Cambodia Vs Laos For Expats part 2 – Part one is here.

Which One Is The Best, Cambodia Or Laos?

Kampot, Sihanoukville, or Siem Reap? In terms of tourist spots, the two small countries of Cambodia and Laos are both top destinations in Southeast Asia. However, despite sharing borders with Thailand, Vietnam, and China, neither country patches its dominant neighbors.

Whereas Thais flock to Bangkok and head to Phuket or Koh Samui, the number of Vietnamese in Saigon pales with the hordes visiting Hanoi or Halong Bay. Cambodia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia for a good reason.

With Angkor Wat at its heart, it’s brimming with gorgeous temples. And thanks to a massive archaeological excavation project in the 60s and 70s. The French colonial architecture of Phnom Penh is a delight to explore; there’s some brilliant shopping at places like Psar Tuol Tom Pong and Sorya Market.

Also, you’ll enjoy the nightlife scene once you escape from the city center. This place is great, with a whole host of bars and clubs that stay open late. The road to Sihanoukville is a particularly picturesque lake-side drive where you can see the sunrise over the water if you’re sneaky enough to get up early.

Of course, not everyone wishes to leave their resort or hotel room for much of the trip, and that’s where Laos comes in. The country has a lot of luxurious spas and resorts where you can recharge your batteries in style.

And there’s plenty to do even if you’re not staying at such places. The rejuvenating properties of the thousands of elephants (for hire) that roam freely around Laos cannot be overstated. Seriously, one ride on an elephant is enough to rejuvenate you for a week.

So, we can tell you that Cambodia is pretty awesome. But, what about Laos? For all the backpackers who’ve been to Southeast Asia, it’s one of those countries that tend to come with a few caveats. Firstly poverty is quite depressing, even after you’ve just come from Thailand or Cambodia.

Interesting Facts about Living in Laos

You may think that you would never want to leave your home country and relocate somewhere completely different, but for many people around the world, this is a dream come true. There are so many things in foreign countries that we cannot see from our own homes, and it is great to get out there and explore them!

Laos Has an Incredible Amount of Biodiversity

The fact that Laos has so much land covered in tropical forests is incredible, but even more impressive is the fact that this home country to roughly 6 million people has an estimated 5,000 species of vascular plants – that’s almost 1,000 different types of plant per 100 square kilometers. This is due to the country’s unique geology, which contains a mixture of volcanic mountain ranges and alluvial plains.

The People Have a Unique Culture

The culture in Laos has remained unchanged for centuries. The Laotian people are a relaxed bunch who value their lives outside of work to be filled with family and friends rather than spending time in front of a computer. Another unique aspect of the Laos people is their dress code, which is quite formal compared to western countries.

People Speak More Than One Language

For most westerners, this is no surprise; after all, many people learn an additional language or two throughout life – but for those who are new to learning languages, it can be a bit overwhelming to see that there are over 20 languages spoken throughout the country.

The Weather Is Always Changing

The one thing that you can rely on in Laos, regardless of which part of the country you are in, is that the weather will be ever-changing. This means that it’s very important to have clothes for all types of weather – whether it be blistering cold or unbearably humid. It is advisable to pack a variety of clothing to suit a range of temperatures, as well as a raincoat and umbrella.

Laos Is Still Very Rural

One thing that many people find interesting about Laos is that no matter how far into the country they go, it still has a very rural feel to it. In fact, even though the country’s population has increased significantly since the 1950s, there are still less than 5 million people living here.

This is largely due to the fact that many of the Laotian people live outside of formal housing – often traveling from place to place to farm their crops. This means that you will have plenty of opportunities to interact with locals who don’t live in big cities and follow formal customs.

The Food Is Safe To Eat

Due to the rural nature of Laos, many people are concerned about the cleanliness of Laos food. However, this should not be a concern because all food (including water) is carefully monitored by health officials who ensure that it is safe for Laotians and tourists alike to consume.

There Are a Range of Unique Festivals

Festivals play a major role in the culture of Laos, and there is one to celebrate any occasion throughout the year. The Laotian calendar is packed with amazing events, from New Year’s Day to Khao Pansa – all of which are interesting in their own way. Also, the Laotian people are very friendly and will often invite you to participate in their festivities if they see that you are not doing anything.

