vientianeboy
Australian expat in Laos
Forum posts
83
Contacts
1
About me
Australian
Lives in Vientiane
Registration: 16 July 2013
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
For those looking up this topic. Heathfield is by far the best IS in Lao, at this time, (and that includes the ridiculously expensive VIS). Kiettisack can no longer be recommended for numerous reasons. VPS is quite good and International School of ... Read More
how has the corona virus effected laos? by kbarn389
greetings to all, just was kind of curious how has the corona virus effected the people of laos? were there any outbreaks? what safety measures / precautions are being took by the government? is travel restricted?
We are currently in lockdown. The government here has handled it brilliantly. Until 3 weeks ago there were 40 cases and no deaths. Due to a couple of selfish super spreaders we now have 1000 cases, still no deaths, but an outbreak. Read More
Work permit
International schools will not employ you without a degree. Language schools may well do so. In a language school you will need to pay for your own work permit and visa. Most work at language schools is in the evening however. Read More
Online visa by stumpy
The Lao govt have recently introduced an online evisa. It is easy to use and takes 3 days to have it emailed to you. There is a dedicated evisa line at immigration to which you present your passport and approval letter. This service is only ...
It is also quite a lot more expensive than VOA. Read More
Online visa by stumpy
The Lao govt have recently introduced an online evisa. It is easy to use and takes 3 days to have it emailed to you. There is a dedicated evisa line at immigration to which you present your passport and approval letter. This service is only ...
Indeed. Wattay appears to be the only port of entry that works at the moment. Read More
Online visa by stumpy
The Lao govt have recently introduced an online evisa. It is easy to use and takes 3 days to have it emailed to you. There is a dedicated evisa line at immigration to which you present your passport and approval letter. This service is only ...
It s not yet fully operative. They are ironing out the problems. VOA is still the best bet at the moment. Read More
Ordering online in Vientianne
Like Stumpy says, get a PO Box. Read More
Festive Season
Happy belated NY Stumpy. We went to Udon to see the lotus flowers. If you haven't done this, I can recommend it. They are beautiful. Read More
House renting
I have had lots of dealings with Mr Sai from Saiward's real estate. Though I don't like to advertise on this site. He has been honest and helpful in finding accommodation for my staff. Read More
Wanna stay at Lang Penang, Laos. Continue my new life for Malaysian
Even in Vientiane the job you describes is usually done by local people. You may have to change your job. Read More
Luang Prabang by Saucebox
Hello everyone in that beautiful, tranquil, lush green town. Greetings from London. I feel a bit of a fraud on this site because I'm not an ex pat and although I plan to return to LP for the entire month of October - I was there for six days ...
You asked about accepting dollars rather than Kip. Please bear in mind that the official currency is Kip, not Baht or USD. People should make every effort to pay in Kip; it is government policy and it is the right thing to do. Some restaurants will ... Read More
Cost of living 2018 in Laos by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
Thakek is certainly cheaper than Vientiane or Pakse. Read More
How has your life changed in Laos by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Laos? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
The fat one is Phil. Read More
Raising kids in Laos by Priscilla
Hello everyone, How is raising kids in Laos different from raising kids in your home country? What are the activities that your kids seem to enjoy the most in Laos? Do you feel that the country is "family-friendly"? Do you recommend Laos ...
Laos is certainly family friendly Finding a good school is hard. It is even harder now that Kiettisack has imploded and can no longer be recommended. Read More
Working in Laos by Jiimmy
Hi all. New to this site so please bear with me. I am from the UK and I am looking at possibly moving to Laos. The one big concern for me is work being is it hard to find work etc for a foreigner in Laos. Thanks for any advice or help. ...
Can you tell us what your occupation is? Sorry did not read above. You could apply to one of the mining companies, MMG or Phu Bia, but as Stumpy said, it is not easy. Read More
Visa for Laos Girlfriend by Jiimmy
Hi. May anyone please help and advise. I would like to take my Laos Girlfriend to the UK for a visa. Any help or advice would be very much appreciated Thank you
This is not going to be easy. You may need to go to Bangkok; take Stumpy's advice above, but in the meantime gather photos showing the 2 of you together and reasons why she would want to return to Lao, eg her own bank account with a decent ... Read More
Pre Schools in Vientiane
May I suggest Wathana Montessori School. This is an excellent, caring school based on Montessori principles and is also starting primary in August. Read More
The jobs that are the most in-demand for expats in Laos by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some information regarding the job market for expats in Laos. This information will be incredibly helpful to anyone considering moving there, so we're very grateful for your contribution. What are the types of ...
