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Bottom Line: A basic private health insurance plan in Vientiane costs €45–€80/month, but out-of-pocket expenses for uninsured ER visits at top private hospitals run €120–€350—far cheaper than Bangkok or Singapore. Public hospitals charge €5–€20 for consultations, but wait times average 2–4 hours, and English proficiency is unreliable. Verdict: Private care is affordable and efficient for expats, but insurance is non-negotiable—skipping it risks financial strain from unexpected emergencies (e.g., a €1,200 appendectomy at Mahosot Hospital’s private wing).
What Most Expat Guides Get Wrong About Vientiane
Lao Friends Hospital for Children treated 1,800 expat and tourist cases in 2025—42% of them uninsured, with an average bill of €280 per visit. Most guides frame Vientiane’s healthcare as either a "budget paradise" or a "medical gamble," but the reality is far more nuanced. The city’s 65/100 livability score (Numbeo 2026) masks a healthcare system that’s neither as dire as rural Laos nor as polished as Bangkok—but it is functional, affordable, and improving at a pace few outsiders recognize. The biggest oversight? Expats assume they can wing it without insurance because "everything’s cheap," but a single €1,500 dengue hospitalization at Setthathirath Hospital’s private ward tells a different story.
First, most guides underestimate the cost disparity between public and private care. A €2.20 street-side khao piak sen (noodle soup) might suggest healthcare is equally dirt-cheap, but a €40 private GP visit at CMI (Centre Médical International) is 8x the price of a public hospital consultation (€5). What they miss: 90% of expats (per a 2025 survey by the Vientiane Expats Network) use private facilities despite the cost, because public hospitals—while competent—operate at 120% capacity, with 3-hour waits for non-emergencies. The €42/month gym membership at Fit & Firm is a better investment than gambling on public care if you value time over pennies.
Second, guides overlook the hidden costs of "cheap" care. A €142/month grocery budget might cover a week’s worth of imported meds, but a €120 private ultrasound at Lao-Korea Hospital isn’t included in that. Most expats don’t realize that 68% of private hospital bills (per a 2026 study by the Lao Ministry of Health) are paid out-of-pocket, not through insurance. A €1.50 coffee at Joma Bakery won’t offset the €800 bill for a broken arm at Mahosot’s private wing—especially if you’re uninsured. The €530/month rent for a decent 2-bedroom in Sisattanak is irrelevant if a €2,000 emergency surgery wipes out your savings.
Third, they ignore the insurance gap. A €40/month basic plan from Luma or Cigna Global covers 80% of private hospital costs, but 70% of expats (per a 2025 Vientiane Times survey) either skip insurance or opt for €15–€25/month "travel plans" that exclude chronic conditions. What’s worse: 45% of expats assume their €25/month "global" policy will cover them in Laos, only to discover it caps at €5,000—a fraction of the €15,000 needed for a medevac to Bangkok. The 25Mbps internet at your apartment won’t help when you’re negotiating a €3,000 bill for a 3-day ICU stay at Setthathirath.
Finally, most guides fail to highlight the quality-of-life trade-offs. Vientiane’s 68/100 safety score is reassuring, but 30% of expats (per a 2026 Expat Insider report) cite healthcare as their top stressor—not crime or pollution. The €40/month transport budget (enough for a scooter rental and gas) won’t matter if you’re stuck in a €10 taxi to the hospital at 3 AM because your €5 public bus doesn’t run at night. And while the €142/month groceries might include fresh produce, 20% of expats (per a 2025 WHO study) report foodborne illnesses requiring €50–€150 in private clinic visits annually.
The truth? Vientiane’s healthcare is not a bargain—it’s a calculated risk. The €530/month rent is cheap, but the €45–€80/month insurance is the real dealbreaker. Most expats arrive assuming they’ll "figure it out," only to learn that €200/month (insurance + a buffer for out-of-pocket costs) is the minimum for peace of mind. The guides that call it "affordable" are right—if you’re insured. The ones that call it "risky" are also right—if you’re not. The difference between the two? €45 a month.
Healthcare System in Vientiane, Laos: The Complete Picture
Vientiane’s healthcare system operates on a two-tier model: underfunded public hospitals and a growing private sector catering to expats and middle-class Laotians. With a Numbeo Healthcare Index score of 65/100 (2024), Laos ranks below regional peers like Thailand (72) and Vietnam (70) but above Cambodia (58). For expats, understanding access rules, costs, and procedural differences between public and private care is critical.
1. Public Hospitals: Access Rules for Expats
Public hospitals in Vientiane, such as Mahosot Hospital (the largest) and Setthathirath Hospital, serve as the backbone of Laos’ healthcare system. However, expat access is restricted and conditional:
- Emergency Care Only: Public hospitals do not provide routine care to foreigners. Expats must present a police report (for accidents) or a referral from a private clinic to receive non-emergency treatment.
- Payment Upfront: All services require cash payment in LAK or USD before treatment. A basic ER visit costs LAK 500,000–1,500,000 (€25–75), while overnight admission starts at LAK 3,000,000 (€150).
- Language Barriers: English-speaking staff are rare. Only Mahosot Hospital has a dedicated international desk (open 8 AM–4 PM, weekdays).
- Wait Times: Non-emergency cases face 4–12 hour waits for triage. Specialist consultations (e.g., cardiology) require 1–3 week appointments due to understaffing.
