Ban Muang Keo, Laos

Earthenware jars for the preparation of lao-lao, the Lao whisky at Ban Muang Keo.

Ban Muang Keo is a small village by the bank of the Mekong River of Luang Prabang, Laos. It is on the way to the Pak Ou Caves. When I explored Laos with a group of AsiaExplorers members, we stopped by Ban Muang Keo for a short visit..

Ban Muang Keo is one of the two villages along the Mekong that is famous for producing lao-lao, the Laotian whisky which is the local moonshine rice wine. Earthenware jars are covered over a period with water and rice, so that the rice ferments to produce the liquor. The other village with a similar cottage industry is Ban Xang Hai (GPS: 20.00338, 102.23054), translated as Jar Maker Village. I was unable to locate Ban Muang Keo on the map, mainly because it is a largely insignificant village, but I was able to find Ban Xang Hai.

At Ban Muang Keo, we were given an explanation - which was very much lost in translation - about how lao-lao was distilled. I must honestly say that I wasn't paying too much attention, as I was busy taking photographs of the surroundings. I find the rustic architecture of the village sheds extremely charming.

In addition to lao-lao, Ban Muang Keo also has a thriving weaving industry. Looms were woven into fabric with local patterns. These hand-made textile is sold to the tourists that stream through Ban Muang Keo.

Map of Luang Prabang, Laos

Ban Muang Keo, Laos (28 December 2005)


Ban Muang Keo, Laos (28 December 2005)


Ban Muang Keo, Laos (28 December 2005)


Ban Muang Keo, Laos (28 December 2005)


Ban Muang Keo, Laos (28 December 2005)


Ban Muang Keo, Laos (28 December 2005)


Ban Muang Keo, Laos (28 December 2005)


Ban Muang Keo, Laos (28 December 2005)

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