Why Choosing Cambodia Over Laos

The Monarchy

Cambodia is the only country in mainland Southeast Asia to have a constitutional monarchy, making it one of the unique experiences you can find. The palace provides amazing insight into Khmer culture while also leaving room for exploration.

Siem Reap

The town of Siem Reap lies adjacent to Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Southeast Asia. The temples are magical, and Siem Reap is a vibrant town rich with history and colorful locals. Besides, you can’t beat the food and nightlife. So, when you’re done with the temples, load up on some BBQ and beer and let loose.

Thai Border Town

The little-known border town of Poipet has transformed into a popular destination for backpackers in recent years, thanks to one of the unique markets in the world. The border market is a one-of-a-kind experience, and it couldn’t be found anywhere else in South East Asia.

The Beaches

While you’ll find some incredible beaches throughout Laos, Cambodia has the most pristine coastline with beautiful white sand, clear blue water, and tropical islands to explore. Also, take advantage of the Tonle Sap Lake, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.

Transportation

Cambodia’s transportation network is the best in Southeast Asia, hands down. You can travel by plane, train, or bus with ease and efficiency that rivals even some of the largest cities in the world. Moreover, international options abound, and it’s easy to get to and from neighboring countries.

Food

The food scene in Cambodia is intensely varied since ingredients are relatively easy to come by, and people are extremely resourceful. You can find food from all over the world and at reasonable prices, which will provide a culinary adventure that’s hard to match in Southeast Asia.

Standard of Living

Though Cambodia is still emerging, but it has come a long way in recent years. The standard of living is above most other countries in the region, allowing expats to live comfortably while enjoying affordable healthcare and utilities. In comparison, Laos lacks in this department. This way, Cambodia wins out overall.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laos vs. Cambodia

What do you call the person who lives in Laos?

The proper term for a person from Laos is “Lao.” “Laotian” is considered offensive by many Lao people. There are exceptions to this rule, however, as some Laotian Americans use it to distinguish between themselves and other groups of overseas Lao people.

What do you call the language of Laos?

Lao is the official language of Laos, where it is spoken as a first language by the majority of the population. Lao people, speakers of this language, are called “Lao” in English. However, some prefer to use the French-influenced term “Laotian.”

What do you call someone who is from Cambodia?

People from Cambodia are often called “Cambodian.” However, Cambodians themselves will sometimes use the word “Khmer” to distinguish between other groups of overseas Cambodians. Also, the word “Cambodian” is sometimes considered offensive by Cambodian people, as it was once used to refer disparagingly to the population of earlier Cambodia.

What is the difference between Laos and Cambodia?

Laos and Cambodia are often confused because they have some superficial similarities. Both countries are in Southeast Asia, on the western shore of the Indochinese peninsula. Also, they both used to be part of French Indochina, a “haphazardly constructed state composed of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos” (Library of Congress).

Is Laos safe for expat?

Many expats enjoy living in Laos, as it has an affordable cost of living and several natural attractions. However, some international organizations caution against travel to Laos due to unexploded bombs leftover from the Vietnam War era.

Conclusion

It is always difficult to choose a place to live with so many options. If you ask someone in the U.S. which country they would like to live in, for example, they might say Thailand or Canada. Is one of these countries better than the other? It depends on who you ask and why they want to leave the U.S., Cambodia, or Laos? Well, the choice is yours to decide.

Cambodia Vs Laos For Expats part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Cambodia and Laos may be neighbors, but they are different in more ways than their proximity would lead you to believe. Both countries have a long history of political unrest and foreign intervention, which has led to a unique coexistence within the cultures.

However, when expats compare Cambodia vs. Laos for moving or retiring abroad from either country, Cambodia usually wins out. The decision to move or retire abroad can be difficult, especially when moving to a developing country.

If expats compare Cambodia vs. Laos, they will see that both countries have pros and cons. Without further ado, here’s our comparison of Cambodia vs. Laos for expats.

