Digital Nomad Life in Laos

"It all depends what you are interested in. For women there is WIG (Womens International Group) who do various activities. There are many sporting clubs (Rugby, Australian Football, etc). A volunteer group called Paws for Thought who focus on animal welfare in Lao. Most are advertised in the Vientiane Times OR on facebook/internet.," explained one person living in Vientiane, Laos.

"Expats in Laos often join clubs and activities such as the Lao-American Association, the Lao-British Association, and the Lao-French Association. These clubs provide a great way to meet other expats and locals, and to learn more about the culture and language of Laos. Expats can also join sports teams, such as football, volleyball, and basketball, or take part in outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. Additionally, there are many bars and restaurants in Laos that are popular with expats, providing a great opportunity to socialize and make new friends. Finally, expats can also join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Laos," said one expat in Laos.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Laos is generally quite relaxed and laid-back. The country is known for its friendly locals and stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers a wide range of activities, from exploring ancient temples to trekking through the jungle. With its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and low cost of living, Laos is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," said one person in Laos.

"For Lao people, all of the above! For many foreigners here it's mostly spending time getting to know Lao, visiting its more popular places, socialising etc. It all depends on what you want to do and spend most of your time on. For my family it's sport, socialising and seeing what Lao has to offer," said one expat who made the move to Vientiane.

"Finding a place to live in Laos can be a challenge, but there are a few options available. One option is to look for rental properties online, such as through websites like Lao Property Finder or Lao Real Estate. Additionally, you can look for rental properties in newspapers or through local real estate agents. You can also look for shared housing options, such as through websites like Lao Room Finder or Lao Home Share. Finally, you can also look for homestays or guesthouses, which are often available in rural areas," said one person in Laos.

"Before retiring in Laos, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally lower than in many other countries. It is important to research the availability of healthcare and medical facilities, as well as the quality of the services provided. Expats should also be aware of the local laws and regulations, and ensure that they are compliant with them. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, and be respectful of them. Finally, expats should ensure that they have the necessary visas and permits to live and work in Laos," said one person in Laos.

"Things here run very differently. It's slow and has to be done a certain way. It's best to go with the flow. Come here with an open mind and you should be ok! Don't expect much of a nightlife as there isn't one," said one expat who made the move to Vientiane.

"Laid back friendly people. Appreciative of anything you do for them. Respectful of elders," explained one person living in Vientiane, Laos.

"Expats in Laos appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. They also enjoy the country's rich cultural heritage, with its ancient temples, traditional festivals, and vibrant markets. The country's natural beauty, with its lush jungles, stunning waterfalls, and stunning mountain views, is also a major draw for expats. Additionally, the low cost of living and the relaxed pace of life make Laos an attractive destination for those looking for a more laid-back lifestyle," said one expat in Laos.

"Getting set up visa wise and continuing learning process of the culture and language," said one person in Vientiane.

"Expatriates in Laos often find the local culture to be quite different from their own, which can be challenging to adjust to. The language barrier can be difficult to overcome, as English is not widely spoken in Laos. Additionally, the local customs and etiquette can be difficult to understand, as they are often quite different from those of the expat's home country. Furthermore, the pace of life in Laos is much slower than in many other countries, which can be difficult for expats to adjust to," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Laos.

"Learning Lao, shopping at the market for food, making sure the family is happy, getting my sense of direction (which is terrible)," explained one person living in Vientiane, Laos.

"If you plan to stay in Laos for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a valid visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a tourist visa, a business visa, or a long-term visa. You may also need to provide proof of your financial resources, such as a bank statement, and a valid passport. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of health insurance and a valid return ticket," explained one expat living in Laos.

"It is important to be respectful of the local culture when visiting Laos. Avoid touching people on the head, as this is considered disrespectful. Refrain from taking photos of people without asking permission first. Additionally, dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of the local customs and traditions, and to be respectful of religious sites. Finally, be mindful of your language and avoid using offensive or derogatory terms," said one expat who made the move to Laos.

"Healthcare services in Laos are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is available to all citizens of Laos. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than in other countries. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, but the services are limited and the cost of treatment can be expensive. Expats in Laos often use the public healthcare system for basic medical needs, but they may also opt to use private healthcare services for more specialized treatments," said one foreigner in Laos.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Laos appreciate the low cost of living, the friendly locals, and the laid-back atmosphere. They also enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities, such as trekking, kayaking, and exploring the many caves and waterfalls. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the lack of infrastructure and modern amenities to be a challenge. Additionally, the language barrier can be a source of frustration for those who don't speak Lao," commented a person living in Laos.