Best Beers in Laos: Ranking Beerlao and the Local Brews You Need to Try

When you’re traveling through Laos, one thing you’ll quickly notice is how good—and cheap—the local beer is. The country’s national favorite, Beerlao, comes in several varieties beyond the classic golden lager. You’ll also spot LaneXang Lager Beer, plus a few lesser-known brews that locals and expats swear by. To help you sip your way through Laos, I’ve ranked the best Lao beers to try—from hoppy craft-style pours to easy-drinking lagers that go down perfectly with spicy Lao food.

Beer Culture in Laos 🍺

Laos may not have the massive craft beer scene of Thailand or Vietnam, but what it does have is a laid-back drinking culture centered on its national pride: Beerlao. You’ll find it everywhere—from riverside bars in Vang Vieng to street-side BBQ joints in Luang Prabang. Most Lao beers are brewed with locally grown rice alongside imported hops and malt, giving them a crisp, light body that pairs perfectly with the country’s spicy, flavorful food. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a hop-head chasing IPA bitterness, there’s a Lao beer with your name on it.

Best Beers in Laos Ranked 🍻

1. Beerlao IPA – The King of Lao Beers

If you only try one beer in Laos, make it the Beerlao IPA. This brew takes the familiar smoothness of the classic Beerlao and cranks it up with bold hops, citrusy notes, and a richer body. It’s refreshing without being too heavy, and it stands out as one of the few true craft-style beers you’ll find widely in Southeast Asia. Perfect after a long day exploring temples—or while floating down the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng.

Tasting Notes: A hop-forward IPA that balances bitterness with tropical and citrus notes. Expect grapefruit, pine, and fruity aromas, layered over a smooth rice/barley base. The bitterness lingers but remains drinkable and refreshing in Laos’s hot climate. 5% ABV

2. Beerlao Dark – Smooth & Malty

A close runner-up, Beerlao Dark brings roasted malt flavors, a slightly caramel sweetness, and a fuller body that makes it taste far richer than its price tag. It’s the beer you want on a cooler evening in Luang Prabang or with a plate of grilled meats at a Lao night market. If you like Guinness but want something lighter, this is your go-to.

Tasting Notes: Rich and malty with roasted flavors, a touch of caramel, and a slightly dry finish. Darker-malted character with hints of coffee and toffee notes. Fuller body than the lighter lagers, making it more satisfying on cooler evenings.  5% ABV

3. Beerlao Green – Light & Refreshing

Made with organic jasmine rice, Beerlao Green is crisp, clean, and easy to drink—basically summer in a bottle. It’s not as bold as the IPA or Dark, but it’s incredibly refreshing on a hot Lao afternoon. Grab one with a plate of spicy papaya salad or grilled river fish and you’ll understand why it’s a local favorite.

Tasting Notes: Light, crisp, and clean. Brewed with jasmine rice, it’s refreshing and easy drinking. Less bitter, smoother, and ideal for hot days. Subtle floral aroma, mild malt sweetness, and low hop presence. 4.6% ABV

4. Beerlao Lager (Original) – The Classic Choice

This is the beer you’ll see everywhere in Laos—the iconic gold label Beerlao Lager. It’s light, smooth, slightly malty, and ridiculously easy to drink. Some say it tastes better when you’re in Laos than anywhere else in the world (probably true, especially with a Mekong sunset in front of you). Not the most exciting beer, but it’s the backbone of Lao beer culture.

Tasting Notes: Flagship Lao beer. Light golden color, smooth, slightly sweet rice and barley flavor, with mild hop bitterness. Easy going, mild carbonation, and clean finish. Great for pairing with Lao food and everyday drinking. 5% ABV

5. LaneXang Lager Beer – A Stronger Kick

Named after the ancient “Land of a Million Elephants,” LaneXang Lager Beer comes in the bold red can and packs a little more punch than Beerlao’s standard offerings. It’s a bit stronger, with a slightly heavier body, and often favored by locals who want more than just an easy sipper. Think of it as the big brother of Beerlao Lager.

Tasting Notes: Similar to Beerlao lager but slightly bolder. Stronger body, more pronounced malt flavor, and a slightly stronger hop backbone. Delivers a satisfying balance of refreshment and strength. 5% ABV

6. Beerlao Weiss – Smooth & Wheat-Driven

For something different, Beerlao Weiss offers a wheat-beer style with a softer, slightly fruity taste. It’s not as common to find as the core lineup, but if you’re into wheat beers or want something that pairs well with lighter Lao dishes like spring rolls or grilled chicken, it’s worth trying.

Tasting Notes: Wheaty, light, and smooth with subtle banana, clove, or citrus notes typical of wheat beers. Creamy mouthfeel and aromatic. Good with lighter food or for those who want something less bitter. 5% ABV

7. Beerlao Gold – Premium but Subtle

Marketed as the premium version of Beerlao, the Gold is brewed with high-quality hops and malt for a smoother finish. It looks fancy in the glass, but flavor-wise, it’s more subtle than standout. Worth a try if you want to sample the full lineup, but most travelers rank it below the IPA, Dark, or Green.

Tasting Notes: Premium lager brewed with Khao Kai Noy rice. Slightly more refined aroma, smoother texture, and a cleaner finish compared to the original. More delicate hops, elegant malt, and polished body. 5% ABV

8. Nam Khong Beer – Budget-Friendly Underdog

At the bottom of the list is Nam Khong (sometimes spelled Nam Ksong), which you’ll mostly find in smaller shops and rural areas. It’s cheaper than Beerlao, but the taste is thinner and less refined. Still, if you’re backpacking on a budget, sitting by the Mekong with a Nam Khong in hand feels just as good as drinking any premium beer.

Tasting Notes: A solid budget alternative. Light and easy drinking, with gentle malt, mild hop bitterness, and clean finish. Less character than Beerlao variants but works well in rural areas or when you want something simple and affordable. 5% ABV

Conclusion

From the hoppy kick of Beerlao IPA to the smooth richness of Beerlao Dark and the easy-drinking refreshment of Beerlao Green, Laos proves that great beer doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re sipping a classic Beerlao Lager with locals, trying the bold red-can LaneXang Lager Beer, or hunting down a bottle of Beerlao Weiss or Gold, there’s a Lao beer for every taste and occasion. Pair them with spicy Lao food, a Mekong River sunset, or a night out in Vang Vieng, and you’ll quickly see why Beerlao has become a legend among travelers. So raise a glass—the best beers in Laos are cold, cheap, and always part of the adventure.