Getting a job here is not that easy. There are occasional jobs in the mining industry, but you would probably be better off applying for those outside of Lao. There are teaching jobs sometimes. To get a good one, say at Panyathip, KIS, you need a ... Read More
Traffic in Laos
When I first came to Lao 12 years ago it took me 20 minutes to get home from work. Now it takes one hour plus. The traffic at peak time is horrendous. Sunday morning is the best time to drive around as there is very little on the road. In contrast ... Read More
Train timetable site for whote Laos
Like Stumpy says, we have no trains. We do have buses. Read More
Paying bills in Laos by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What bills do you pay? If you are renting, are bills included in the price of rent, and is this common practice in Laos? How can you pay your bills (e.g. online, at provider's store, at the post office)? Which is the most ...
My wife also takes care of that. We own our house so pay no rent. Bills include Electricity, Water and if you use gas, the gas bottle. There are also other bills such as car insurance and road taxes. The latter change on a yearly basis. These bills ... Read More
Laos's most expensive cities by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the most expensive cities to live in Laos? What are the costs of things such as rent, utilities, weekly groceries, dining out, etc.? What is the lifestyle like in these cities, for expats and locals? What are the ...
Actually some things are cheaper in Vientiane than in other countries - try beer and wine for example. Depending on where you shop, you can get western items at not too expensive prices as well. Try Phonsilli supermarket. Read More
Laos's most expensive cities by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the most expensive cities to live in Laos? What are the costs of things such as rent, utilities, weekly groceries, dining out, etc.? What is the lifestyle like in these cities, for expats and locals? What are the ...
I have to disagree with Stumpy here - first time for everything. Luang Prabang is the most expensive city in Lao in terms of food, housing and essentials. This is not surprising when one considers that LP is a town based on tourism. Pakse, the ... Read More
Registering a birth in Laos
Same as Stumpy. My kids are registered in the Family Book as well. It is quite easy to do. Read More
language learning
There may be a language institute that offers language lessons. You would need to hunt and ask. Read More
Hello, I am new, is anyone around? by billhardt
The last thread from 2014? So this form is not active anymore? I am visiting Laos, my aim is to buy (lease) a small piece of land. I am looking for English-speaking lawyer to help with the formalities. Thanks Bill
Contact Saiwards real estate. I am sure he can help you. Read More
Lao National abroad in a country without Laos embassy/consualte by Kohily
Good day to you, First, some due introductions: My girlfriend and fianc茅e is from Laos, I'm from Tunisia. She's coming very soon here to Tunisia and we're planning to get a marriage certificate, which is a pretty easy and straigh ...
I can confirm Stumpy's post on this. Read More
Retiring in Laos by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in Laos? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc.. Are there ...
Of course Buddhism has had a great effect. Even during the years of the revolution it still played a major part. It does so today in all walks of life. The people are friendlier than in Thailand. Read More
Retiring in Laos by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in Laos? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc.. Are there ...
A long time. As I am not vegetarian I cannot help you with that. Yes, I speak Lao. The country is Lao, the people and language are Lao. The French added the "s". Read More
getting your driving license in Laos ? by fredbkk
Hi, I haven't any driving license from my own country. Anyone get it in Laos ? What are the conditions and price please ? Cheers !
If you don't have a foreign licence, why do you think you can get a Lao licence? There is a licence test but the theory is in Lao. I am not sure if you have to be a Lao citizen to sit for it. Read More
getting your driving license in Laos ? by fredbkk
Hi, I haven't any driving license from my own country. Anyone get it in Laos ? What are the conditions and price please ? Cheers !
If you have a foreign licence you can get a Lao licence as well as long as you have a residents' permit. It costs about 100000 kip. Read More
Retiring in Laos by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in Laos? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc.. Are there ...
What is retirement? To correct a few statements: "To the best of my knowledge you cannot have money transferred into Laos without using an intermediary bank. " You certainly can. I have money transferred directly from my Australian bank ... Read More
The best things to discover in Laos
Agree with Stumpy, the Bolaven Plateau is great. I like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang as well. Read More
Naturalisation and citizenship in Laos by Bhavna
Hello everyone, What are the requirements for acquiring citizenship in Laos? For example, length of residence, language requirements, employment etc.. What formalities are involved in the process? What is the policy on dual-citizenship in ...
The comments above are correct, though there are ways and means.... Read More
Living in Luang Prabang by gingerlady
Hello! I'm considering (and being considered) for a job in Luang Prabang. I worked in Vientiane back in 2008 and traveled to LP during that same year. I found it to be very quiet, not so many tourists. What I would like to know is how is ...
LP is more expensive than Vientiane and is a lot busier than it used to be. Noise pollution is negligible. Read More
Mistakes expats make in Laos
I agree with the above post. A few other points - think with your brains and not....; be patient, especially in traffic and with Lao drivers; get used to noise. Read More
TO MARRIED A LAOS GIRL IN MALAYSIA by Who Sense 1986
Good Day To Everyone, I'm From Malaysia, I'm A Muslim And I'm 31 Years Old. I Don't Know Where To Start, But I Will Try My Best To Explain My Situation. I Really Need Your Guys Opinion, Advice And Best Alternative Option/Solution For ...
This is a certificate to prove you are not married. Your girlfriend can get it from the Naiban. You will have to get it from an Embassy of your own country. Read More
TO MARRIED A LAOS GIRL IN MALAYSIA by Who Sense 1986
Good Day To Everyone, I'm From Malaysia, I'm A Muslim And I'm 31 Years Old. I Don't Know Where To Start, But I Will Try My Best To Explain My Situation. I Really Need Your Guys Opinion, Advice And Best Alternative Option/Solution For ...
There was an article in the Vientiane Times last week that the Govt is trying to expedite the process as it can currently take a while. Get in touch with the Lao Embassy in your country for advice. Read More
Best usages and practices in Laos
Lol. Number one is marrying a Lao wife. Read More
Do you speak Lao? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Lao is essential for a successful integration in Laos. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Lao? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a language course in ...
That should be 21st Century Language school. Read More
Do you speak Lao? by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Lao is essential for a successful integration in Laos. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Lao? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a language course in ...
There are some incorrect comments here. The Lao and the Thai written language are totally different. Learning Thai script will not help you speak Lao. The spoken language of Isaan is similar to Lao. In fact even Bangkok Thai can understand Lao but ... Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
To answer your queries: Does KIS actually provide the full amount of training recommended by Cambridge to do the A and AS level courses Yes they do. and do they have the resources? Do they, for example, have a fully equipped lab to perform the ... Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
Your post above is a reasonably accurate assessment of schools in Lao. VIS does not require a Masters, but does view IB PYP MYP experience very favourably. I would also dispute the fact that a native speaker might be "under stimulated". ... Read More
LIED Anyone? by JMSRPTTN
Anyone singing lied in Vientiane? James
I am not German; I just write correctly. "Lied" or "Lieder" is not an English word. To answer your question, no nobody that I know of. Occasionally the French Cultural Institute have visiting artists, but this is rare - once a ... Read More
LIED Anyone? by JMSRPTTN
Anyone singing lied in Vientiane? James
You should write Lied with a capital L. By the way, Lied usually refers to the Germanic versions. If you are talking about British songs, for example songs by Britten, they are referred to as Art songs, not Lieder. No I do not sing or accompany, ... Read More
LIED Anyone? by JMSRPTTN
Anyone singing lied in Vientiane? James
I think he means Lieder, Stumpy. Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Laos?
Maybe, maybe not. Anyway like Robert and a few others, I am stuck here now. Read More
Renting a scooter in Vientiane
Don't unless you are a VERY experienced rider. Get a tuk tuk instead. Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
AS levels ARE accepted by all UK unis. I did not state that they will automatically get you in to 1st year. 2 A levels and 2 AS count for the same as 3 A levels. However, this is moot as AS levels are being phased out anyway. 4 IGCSE s will get you ... Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
Oscar's Bilingual does not teach the CIE curriculum. If you have taught at 2 schools then you should know this. Read More
Music in Laos
Morlam in its various forms. Look it up onYoutube. The Khaen is a traditional instrument and one Khaen master is the young American Johnny Olson. Read More
Driving in Laos by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Laos? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess聟 what are the characteristics of the driving style in ...
I do drive but the wife thinks I am too aggressive, Join the club. Apparently I use the horn too much as well. Most Lao cannot drive their way out of a paper bag. Read More
Lao cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Laos? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Laos and why not your best recipe. Thank you in ...
Orlam is my favourite. It is a type of stew and a speciality of Luang Prabang. They do a good one at Amphone, near Jazzy Brick. Read More
What should I learn? Lao, Thai or just improve French?
