Popularly known as ‘The Jewel of Southeast Asia’, Laos attracts thousands of visitors each year with its enigmatic charm. People visit Laos to experience that special “something” which even they cannot explain clearly but yet do not want to miss. Even though Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world, it’s developing quite rapidly with the help of non-governmental organization (NGO) projects and international grants. Learn about what makes Laos one of the best places to retire in Asia.
Laos welcomes everyone, especially U.S. retirees, with its fine tree-lined boulevards, Buddhist temples, Mekong River, small lanes with quaint, old wooden houses, bustling market places and other relics of its colonial past. When you are considering retirement, you may find the basic laid-back atmosphere of Laos ideal when combined with the warmth of the good-natured and hospitable local residents. Most of them are very friendly and family-oriented, extending a warm welcome to the foreigners. Whether poor or rich, they all love and enjoy life.
There may be a lot of similarities between Asian traditions and cultures, especially from the Western perspective. However, when closely analyzed, there are significant differences between the major aspects of life in the different countries and regions. Similarly, Laos has its own distinct culture and style.
Cost of living
Although the cost of living in Laos is quite low as compared to other Asian, North American or European countries, there is a flip side to it. As a foreigner, you may need to pay more than the local costs since it is generally believed here that foreigners have more money. Whether you go for shopping or take a tuk tuk for travel, you might be expected to pay more than the local people. Even your utility bills may cost higher. Due to this reason, it cannot generally be said that the cost of living in Laos is as low as it is generally assumed to be, keeping the country’s economical status in mind. However, it is still much lower and generally much more economical than living in the United States.
A standard meal in the main towns of Laos may range between $2 to $10 for one person. However, for eating traditional Lao food in a local restaurant may cost you $1 or even lesser for one meal. Imported wines and beer are available in hotels but do not come cheap. Instead, you may opt for the local beer that is quite affordable (and tasty!), and goes for $1 for a large bottle. However, prices may vary on the size of the bar or restaurant. Chinese beer, which is even cheaper than the local beer, can be found in the northern provinces. Soft drinks in Laos are also cheap, with a bottle of Coke costing around 1,500 kip, or 15 cents U.S., (national currency of Laos) and a can costing around 3,000 kip, or 30 cents U.S. when bought from a stall. Due to its easy availability bottled water is also very inexpensive, which costs around 1,000 kip (around 20 cents U.S.) per liter.
Affordable housing
Buying a good house in Laos can be much cheaper than most of the other countries in the world as the average cost of living is quite low. However, you may have to be careful while dealing with a real estate agent, as there is a general belief that all foreigners have a lot of money and thus you could end up being conned into paying more if you are not aware of this. You may shop for the best price and property by visiting several real estate websites and checking out the listings.
Food
Lao food shares a lot of similarities with Thai food, but it is less influenced by Chinese cuisine. The typical use of aromatic herbs, chillies, lemon grass, tamarind and ginger distinguish the food of Laos. The use of coconut oil in specific dishes is common.
Traditional Lao cuisine consists of glutinous rice, fermented fish, which is also known as “pa dek”, often complimented by fish sauce or “nam pa”. This fish sauce is one of the major ingredients of Lao cuisine, with every meal containing at least a small dish of nam pa.
Cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and aubergines are some of the most common vegetables used in various dishes and eaten with rice. Fruits are not a very common part of the menu in Laos. Most eating places will not have fruits even at breakfast, especially those that are not geared for foreigners.
Unlike the common practice in other Asian countries, soups are not eaten at the beginning of meals and are instead taken in the middle or at the end of a meal. The common ingredients of the soups are comprised of fish and meat with aromatic herbs. Among the sweets, grilled bananas and sticky rice with black beans and coconut milk are favorites.
Transportation
Bicycles are one of the most popular modes of transportation among the tourists. Local residents mostly prefer motorcycles for getting around. The Tuk tuk, an open-aired three-wheeled vehicle, is mostly preferred for traveling long distances. It has a canopy, protecting passengers from sun and rain. It is a combination of a motorcycle engine with two benches attached at the back facing inside. Traditional old cars serve as taxis all over the country and have their stands at different places. Mini-bus services are also provided by some of the upscale hotels for dropping and picking up their guests. Local bus services are available but are very slow and make frequent stops.
Medical facilities
The medical infrastructure in Laos is not as well equipped as some of the other neighboring Asian countries. A lack of adequately trained personnel is one of the major problems faced by the country. The general standard of the medical facilities are limited, especially in the rural areas. However, the Mohosot Hospital and Clinique Settathirath in Vientiane can provide emergency treatment. In case you need better facilities, you may have to travel to the neighboring island country of Thailand. You may also arrange for emergency evacuation to Udon Thani (Thailand) with short notice.
The Swedish and Australian Embassies have their clinics provide medical care for minor problems in exchange of a nominal fee. The availability of good medical care reduces as one moves away from the bigger towns.
Like all other places, Laos has its own pros and cons. Nevertheless, the warmth and hospitality of its people and a host of natural attractions along with a very low cost of living, ensure that people come to the island nation and start a new life after retirement. You would be wise to learn more about Laos – one of the best places to retire in Asia.
Learn more about visiting, living and possible retirement to Laos:
Laos currency exchange:
(April 2012)
1.00 USD = 7,945.00 LAK
US Dollar Lao or Laotian Kip
1.00 EUR = 10,478.25 LAK
Euro Lao or Laotian Kip
http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/index.php
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2770.htm
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/la.html