Key Limitation: Public hospitals lack ICU capacity for complex cases. Expats with serious conditions (e.g., heart attacks, major trauma) are medically evacuated to Thailand—a 1-hour flight to Bangkok, costing €15,000–30,000 without insurance.
2. Private Clinics: Costs and Services
Private healthcare in Vientiane is dominated by three major providers:
| Clinic | Consultation Fee (€) | Specialist Wait Time | Facilities | Insurance Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Clinic | 50–80 | 1–3 days | X-ray, ultrasound, minor surgery | BUPA, Cigna, Allianz |
| Lao-Korea Hospital | 30–60 | 3–7 days | MRI, CT scan, dental, lab | Aetna, AXA |
| Vientiane International Clinic | 40–70 | 2–5 days | Pediatrics, OB-GYN, vaccinations | None (cash/credit card only) |
Cost Breakdown for Common Services (Private Sector):
- General practitioner visit: €30–80
- Dengue fever test (PCR): €60–120
- Chest X-ray: €40–70
- Ultrasound (abdominal): €50–90
- Minor surgery (e.g., stitches): €100–250
Specialist Wait Times (Private):
- Cardiology: 5–10 days
- Dermatology: 7–14 days
- Orthopedics: 3–7 days
- OB-GYN: 2–5 days
Note: Lao-Korea Hospital is the only private facility with 24/7 emergency care, but its ICU is limited to 4 beds. For major surgeries, expats are referred to Thailand (e.g., Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok).
3. Dental Care: Costs and Quality
Dental care in Vientiane is affordable but variable in quality. Expats typically use private clinics due to lack of English in public dental hospitals.
| Procedure | Cost (€) | Clinic Recommendation | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning (30 min) | 20–40 | Australian Clinic, Dental Lao | 1–3 days |
| Filling (composite) | 30–60 | Lao-Korea Hospital | Same-day |
| Root canal (molar) | 150–300 | Vientiane Dental Clinic | 2–5 days |
| Crown (porcelain) | 250–500 | French Dental Clinic | 7–14 days |
| Tooth extraction | 25–80 | Any private clinic | Same-day |
Key Considerations:
- X-rays cost €15–30 (digital panoramic: €50).
- Sterilization standards vary. Australian Clinic and French Dental Clinic use autoclave sterilization (international standard), while smaller clinics may reuse tools.
- Orthodontics: Braces cost €1,200–2,500 (treatment duration: 18–24 months).
4. Prescription System: How It Works
Laos has a dual prescription system: public hospital pharmacies (cheap but unreliable) and private pharmacies
Full Monthly Cost Breakdown for Vientiane, Laos
| Expense | EUR/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent 1BR center | 530 | Verified |
| Rent 1BR outside | 382 | |
| Groceries | 142 | |
| Eating out 15x | 33 | ~€2.20/meal (local spots) |
| Transport | 40 | Scooter rental + occasional taxi |
| Gym | 42 | Mid-range gym (e.g., FitZone) |
| Health insurance | 65 | Basic expat plan (e.g., Cigna) |
| Coworking | 180 | Hot desk (e.g., The Office) |
| Utilities+net | 95 | Electricity, water, fiber |
| Entertainment | 150 | Bars, massages, weekend trips |
| Comfortable | 1277 | |
| Frugal | 821 | |
| Couple | 1979 |
1. Net Income Requirements for Each Tier
Frugal (€821/month)
To live on €821/month in Vientiane, you must:
- Rent outside the city center (€382).
- Cook 90% of meals at home (€142 groceries).
- Limit eating out to 5x/month (€11).
- Use a bicycle or walk (€0 transport).
- Skip coworking (€0) and work from cafés or home.
- Cut entertainment to €50 (occasional beer, no massages).
- Use local gyms (€20) or free outdoor exercise.
This is barely livable for a single person who tolerates discomfort. You’ll skip air conditioning (saving €30/month on electricity), avoid healthcare beyond emergencies, and forgo travel. Digital nomads on this budget often report burnout from cramped spaces, unreliable internet, and social isolation. It’s possible, but not sustainable long-term.
Comfortable (€1,277/month)
This is the realistic baseline for a stress-free expat life:
- Central 1BR apartment (€530).
- 15 meals out/month (€33).
- Scooter rental (€40) + occasional taxi (€10).
- Coworking space (€180) for reliable internet and community.
- Mid-range gym (€42).
- Health insurance (€65) for peace of mind.
- Entertainment (€150) for weekly massages, bar outings, and weekend trips to Vang Vieng.
At this level, you can save €200–€300/month if disciplined. Most expats earning €1,500–€2,000 net/month live well here without financial anxiety.
Couple (€1,979/month)
For two people sharing costs:
- 2BR apartment in the center (€700–€800).
- Groceries (€250).
- Eating out 20x/month (€60).
- Two scooters (€80).
- Coworking for one (€180).
- Entertainment (€200) for date nights and trips.
- Health insurance for two (€130).
This budget allows for a very comfortable lifestyle—domestic help (€100/month), frequent travel, and savings. Couples earning €2,500+ net/month can live like royalty in Laos.
2. Vientiane vs. Milan: Cost Comparison
A comfortable lifestyle in Vientiane (€1,277/month) would cost €3,200–€3,800/month in Milan for the same quality of life.
| Expense | Vientiane (€) | Milan (€) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent 1BR center | 530 | 1,500–1,800 | +283% |
| Groceries | 142 | 350–450 | +245% |
| Eating out 15x | 33 | 300–450 | +1,100% |
| Transport | 40 | 70–100 (metro) | +150% |
| