Guide - Moving to Laos
Never heard of Laos? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Laos is a hidden gem that some of us would rather keep secret. It’s a beautiful country filled with a rich cultural heritage, charming towns, and warm-hearted people who make a living working the land.
Why Loas?
Laos is famous for its dramatic limestone scenery, ethnic villages, and untamed nature. It's an adventure lover’s Nirvana. Of the four main centers - Vientiane (the capital), Luang Prabang (the jewel), Vang Vieng, and Pakse - Luang Prabang is the favorite to visit and to live. With French colonial architecture, delicious cuisine, and pavement cafe life, the Heritage Listed town is incredibly picturesque and serene.
For the artistic, you'll find an abundance of gilded wats (temples) to sketch, fascinating galleries of browse, and handicraft workshops to learn new skills at. In Laos you can completely de-stress, forget time exists, and learn how to smile at life's simple pleasures. (The $8 hour-long full body massages and delectable cuisine sure help too!)
What are the People Like?
Laotians are practical, kind-hearted, and have a different way of seeing the world compared to their more industrialized neighbors. They are a collection of tribal cultures that have their own local languages and faith systems developed in relative geographic isolation. The people are highly skilled in traditional handicrafts, which are unique to each tribe, and remain authentic as well as highly regarded.
Here, kindness comes before competition, fun outweighs finances, and harmony is far more important than stubbornness. Life in Laos moves to the rhythm of the day and the changing seasons, rather than being driven by rigid work schedules. It’s a refreshing change of pace for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy life.
Food: A Taste Adventure
One of the best things about living in Laos is the food! In the north, it’s a delightful blend of French and Asian cuisines. Luang Prabang is filled with lovely cafes and restaurants, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the street food is super affordable and delicious.
Outside of Luang Prabang. be be sure to pick your vendors carefully and - if you don’t fancy a rooster’s foot sticking out of your soup - steer clear of ordering chicken soup!
Healthcare in Laos
Laos’ healthcare system isn’t exactly top-tier, but there are around 30 private hospitals and medical insurance options for expats. Pharmacies stock most medications, which you can buy over the counter. For more serious medical issues or specialist care though, it’s wise to travel to Bangkok. Bottom line: if you have a serious health condition that requires high level care and regular check-ups, or if you have mobility issues or special dietary requirements, Loas is NOT for you!
Entertainment: Find Your Own Fun
If you love art, culture, handicrafts, nature, or adventure sports, you’ll be in heaven in Laos. The country doesn’t have big shopping malls or movie theaters, but it offers plenty of natural beauty and cultural experiences. It’s the perfect place to unwind and explore at your own pace.
Safety and Crime
Laos is considered a safe country, with a very low crime rate. Violent crime is extremely rare, but petty theft does occasionally happen. Be aware that corruption and bribery can be common, so it’s best to stay informed and cautious. Traffic accidents and landmines are the greatest concern, so be careful when driving, strap in if there are seat belts, and never stray off the well worn path when exploring in this country’s amazing villages and countryside.
Language
Not everyone speaks English in Loas. Outside of the cities, few do. In Luang Prabang, French is prevalent, but really, to live here you need to be committed to learning at least the basics in Lao, which is spoken by just 52% of the population. You’ll never master it all though, as the nation has 86 recorded languages, with the most prevalent being Khmu and Hmong. further complicating matters, even though Lao is the official language, it's spoken in many different dialects across various ethnic groups.
Getting a Visa
Getting a visa for Laos is straightforward. You can get a tourist visa on arrival for around $35, and extensions are available at the immigration office for about $90 for three months. There's currently no retirement visa option in Laos, and longer stays mean getting either an investor visa or a labor visa. A labor visa, sponsored by a Lao company or NGO, is the most popular choice for foreigners staying in Laos long term. Local companies are always seeking foreigners for English-speaking or skilled jobs though. The main challenge however is that wages are teribly low. For more details regarding visas, check out the official government website: Lao eVisa.
Climate: Be Ready to Chill or Sweat!
Laos has a tropical climate influenced by the southeast monsoon, with two main seasons: the rainy season (May to mid-October) and the dry season (mid-October to April). In winter, the northern areas can get quite chilly at night, but it’s usually pleasant during the day. The rest of the year, expect hot and humid weather. April-May can be a blighted by thick smoke from the Burning Season.
Cost of Living
Laos is a budget-friendly country if you prefer a simple lifestyle. In Luang Prabang, you can rent a small house for around $450-$600 per month, though some places may not have air-conditioning. Landlords often ask for a year’s rent upfront, usually paid in USD.
If you’re considering Vientiane, the capital, keep in mind that housing closer to the city center starts at $900-$1300 per month. Homes near embassies are more expensive, as these areas are popular with expats. With inflation on the rise, rental prices and utility costs have been increasing, so budget accordingly.
Cost of living in Laos is, on average, 50.3% lower than in United States. Expect to pay about $300 per month for basic utilities like electricity, plus additional costs for water, garden maintenance, and internet.
Finding a Home
Every plot of land in Laos is technically owned by the state. Foreigners can only lease land for a period of up to 50 years. Strangely enough, you can own houses and other types of real estate in Laos – yet not the land your property is built on. There aren’t many websites for rentals, so most homes are found through word of mouth or by spotting “For Rent” signs. Be prepared to pay up to 12 months’ rent in advance, and remember that utilities, cleaning, and groundskeeping are extra. Laos doesn’t have tenant rights as you might be used to, so don’t expect landlords to fix things promptly.
For a smoother start, consider negotiating a long-term stay with a comfortable hotel in a location you like (Luang Prabang is a popular choice), then get to know the expat community and explore rental options from there. The move may come with a few challenges, but the memories of this beautiful country will be worth it.
The Perfect Fit?
Laos isn’t for everyone, and Luang Prabang is definitely the jewel, but if you’re dreaming of a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by friendly people and spectacular scenery, then it could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a place for adventurous souls, for painters and writers, photographers and those seeking purpose through service. Is Laos a permanent option for most looking to retire in Asia? Probably not, but you never know… It does cast its spell over you and you will encounter the most fascinating breed of foreigners who have chosen to call Laos home.