Cambodia Offers a Low Cost of Living

Cambodia is much more affordable than its neighbor, Laos. The lagging economy in Laos makes everything more expensive, including imported goods that are subject to high tariffs instead of the cheaper local products.

This means that it’s harder to find basic amenities like toilet paper or eggs for sale in Laos. Even something as simple as rice is more expensive in Laos. In Cambodia, you can find many of these amenities at a reasonable price.

In addition to cheaper basic items, everything from restaurants to housing is less expensive in Cambodia. Expats set up shop in Cambodia because it’s a great place to stretch their dollars and live well for less. This makes the country ideal for expats on a budget.

Laos Is Still Recovering From Its War-Torn Past

Cambodia has had political unrest in the past, but it’s nothing compared to Laos’ turbulent history. The Vietnam War spilled over into Laos, turning parts into battlegrounds or strategic strongholds by opposing forces.

This created an atmosphere of political instability that rocked the country until 1991. Even today, Laos is still recovering from the years it spent dealing with civil war.

However, this fact about Cambodia vs. Laos can benefit some expats. The lack of development in Laos leaves it much more like the unspoiled beauty that attracted expats to the country in the first place.

Understanding the Concept of Relocating

This is where things get interesting. If you are looking for a Southeast Asian experience, you may want to consider moving or retiring abroad in Thailand instead of Cambodia or Laos. The beaches are great, the food is delicious, and it’s an amazing place to retire.

Or you can talk to a trusted advisor who will discuss the different countries with you. They know what your financial and personal needs are, so they know where you should go. This saves time and helps you plan an upcoming relocation to a developing country that’s safe and affordable, just like Cambodia.

Pros and Cons of Living in Laos

The pros and cons of living in Laos are a topic of hot debate. Some people feel that the country is a perfect fit, while others lament that it is nothing but a third-world hellhole. The consensus seems to be that the positives of life in Laos outweigh the negatives by such a large margin. However, it makes the country a very desirable place to live.

Pros

• The cost of living in Laos is extremely low. This means that you will have more disposable income on a month-by-month basis than you would in another country.
• You can get paid from your home country, meaning that there is no need for an office space or coworkers around you.
• Laos is not crowded, yet it has all of the benefits of modern society. It’s easier to get things done here than in most other countries.
• The weather in Laos is generally quite agreeable. There are a few extremes, so you won’t have to deal with the scorching heat or bitter cold.
• You’ll be able to get high-speed internet access at a very low cost.
• Many expats in Laos are retired or semi-retired, meaning they have all of the free time they want to use however they please.

Cons

• The Asian diet can be difficult for some people to adjust to. It is full of fish sauce and other flavors that may not appeal to everyone.
• There are some cultural differences in Laos that you might find difficult to adjust to. This can be somewhat assuaged by hiring an assistant familiar with the culture.
• Traffic accidents frequently happen, especially among foreign drivers. You should be very careful on the roads here, as the other drivers are extremely reckless.
• Laos is not particularly safe, especially at night. You should take precautions against theft by locking up your valuables when you aren’t using them and hiring a security guard in the evenings after leaving work.
• The internet access in Laos can be spotty in some parts of the country – most notably, there is a real lack of fiber optic cables in the north. Getting set up with the internet can be difficult if your neighborhood doesn’t have any service.
• There are few restaurants that serve Western food, which means you’ll have to learn to cook Laotian food or eat out at an Asian restaurant. Neither option is very healthy for you, so you’ll have to find ways around that problem.
• The weather in Laos can be somewhat oppressive in the summer, particularly if you aren’t used to it. Many people experience severe heatstroke when they first arrive here, especially if they are unaccustomed to 100 degree plus temperatures.

Interesting Facts about Living in Cambodia

It’s a well-known fact that Cambodia is a beautiful country full of happy, smiling people.  It is also a cheap place to live compared to other countries in our region. There are so many wonderful things about living and working in Cambodia, and today we wanted to share with you five of them:

Beautiful Scenery and Natural Attractions

One of the best things about living in Cambodia is that there are many beautiful and natural attractions to visit. If you just want a nice beach day out, then look at our article on five great beaches to visit in and around Phnom Penh for some ideas.

