich coconut curry broth.
- Laap: A traditional Lao dish made with minced meat (usually chicken, beef, or pork), mixed with herbs, spices, and lime juice. It's often served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice.
- Papaya Salad: A spicy and refreshing salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chili peppers, and lime juice. It's a popular dish throughout Southeast Asia, and can be found in many restaurants in Pakbeng.
- Bamboo Shoots: Another local specialty, bamboo shoots are often cooked with meat or vegetables and served as a side dish. They have a unique flavor and texture, and are a must-try if you're in Pakbeng.
- Mok Pa: Mok Pa is a Lao dish made with fish that's marinated in herbs and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. The result is a flavorful and fragrant dish that's usually served with sticky rice.
- Fresh Fruit: Laos is known for its tropical fruits, and you can find a variety of fresh fruits in Pakbeng, such as mango, pineapple, papaya, and more. These make for a refreshing and healthy snack or dessert.
- Beer Lao: Beer Lao is the national beer of Laos and is popular among locals and tourists alike. It's a light and refreshing lager that's perfect for enjoying with your meal or as a way to cool off in the hot weather.
Where to Eat
Ounhouan Restaurant
Address: Main Street, Pakeng, Laos
The Ounhoan Restaurant exudes a vibrant ambiance with its lengthy wooden tables, pleasant music, and affable staff, creating a warm and sociable atmosphere. Their Lao/Thai soups and curries are priced at 35,000 kip and are highly recommended.
Sabaidee Sivilay Restaurant
Hasan Restaurant
The Sunset Bar & Restaurant
Happy Bar
Hive Bar
Address: Main Street, Pakbeng, Laos
Although it's a considerable journey uphill, away from the cluster of guesthouses, discovering this lively little bar is definitely worth it. Guests can present the flyer they receive upon disembarking from the slowboat to receive a complimentary Lao cocktail. After that, they can choose their preferred music and enjoy a shisha while warming up for a game of pool or the infamous beer pong.
Pakbeng Market
Address: Pakbeng, Laos
The local market in the heart of Pak Beng, not really a tourist attraction, but worth a visit if you would like to experience a snippet of life in this small town, and see something other than your hotel room. You can get instant coffee in the market. There are also plenty of candies and snacks, which is handy for those taking the cheap boat, your snacks will cost much less here than closer to the boat launch.
DP Restaurant
Address: Pakbeng, Laos
This is the most popular Western restaurant in the town, featuring a modern sign, a well-lit interior, and even electrical outlets conveniently placed in the walls for flashpackers to recharge their valuable electronic devices, which connect them to the outside world.