About twenty kilometers south of Luang Prabang, on the road leading to Kuang Si Falls, Lao Buffalo Dairy combines a dairy farm, a community-focused agricultural project, and an educational visit. It stands out as Laos's first dairy operation dedicated to water buffalo.

Why visit Lao Buffalo Dairy

The farm makes a natural stop on the Kuang Si itinerary: you'll discover how an unprecedented dairy supply chain works in Laos, taste products processed on-site (cheese, yogurt, ice cream), and support an economic model designed for local farmers. The site appeals equally to families, thanks to the animals and tastings, and to travelers interested in socially impactful projects.

The farm's story

The project was born from a 2010 meeting in Singapore between two families: Susie, Steven, and Rachel, all with backgrounds in major international companies. In 2014, their move to Luang Prabang revealed a paradox: the region is home to many water buffalo, yet has no dairy industry, and quality cheese is nowhere to be found.

To test the concept, they rent three buffalo from a neighboring village and demonstrate how to milk them for cheese production, which they sell to local shops, restaurants, and friends. The first year focuses on administrative procedures, hiring 25 employees, collaborating with an experienced veterinarian, training local farmers, and planting 15 hectares of Napier grass. On July 18, 2016, the first buffalo arrives at the farm: Lao Buffalo Dairy becomes the country's first buffalo dairy operation.

What to see and do

The guide-led visit typically lasts between one and two hours and combines several activities:

• Guided farm tour: 15 hectares of pastureland, a presentation of the herd of approximately 200 buffalo rented from villages neighboring Luang Prabang, and an explanation of the dairy production cycle.
• Milking demonstration: understand the particularities of buffalo milking, which is more delicate than cattle milking.
• Meeting Ferdinand, the farm's mascot buffalo, and the rabbits kept on-site, particularly beloved by children.
• Dairy product tasting: mozzarella, ricotta, yogurt, ice cream, cakes, and cheese platters, all made on-site from buffalo milk.

Several visit options are available (short visit, visit with tasting, extended workshop). You can also take products home with you.

A project with social impact

The economic model is based on renting buffalo from local farmers: the farm pays to use females during their lactation period, generating a steady supplementary income for the families that own them, without requiring them to sell their animals. A fundraising campaign enabled the acquisition of about twenty pregnant buffalo destined for disadvantaged households, who keep them afterward for their own agricultural activities.

Practical information

• Address: Ban Muang Khay, Kuang Si road, Luang Prabang province.
• Hours: open daily during daytime hours, from late morning to late afternoon. Check current opening times before your visit, as some workshops are by reservation only.
• Admission: moderate entry fee, with several options depending on duration and tastings included.
• What to bring: closed-toe shoes (farm terrain), hat and water in hot season.

How to get there from Luang Prabang

The farm is located about twenty kilometers south of Luang Prabang, on the road serving Kuang Si Falls. Expect roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour of travel depending on your mode of transport:

• Shared tuk-tuk: from central Luang Prabang, drivers offer combined day trips to Lao Buffalo Dairy + Kuang Si.
• Private car with driver: the comfortable option if traveling as a family or wanting to set your own pace.
• Scooter: the road is paved and passable, provided you're comfortable with local driving.

What to combine in the region

The farm's location makes it a logical stop on the way to Kuang Si. Nearby, several sites round out the day:

• Kuang Si Butterfly Park, located near the falls, to extend your nature-focused visit.
• Kuang Si Falls themselves, accessible just a few kilometers further.
• Back in town, Luang Prabang's night market to round out the day.
• For another socially impactful project, the Lao Disabled Women Development Center in Luang Prabang.

Frequently asked questions

Including Lao Buffalo Dairy in your trip

This stop integrates seamlessly into a Luang Prabang stay centered on culture, gastronomy, and nature. To build a custom itinerary incorporating the farm and other sites in the region, explore our Laos travel suggestions.