Once you get away from the city center, you will be amazed by the amount of natural beauty, and you will find it hard to resist taking lots and lots of pictures.

No VAT or GST

There is no sales tax, value-added tax (VAT), or goods and service tax (GST) in Cambodia. This means that everything stays cheap as we buy items without paying extra. There is also no income tax, and we only have to pay social security when we earn more than $500 per month.

Not Too Hot or Too Cold

Cambodia generally has a tropical climate, so it’s quite humid throughout the year. It never gets too hot in the summer months (December-February) and doesn’t get too cold in the winter months (June-August). Most people find Cambodia has a comfortable temperature because it is always 25 degrees or more.

Amazing Local Food and Drink

The local Cambodian food and drink are so delicious and cheap! There are many restaurants to choose from, lots of street food stalls, and many local drink options. The best local food and drink options are fried noodles, spring rolls, coconut juice, and Cambodian iced coffee (we will do another article on these sometime soon).

Speaking Khmer Is Not Too Difficult

We have mentioned on this blog before that English isn’t spoken very well in Cambodia. However, speaking Khmer is actually not that difficult if you know how to speak a little bit of it. There are many words and phrases in Khmer that sound like they are straight from English, such as: “chomreap suor” (thank you), “Sabai dei” (please), and “sa ma ney” (excuse me).

Delicious and Cheap Fruit

Fruit in Cambodia is plentiful, delicious, and very cheap! We get to eat many different types of fruit from a number of different countries. Some of our favorite fruits are guava, mango, durian, lychee, and jackfruit. It probably doesn’t help that we drink a lot of fresh coconut juice.

Great Customer Service

Customer service in Cambodia is a little bit slow compared to other countries, but the quality of service we get from Cambodian people is great. They know how to treat their customers well, and they often go the extra mile just to make us happy. Most Cambodians are very humble and will not say no to anything. Compared to the people in other countries that we have visited (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos), Cambodian customer service is much better.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

We all move abroad for many reasons! Some sign up for a new job, others go for visitation, and some move looking for affordable places, while others may decide to find a place suitable for retirement. Laos is a small country in Asia that’s known today as an expat destination. Let’s talk more about living in Laos.

As history disclosed, this country was an overseas colony of the French until the 1950s. During this period, a conflict broke out between the royal forces and the communist resistance, which later lasted for about 20 years. Well, in the long struggle, the community forced prevailed, leading to a new life.

Over the years, this country has become a part of several global organizations, including the World Trade Organization, among others which accepted the country’s membership in 2014. However, one of the few aspects Laos still lags in is the not-so-efficient healthcare system that gets people baffled.

Notwithstanding, that’s just one of the significant things expats need to put into consideration while moving to this country for the first time. They may choose to overlook it because of the many unique and distinct things about the country. But, the fact still remains that Laos is one of the best countries in Asia.

Today, we have compiled some of the pros and cons of living in Laos as an expat. Not only is that our discussion for the day, but you’ll get to know some of the best places to reside. The ultimate guide to moving to Laos is no exception, and many others, to mention a few. Read further to get the full details.

Best Places Suitable for Expats in Laos

Laos is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and friendly countries in Southeast Asia, steeped in food, history, culture, and nature, even if you don’t know. Besides, the country is lovely and, thanks to its mountain and riverways, an adventure-seekers paradise.

In addition, Laos offers a relaxed and outdoor-oriented experience of a lifetime with many incredible places to visit. From one week to one month, you can easily fill your time in Laos, traveling along with the cities, from the south to the north. So, without further ado, below are the best places for expats in Laos.

1.    Savannakhet

This is the capital of Lao’s most southerly province that sits on the Mekong River, just 6km from the border with Thailand. Once a thriving French trading outpost, the benefits of living in Laos cannot be overemphasized.

Wandering the old historical quarter and marveling at the decaying early-20^th-century building is a must in this country. Other places to explore include; dinosaur museum, friendship bridge, and more. If you’re feeling active, you can also head to the northeast out of the town to the centuries-old That Ing Hang.

