1. Overview
Makphet Restaurant is a social enterprise and vocational training restaurant located in Vientiane, Laos. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Lao dishes and provides training to marginalized youth, helping them build skills for a career in the hospitality industry. Dining at Makphet allows you to enjoy delicious Lao food while supporting a good cause.
Name: Makphet Restaurant
Location: Rue Phai Nam, Vientiane, Laos
Coordinates: 17.9700° N, 102.6331° E
Best visited: Ideal for travelers seeking authentic Lao cuisine while supporting a social cause.
2. History of the Place
Makphet Restaurant was established as a social enterprise in 2006 with the goal of providing hospitality training to at-risk youth. It is run by a non-governmental organization that helps marginalized individuals develop valuable skills. The restaurant serves as both a community hub and a learning platform, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere to guests.
- Key Facts:
- Established in 2006 as part of a social program to help marginalized youth.
- Offers training in various aspects of hospitality, including cooking and customer service.
- Focuses on using local and fresh ingredients to prepare traditional Lao dishes.
- The restaurant provides an opportunity for youth to gain practical work experience.
- All profits support vocational training programs and youth empowerment initiatives.
- Known for its traditional Lao menu, including dishes like Lao curry, papaya salad, and sticky rice.
- The restaurant is part of a broader effort to improve the lives of young people in Laos.
- Located in a quiet and charming area of Vientiane, making it a relaxing dining experience.
- Offers a great way for tourists to immerse themselves in Lao culture while supporting social good.
- Regularly hosts events and promotions to raise awareness for the youth training programs.
3. Location
4. What Makes “Makphet Restaurant” Popular?
Makphet Restaurant is popular for both its high-quality, authentic Lao dishes and its mission to support marginalized youth. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to experience traditional Lao cuisine in a setting that also promotes social responsibility.
- Authentic Lao Cuisine: Enjoy a variety of traditional dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
- Supportive Social Enterprise: By dining here, you contribute to the vocational training of young people in Vientiane.
- Community Impact: The restaurant is a key part of a wider effort to provide educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
5. Overall Ratings (1 to 5 Stars)
Makphet Restaurant is highly rated for its food quality, social impact, and welcoming atmosphere. It provides an enjoyable dining experience while making a positive difference in the community.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Food Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Social Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Atmosphere & Environment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Tourist Friendliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
6. Weather
Vientiane has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot and humid conditions year-round. The dry season from November to February is the best time to visit for outdoor dining and sightseeing.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February (cooler, dry season)
- Temperature Range: 25–35°C (77–95°F)
- Wet Season: May to October
- Rain Gear: Recommended during the wet season
7. Nearest Five Hotels
For visitors looking to stay near Makphet Restaurant, here are five great hotels offering convenient access to the restaurant and Vientiane’s attractions:
- Green Park Boutique Hotel: A luxury eco-friendly hotel with a focus on sustainability.
- Sabaidee@Lao Hotel: A comfortable hotel centrally located for easy access to local attractions.
- Settha Palace Hotel: A stylish hotel with a colonial charm located in the heart of Vientiane.
- Vientiane Garden Hotel: A peaceful, relaxing hotel with a garden setting.
- City Inn Vientiane: A budget-friendly option near the center of Vientiane.
8. Timings
Makphet Restaurant is open daily, serving lunch and dinner. It’s best to visit during lunchtime for a more relaxed atmosphere, as it can get busier during dinner hours.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Early lunch hours for a quieter experience.
9. Time Required to Visit
Visitors typically spend 1 to 2 hours at Makphet Restaurant, enjoying a leisurely meal and exploring the menu.
Visit Duration: 1–2 hours
Ideal for: A relaxed meal with a social purpose.
10. Entry Fees & Ticket Booking Details
Makphet Restaurant does not require an entry fee. Guests simply pay for their meals. It’s a good idea to book a table in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Entry Fee: Free
Booking: Recommended for larger groups or during peak dining hours.
11. Things to See & Do
At Makphet Restaurant, visitors can enjoy a variety of Lao dishes, learn about the social enterprise mission, and experience local culture through food.
- Enjoy: A wide range of Lao cuisine including popular dishes like Lao curry, sticky rice, and grilled meats.
- Learn: About the training program and how the restaurant supports at-risk youth.
- Support: The vocational programs by dining here and spreading the word about the restaurant’s mission.
12. Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the dry season, as the weather is more comfortable for dining out and exploring Vientiane.
Best Time: November to February (dry, cooler season)
Time of Day: Early lunch or mid-afternoon for a peaceful experience.
13. Nearest Parking Spots
Parking is available in the area around Makphet Restaurant. There are several parking spaces nearby for those driving.
Street Parking: Available near the restaurant.
Public Parking: Available at nearby hotels and public spaces.
Alternative: Tuk-tuks and bicycles are also popular transport options in Vientiane.
14. Tips for Visitors
- Support the Cause: By dining at Makphet, you help empower local youth.
- Wear Comfortable Clothes: You may need to walk or explore after your meal.
- Arrive Early: To avoid the dinner rush and enjoy a more peaceful meal.
15. How to Reach the Place
Makphet Restaurant is easily accessible from Vientiane’s city center by tuk-tuk, bicycle, or on foot. It is centrally located and well-known among locals and tourists.
By Car: Accessible by car or tuk-tuk from anywhere in Vientiane.
By Tuk-Tuk: A convenient and affordable option in Vientiane.
By Foot: Walking distance from the city center for those staying nearby.
16. Nearby Attractions to Combine for the Visit
While visiting Makphet Restaurant, consider exploring these nearby attractions:
- Patuxai: The victory monument offering panoramic views of Vientiane.
- That Luang Stupa: The most important national monument in Laos.
- COPE Visitor Centre: Learn about the history of unexploded ordnance in Laos.
