Whether you’re looking for fun and sun, a peaceful retirement, or the chance to earn some extra income, you’ve got a real world of opportunity open to you… In short, we’ve done our best to narrow down your best options, but only you can decide the right country for you.
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Laos: An Ideal Haven If You’re Looking To Relax AdobeStock/tawatchai1990 Table Of Contents Live In Portugal Cost Of Living In Portugal Getting To Portugal Best Places To Live In Portugal Health Care In Portugal Portugal – FAQs Laos, the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, boasts uniquely beautiful landscapes featuring ancient temples, tropical jungles, mountains, […]
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Laos: An Ideal Haven If You’re Looking To Relax
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Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
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Laos, the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, boasts uniquely beautiful landscapes featuring ancient temples, tropical jungles, mountains, waterfalls, and rivers.
One of Laos’ distinctive qualities is that it is off the beaten tourist track, making it one of the least visited destinations in Southeast Asia. Laos’ characteristic laid-back feel is perfect for expats who want to immerse themselves in tranquility and live off-the-grid.
Laos is a relatively small country, with a population of about 7.6 million people. Sharing its borders with Myanmar (formerly Burma), Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam, Laos has often acted as a buffer between its more powerful neighbors throughout history.
There is evidence of human activity in Laos dating back at least 50,000 years. However, it wasn’t until 1353 when the first official Lao kingdom was founded.
Since then, Laos has endured rulerships from Japan, France, and Thailand, finally gaining independence in 1953.Despite wanting to stay neutral, Laos suffered terribly during the Vietnam war, and as a result, is the most bombed country in the world (per capita) to this date.
In 1975 the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was founded, and a communist regime took over as Laos recovered from its years of horrific violence.
Now, Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, with initiatives to sell hydropower to its neighbors successfully generating income for the country.
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Living In Laos
Laos hasn’t rushed to embrace Western culture, meaning the comforts of home can be difficult to come by. Trying to maintain a Western standard of living can be an exercise in frustration. You’re better off adapting to local life.
Tradition is at the root of Lao culture, from music to fashion.
The traditional Lao skirt (called a sinh) is worn daily by women of all ages just like it has been for hundreds of years.
Tropical Climate In Laos
Laos has a hot tropical climate, with a monsoon season lasting from May to October.
Temperatures are hottest during this period, with highs of 105℉ in some areas. The rest of the year sees little rainfall, with a cool period from November to February, after which it starts to heat up again in March and April.
Laos climate is optimum for growing rice, coffee, cotton, and tropical fruits, which are Laos’ main source of income.
Improving the country’s infrastructure is the Laos government’s current priority, to maintain its steadily growing economy.
The recent extension of China’s high-speed railway into Laos aims to change the country from land-locked to land-linked, improving trade connections between Laos and its neighbors.
Lao, or Laotian, is the official language of Laos, although up to 80 minority languages are spoken around the country.
Most people in the capital, Vientiane, and other busy tourist areas will speak at least basic English, some of the older generations, too, having used it during the Vietnam war.
But, there is also a high level of French spoken across Laos, after the French occupation of the country.
And, if you have a few words of French, Lao, and of course, English, you should get by just fine in Laos.
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Cost Of Living In Laos
The cost of living in Laos has slowly crept up as the economy gained traction in the last 20 years. Yet, for anyone coming from the States, Canada, or Europe, the cost of living in Laos is incredibly cheap.
Since Laos is a communist state, investing in property here is not easy for foreigners, but the extremely low rent rates make up for this. Also, you can rent a two-bed condo, complete with a swimming pool, in a gated community just outside Vientiane for as little as US$400 a month.
Save money on groceries by picking up fresh, locally grown produce at the farmer’s markets.
Buying imported products will cost you significantly more, so keep these out of your weekly shop if you are on a budget.
Utilities, eating out, entertainment, and public transport in Laos are a fraction of the cost of what you would pay in the States.
The public health care system in Laos falls behind Western standards. Due to under-funding, the equipment is basic, and many hospitals are understaffed.