2.    Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw is a small town on the banks of the Nam Ou River in the country. The Nong khiaw boasts a gorgeous backdrop of imposing Limestone Mountains, picturesque river views, and genuine local flavor. While it is true that a lot of people use this small town as a stop-over en route to Van Vieng and Muang Ngoi, this place is worth a visit in its own right.

Of course, being Laos, you can also explore zip-lining, mountain bike riding, trekking, and waterfall swimming to be found. Aside from this fact, there are many outdoor activities you can explore as an expat in this beautiful city.

3.    Vientiane

This is the third city on our list. Having been long regarded as a sleepy backwater, this city has come a long way in the last two decades. Not only is that, but it’s on a wide bend of the Mekong, which is more akin to the loose collection of villages than a thriving capital city.

If you love history and want to explore some of the best attractions in the country, this is the right place to visit. Like many other cities in Laos, it mixes French-colonial architecture with Buddhist temples, dotted around the city in every boulevard and tree-line street.

4.    Luang Prabang

The charming city of Luang Prabang, inhabited for thousands of years, and it was once known as the capital city of the country, up until 1975. This city is an eclectic mix of Buddhist temples, Indochina architecture and food, and a magical nature. Here, you’ll want to spend time immersing yourself in the old town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-protected site housing 33 gilded wats (temples).

Also, you’ll find the striking Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace, as well as the Phu Si (great sunset views) in this city. At night, you can also explore the Night market, and by day all the fantastic street food the city has to offer you. In fact, there are many things to explore in this country as an expatriate.

5.    Luang Namtha

Surrounded by Myanmar, China, and oudomxay and Bokeo provinces, you’ll have a lot to explore here. Moreover, a whopping 85 percent of this region is mountainous, and it’s more commonly known as the Golden Triangle. And we can tell you that’s why people come here, to take advantage of the resplendent countryside, studded with ethnic villages and waterfalls.

10 Interesting Facts about Living in Laos

Laos, also famous for having the tallest treehouse globally, the oldest human fossil in Southeast Asia, and more, is considered one of the fastest-growing economies in all of Asia. Not only is that, but they also have a lot of papayas which are absolutely ginormous. Below are the fun facts about this country.

1.    Home to the Only Landlocked Country in Southeast Asia

If you’ve been wondering about the fun facts about this small country, this is one of the first things to put into consideration. All other countries in Asia have coastlines, which gives a country an advantage in trade.

However, Laos is completely landlocked, dramatically impacting the country in terms of trade and economic growth. Even though the government doesn’t produce a large number of food, we can confidently tell you that the country is rich in minerals. The high number of rivers makes it ideal for creating hydroelectric energy. Meanwhile, China has been helping to support Laos’ economy by investing in these sectors to build the country more.

2.    Home to the Shortest People in the World

Have you ever believed that the shortest people in the world are found in Africa? Well, that’s what many people would think of in terms of the birthplace of short people. But your concept is wrong.

In a list of the countries with the shortest people in the world, Laotians rank second, with the average person standing just 155.89cm (5 feet 1.37 inches) tall. In addition, the locals here are the youngest population of all countries in Asia, with around 70 percent of the population under 30 years old.

3.    A Country Known as a Socialist State

Laos is known to be among the world’s five remaining communist countries alongside Cuba, North Korea, China, and Vietnam.  The official name of this country became the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, having the red communist flag with a hammer and sickle seen flying on the official building.

Moreover, the country especially relied on the support of the Soviet Union for military and economic aid, up until the union’s collapse in 1991. But nowadays, Laos relies on trade with its neighbors Thailand, china, as well as Vietnam.

4.    Home to Heavily Bombed Place in History

As history disclosed, Laos is known as the most heavily bombed place by the capital due to the US bombing during Vietnam War. For about nine years, the US dropped over 2 million tons of bombs across Laos, and that’s more than all the bombs during World War II combined, but around 30 percent didn’t explode.

This has today left the country with a high number of unexploded bombs, rendering most of the land unusable for farming. Not only is that, but there are frequent sad stories of village children discovering what looks like a toy metal object near their school and, without knowing any better, start playing with it, resulting in tragic endings.

