Vientiane, Laos 🇱🇦
#657
17.964098, 102.61337
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, is known for its laid-back atmosphere, Buddhist temples, and French colonial architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 800,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of around 15-20 Mbps for mobile and up to 30 Mbps for fixed broadband. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 9,600 LAK. Local banks and ATMs widely accept Visa and Mastercard. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type E power sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Lao Telecom and ETL, with prepaid SIM cards widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as BCEL and Lao Development Bank offer account services, with international options available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options from hostels starting at $10 per night to mid-range hotels at $50-100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; prefer carrying cash for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and other rental platforms are available with prices starting from $15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Vientiane has rates starting at $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Junction Cafe & Coworking offers good facilities and fast internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Qui offers a quiet atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are organized through the Laos Expats Facebook group. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular social gatherings at places like The Scandinavian Bakery. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab Taxi is the most widely used ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Vientiane Bike Tours offers rentals and guided tours. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is at Don Daeng Island, about an hour away by boat. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Lao Airlines provides regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirAsia and Bangkok Airways offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Good access to Route 13 connecting to other parts of Laos. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Vientiane does not have a train service; bus terminals serve as major transit points. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes; bus fares are typically under $1. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Vientiane to cities like Luang Prabang and Pakse. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mahosot Hospital is the main healthcare facility, providing a range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Vientiane offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Fitness Center at Landmark Mekong is popular among expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services are widely available, with prices around $1 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda operates in Vientiane. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Laap (a traditional minced meat salad) is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Paradise offers great vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Khao Khiow is famous for its sweet treats and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Talat Sao Market offers a variety of food and shopping options at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | LaoTop offers a range of online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Yes, services are available through local stores and apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Vang Vieng Road is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lao Brewery Company produces the famous Beer Lao. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are few wine bars; most wines are found in local restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is abundantly available, with noodle soups and grilled meats being popular. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | There are various options including Italian and Indian restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Pha That Luang is the national symbol of Laos and a must-visit site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Lao National Museum offers insights into the country's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Patuxai is an iconic monument resembling the Arc de Triomphe. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Si Saket is one of the oldest temples in Vientiane. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Lao New Year (Pi Mai) in April is celebrated with great enthusiasm. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Quarter hosts many cultural events and traditional markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Outdoor performances can often be found at public parks. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Talat Sao Market is a bustling hub for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in bars along the Mekong River. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is not very common but local artists are beginning to make their mark. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Laos Cooking Class offers sessions for learning local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art de Vientiane showcases local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Presidential Palace is a notable building showcasing French architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Baci ceremony is an important cultural tradition in Laos. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Nam Ngum Reservoir offers scenic views and water activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nam Ha National Protected Area is a great spot for trekking and biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Mekong Riverbank offers beautiful paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mount Phousi provides stunning views of the city and surrounding area. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Vientiane are great for observing local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks along the Mekong River allow for small, controlled fires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Lao Post offers reliable delivery services within Laos and internationally. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Lao Smartphone Repair provides various tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Outdoor parks sometimes have tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like The Language School Vientiane offer Lao classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library is a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community Center Vientiane promotes cultural exchange and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes are available but gaming lounges are limited. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are a few casinos near the border with Thailand. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, but lenient regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on the rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% of the sale price. |