L'Etranger Books and Tea, Luang Prabang

L'Etranger Books and Tea in Luang Prabang is a unique cultural haven for book lovers and tea enthusiasts. Established in March 2001 and inspired by Albert Camus's novel "L'Etranger" (The Stranger), this cafe is nestled in a quaint rosewood house in Ban Aphay, at the foot of Phousy Hill and directly across from the Royal Palace on Main Street.

The cafe distinguishes itself by offering a rich selection of literature, emphasizing quality with imports of bestsellers, great classics, non-fiction, travel novels, guides, and children’s books primarily in English. Additionally, it caters to a multilingual clientele with sections dedicated to French, German, and other foreign languages. This initiative is particularly significant given the local scarcity of literature, addressing a critical cultural gap by functioning as both a bookstore and a lending library. Local Laotians can borrow books at no cost, while foreigners can rent them for a minimal fee, with a system that also allows book trades and purchases.

The Tea Lounge on the second floor is a cozy retreat where patrons can relax on cushions, surrounded by a paper lamp and an extensive display of National Geographic issues. The tea selection is impressive, featuring over 65 varieties including black, green, herbal, and local teas, alongside a homemade chai and a variety of coffee beverages.

L'Etranger is not just a place to read and sip tea; it also serves as a vibrant community hub. Each evening at 7 PM, the cafe transforms into a cinema space, offering free screenings of art and non-mainstream films, and providing a weekly schedule for its patrons. The menu complements the serene atmosphere with offerings of breakfast, soups, salads, sandwiches, and vegetarian dishes, suitable for enjoying on the front terrace.