Private clinics, found mainly in Vientiane, are better. Many have modern facilities, English-speaking doctors, and a high level of care.Unfortunately, even these private clinics often lack the provisions to deal with medical emergencies and treat serious illnesses.
For this reason, many expats choose to include medical evacuation on their private health insurance plan when living in Laos.
In short, if any serious medical issue arises, you can be brought to nearby Vietnam, Thailand, or Singapore and receive appropriate treatment under your insurance.
Getting To Laos
There are no direct flights from the United States to Laos, so you will need to make one or two stopovers on your journey.
Connecting flights are usually from Bangkok, or if you are flying from the east coast, you may need to make a stop in Hong Kong first.
When you land in Laos, you can decide to make one last flight to your final destination or take a bus, taxi, or rent a car.
Lao Airlines provides domestic flights around the country, but it’s a small airline, so flights are limited and fares can be expensive.
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Best Places To Live In Laos
Vientiane
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Laos’ capital, Vientiane, is a wonderful retirement destination. The city has a relaxed feel, with plenty to see and do.Laos’ French colonial past can be observed in the colonial architecture which makes up the city center.
This European architecture lies side by side ancient Buddhist temples creating a unique fusion of European and Southeast Asian heritage.
Vientiane is an ideal base for expats in Laos, as it has the best job opportunities, health care facilities, international schools, and universities in the country.
The cost of living is higher than in other parts of Laos but still very cheap compared to Western standards.
Despite being a bustling capital city, Vientiane is surrounded by beautiful nature, including waterfalls, caves, and mountains.
Also, Vientiane offers the expat the best of Laos’ stunning natural beauty, combined with vibrant city life.
Luang Prabang
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Luang Prabang is a small city in northern Laos, found at the confluence of the major Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It has become one of Laos’ most visited cities, as it is an excellent base to explore some of Laos’ best natural features, including the famous Kuang Si waterfalls.
Similar to Vientiane, Luang Prabang’s center features the unique mix of colonial architecture and Buddhist temples.
Every morning in Luang Prabang, there is a procession of monks walking through the streets, receiving offerings from locals and tourists alike. Most importantly, this is a fascinating tradition and a constant reminder of the depth and richness of Laotian history and culture.
Luang Prabang is an ideal destination for expats who want to know the true Laos, and explore the best of Laotian nature.
Interactive Map Of Laos
Click on any highlighted city or region to explore in-depth guides on what life is like there—from cost of living and climate to culture and real estate opportunities. Each location featured is one we’ve carefully reviewed and consider among the most livable and investment-friendly spots in Laos. Use this map as your starting point for discovering where in Laos your ideal lifestyle awaits.
Where Is Laos Located?
Laos is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, favored by expats seeking a laid-back lifestyle, low cost of living, and a strong sense of tradition and community.
Roughly the size of Utah, Laos is a landlocked country known for its lush landscapes, tranquil rivers, and rich cultural heritage.
When looking at a map of Laos, you’ll notice that, unlike many of its neighbors, it has no coastline. Instead, the country is defined by its mountainous terrain and the mighty Mekong River, which runs along much of its western border.
Located in the heart of the Indochinese Peninsula, Laos shares borders with China to the north, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar to the northwest.
Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider Southeast Asian region.
A bit of Lao history: Laos has a long and storied past, with roots in the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang (“Land of a Million Elephants”), established in the 14th century. The country was later colonized by the French and gained full independence in 1953.
Above all, Laos is known for its peaceful rhythm of life, deep-rooted Buddhism, and breathtaking natural beauty—from jungle-covered mountains to serene river valleys.
The country is also famous for the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, and the scenic 4,000 Islands in the far south.
Airports In Laos?
Firstly, Laos’s main international airport is Wattay International Airport in the capital, Vientiane. Other smaller international airports are found in Luang Prabang and Pakse. These are the main entry points for travelers from abroad.
Secondly, Laos is located outside of major cyclone and earthquake zones, making it relatively safe from natural disasters. The country experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with a distinct rainy and dry season.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
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