5.    Fastest Growing Economy in Asia

While Laos is still a relatively developing country compared with other regions, we can tell you that it’s still the fastest-growing. Besides, poverty has halved in the past 20 years, while education and health have improved overall. So, if you’re moving to this country, be rest assured that you’ll enjoy your stay.

6.    World’s First Consumer of Sticky Rice

The Laotians are the highest consumers of sticky rice in the world, eating more than 345 pounds (156 kgs) a year per person. Funny enough, they even refer to themselves as the luk Khao niaow, meaning the children of sticky rice. Aside from this fact, Laos also makes unique sticky rice dishes for religious ceremonies, and uncooked sticky rice grains are often thrown into the air after prayers.

7.    Home to Tallest Tree Houses in the World

In the Nam Kan National Park of Laos, you can stay in treehouses that perch 30 to 40 meters above the jungle. Well, this is made possible by the Gibbon Experience. This local tourism-based conservation project offers visitors the chance to explore the jungle while Ziplining through the trees and sleeping in the jungle canopy.

If you like to explore, this city is one of the best places to visit in the country. Here, you can see Conservation Park. Not only is that, but travelers can have an incredible holiday while keeping themselves safe from any uniform men or third party that could affect their cruise.

8.    Home to the oldest Human Fossil

Have you been looking for the oldest human fossil in the world? But it doesn’t seem easy to get. Well, maybe you’ve been navigating to the wrong platform. Here, we can tell you that Laos is home to the oldest fossil of Southeast Asia.

This discovery was also significant because it showed that people had migrated out of Africa to Southeast Asia. Therefore, if you’re visiting this country for a couple of days, or weeks, you can see the Tam Pa Ling that remains at the Lao National Museum in Vientiane.

9.    Coffee in a Plastic Bag

This is one of the countries where you’ll see locals drinking coffee in a plastic bag. I’m sure that’s funny to you, right? Of course, this contributes to why the country has a unique culture and traditions and is also different from other countries in Asia.

Notwithstanding, Laos coffees are delicious and not as internationally famous as they should be. Also, this is one of the country’s agricultural exports. Both the Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties are grown in this country, mainly on the Bolaven Plateau, which has cool temperatures and plenty of rain ideal for coffee growing.

10. Expect a Nationwide Midnight Curfew

While planning to relocate to Laos, you should be ready for a nationwide midnight curfew at any time. In practice, this is not enforced on the people so much, but more on businesses, although many guesthouses will ask you to return before midnight.

However, businesses do stay open past the midnight curfew. And this is because; many of them have obtained a special license or bribed the police enough to let them stay open till they close. Meanwhile, most people living in this country tend to go to bed early and rise early to give alms to monks.

Top 7 Top Attractions in Laos

Laos is known to be a mountainous and landlocked country (as said earlier) in South-East Asia that has long been isolated from the outside world. A visit to Laos is, in many ways, a trip back in time and an excellent way to know more about Asia’s history.

Travelers are drawn by the laid-back lifestyle in Laos that has disappeared elsewhere in the region. Even the capital, Vientiane, feels like a relaxed riverfront town in the country. Meanwhile, as the country opens up, with an increasing number of roads and bridges being built, the amazing tourist attractions in the country are becoming more and more accessible. Without further ado, below are the tourist attractions.

●        Visiting the Vieng Xai

The Vieng Xai caves are an extensive network of caves that served as a hidden city during the Vietnam War. This area was home to the Communist army, who were fighting the royalist forces based in Vientiane and was bombed by the US army. Moreover, up to about 23,000 people lived in the caves, which contained a hospital, military barracks, bakeries, shops, and even a theatre, to mention a few.

●        Wat Phu Temple

This is another place to take into consideration if you want to explore what the country has to offer. The Wat Phu is a ruined Khmer temple complex located at the base of mount Phu Kao in the Champasak province. Besides, its structures date from the 11^th to 13^th centuries. Meanwhile, Wat Phu is small compared to the monumental Angkor-era sites in Cambodia. And this temple is still in use as a Buddhist site today.

