The Slow Journey

Tucked away in Nong Luang Village, Champasak Province, Southern Laos, the family of Mr Jonh and Mrs Nouphai has been cultivating coffee—and community—for decades. Their journey began when Mr. Jonh, originally from Na Phung Village, visited Paksong and met Mrs. Nouphai. The couple married in 1997 and settled in Nong Luang, where they built a family and a thriving coffee farm.

With five children—four sons and a daughter—everyone pitches in to support the household and the farm. Occasionally, Mr. Jonh attends meetings while their daughter, Ms. Khounkham, guides tourists around the village.

The family’s coffee-growing legacy started in 1979 with robusta beans. By 2004, they added Arabica to their plantation, cultivating 11 hectares of coffee across 16 plots. With shade trees and fruit trees enriching the soil, their farm is a harmonious blend of tradition and sustainability.

Their commitment to quality has made them valued members of various coffee cooperatives over the years. However, in 2019, they found a home with Slow. Joining Slow allowed them to focus on producing high-quality coffee at fair prices.

Today, they deliver 4,000–5,000 kg of coffee to Slow annually, with plans to expand their operations. Their dream? To enhance their plantation and boost production while sharing their exceptional coffee with the world.

The story of Mr Jonh and Mrs Nouphai is one of perseverance, family, and the love of coffee—a legacy brewed over generations.