Learn Lao. I agree with the above. Read More
Trains
You mean Thanaleng. I haven't but friends have. The question is why would you though? It is easier to get it from Nong Khai. Read More
want to buy a motorbike in Luang Prabang or Viang Vieng
As Stumpy posted, this is illegal. You could be heavily fined. Read More
selling Honda win 110 cc (Vi锚tnam registered) by pols
Hello fellow travelers, I'm selling my Honda win 110 cc after driving it all around Vi锚tnam cambodia and laos. It was an unbelievable trip that I would recommend to anyone that want to experience the real parts of these countries. All ...
Also it is illegal to sell vehicles and bikes with Vietnamese plates in Lao. You will be stopped by the cops and fined! Read More
Phi Mai Lao by stumpy
For all you new and not so new members can you please post how Lao new year went for you. Where did you go and what did you do to participate in this special event. Did you have family with you, with friends or on your own. I for one was not in ...
Chock dee pii mai. Went to 9 temples today and got wet. Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
That is what Somsavath said - that they do not currently provide it. By the way, Pathana are also introducing the IGCSE. No I did not take your comment negatively. Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
"I guess you are some kind of a teacher " I have been called many things, but "some kind of teacher" takes the cake. "Having no kids enrolled to it yet, doesn't mean that the facility cannot offer the IGSCE AS/A levels ... Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
You are attempting to play a game of semantics with Somsavath that you cannot win. I agree with her statements above. From the PIS website: In Years 9 鈥� 11, students begin to study Cambridge鈥檚 curriculum. Panyathip International School ... Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
Well that thread fizzled out quickly. Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
That's Lucky or unlucky so to say. Still curious to hear the whole story and also your role in the school. What do/did you teach? Might I suggest you get in touch with the Deputy Director at KIS2 near VIS? He needs staff for next year. Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
So nomad, we are waiting. Read More
Information needed please!!!!!!! by MMariainlondon
Hi All, We are a party of 7 travelling to Laos at the end of November this year. We will be arriving at Vientiane airport from KL and heading to Luang Prabang the very same day. I am doing some research online as where to buy the tickets for the ...
Actually there are storage facilities at the airport. Not lockers, though but a room. I agree with Stumpy, though if you get to the bus station a couple of hours before the bus leaves, you will be able to get tickets. Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
Hi Nomadxx. I know the assault comment is not correct. If someone is telling you otherwise, they are trying to make mischief. Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
I happen to know the teacher that you are talking about. I know exactly why this teacher left his last school and it was not because he assaulted a student. It was because of an issue regarding after school tuition. "He has two years teaching ... Read More
HONDA WIN for sale
Kenjee, what one poster posted previously is correct. You cannot legally sell or buy a bike with Vietnamese papers in Laos. Anyone buying such a bike is liable to have problems with the police if stopped at one of the many control points. Read More
Average monthly expenses (cost of living) in Laos for expat
1700 a week or a month? Read More
Two motorbikes for sale
If they have a Vietnamese licence you cannot sell them here. Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
Charlie, do you have a degree in English as well as a teaching qualification? Else you cannot get a job here teaching English in an International school. Read More
Buying a car in Vientiane by vacreative
Hi All Do most people buy 4x4 cars in Vientiane? My family and I are moving over in July 2015 and I want to be able to drive around the country. Would it make most sense to get a smaller family car for everyday use and rent 4x4 for the trips out ...
You do not need a 4WD unless you intend to do offroad driving. That said, a $WD is certainly useful in the wet season. I would not have been able to ford a road that turned into a creek in Vang Vieng this wet season without a 4WD. Charlie there is ... Read More
International schools in Vientiane.? by antpb
Hi. Does anyone have any recent experience with the international schools kis, vis or ais? Recommendations for a 7 year old from UK? Also any advice for piano or violin lessons? Thanks
Charlie, I have to say that I agree with Somsavath. The IGCSE and A/AS level courses as taught in Panyathip and Kiettisack, are strict in their use of correct grammar. You also need a teaching qualification or a degree in education to get a job at ... Read More
Traditional dance
Kua Lao and Tamnak Lao restaurants have shows with traditional dancing and music. The food at both is good. While thse shows sound kitsch, they are not and are worth seeing. Read More
Mathematics
Why don't you approach Kiettisack. I believe they are looking for a Maths teacher for the next school year. Read More
Informations about the bank sheets in Phongsavanh Bank by Gaudente
I would like to place a fixed deposit with Phongsavanh Bank, but their balance sheets are unavailable and therefore I cannot check the bank financial solidity. Does anyone know if these balance sheets are available somewhere ?
Stumpy, as mentioned above, the bank did not go bankrupt. There was a rumour started by someone....a competitor? that the bank was engaged in shady dealings. This caused a run, but was totally unfounded. The bank is perfectly sound. Read More