●        Exploring the Pha That Luang

Located in Vientiane, this tourist attraction is one of the most significant monuments in the country. The stupa has several terraces, with each level representing a different stage of Buddhist enlightenment. Not only is that, but the lowest level represents the material world while the highest level represents the world of nothingness. Meanwhile, Pha That Luang was smashed by a Siamese invasion in 1828 and later reconstructed by the French in 1931.

●        Visiting the Wat Xieng Thong

Located near the northern tip of the peninsula formed by the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers, Wat Xieng Thong is in Luang Prabang’s most magnificent temple. Also, it was built in 1560 by King Setthathirath and was under royal patronage during the Kingdom of Laos. Meanwhile, in 1931, the image was taken to Paris and displayed at the Paris Exhibition, only to return to another place (Luang Phrabang) more than 30 years later.

●        Sightseeing the Plain of Jars

This is another expat destination in Laos. The Plain of Jars is a large area extending around the town of Phonsavan, where giant jars of unknown origin are scattered around the landscape. In fact, the stone jars appear in clusters, ranging from a single or a few to several hundred jars.

These jars vary in height and diameter between 1 and 3 meters and are all hewn out of rock. Aside from this fact, the stone jars are undecorated, with the exception of a single jar that has a human bas-relief carved on the exterior. Moreover, research of the plain of jars suggests that the stone jars are associated with prehistoric burial practices.

●        Visiting the Si Phan Don

Visiting the Si Phan Don is another thing you’d like to explore as an expat. And that’s because it’s a beautiful island, set against a scenic section of the Mekong River in Southern Laos. The Mekong is impassable to river traffic here due to the Khone Falls, a series of rapids that stretch 9.7km of the river’s length. Moreover, the three principal islands that cater to tourists are Don Det, Don Khon, and Done Kong.

Frequently Asked Question about Laos

Why is Laos so special?

There are so many reasons why this country remains the best destination for expatriates today. And this is because; it’s a landlocked country in Southeast Asia with some of the shortest people in the world. Not only is that, but the country is also famous for having the tallest treehouse in the world, the oldest human fossil in Southeast Asia, and is considered one of the fastest-growing economies in all of Asia.

Is Laos a good country?

Well, we are calling it a good country! However, Laos is the most relaxed country in Asia. No one is in a hurry, and you might even find a shopkeeper asleep, operating on a trust system until he has finished his nap. The country is also really fertile, but the locals are content with just harvesting one rice crop a year.

How can I Marry a Lao Woman?

Unlike most other jurisdictions, a foreigner must obtain the permission of the Lao government to marry a Laos’s citizen. Meanwhile, under Laos’s law, there are two ways of certifying a marriage to a Lao citizen in the country; to have a foreign marriage certificate or to obtain a Lao marriage certificate.

Can a foreigner buy property in Laos?

According to the country’s law, foreigners can now purchase and own condominiums in Laos. But under the revised law, foreigners can also own land-use rights under land lease and concession agreements with Lao citizens and the government. More so, land ownership rights are limited to 30 years and 50 years respectively in the country.

How long can a foreigner stay in Laos?

Tourist visas on arrival are available at specific ports of entry and generally permit a stay of 30 days. But you can extend the visa up to an additional 60 days through the department of immigration in Vientiane. On the other hand, you can refer to our post about the visas in Laos for more information about staying in this country as an expat.

Can I travel without a visa?

Visitors in this country must obtain a visa from one of the Laotian diplomatic missions or online unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or qualify for a visa on arrival. Meanwhile, all visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months. That’s why you need to inquire about visiting the country.

Can expats retire in Laos?

There are small towns, villages, tourism sites that make the country a beautiful place to retire as of today. However, Laos is a developing country, but there are a lot of reasons why it might be the best place to retire in today’s world.

Conclusion

Laos’s people are amiable, peaceful, and calm. Going by the cost of living, you can live comfortably in the country for $1,000 or less. Surrounded by economic powerhouses such as China and Thailand, you’ll never regret relocating to this beautiful country. Nonetheless, refer to this Lao guide to know more about the country.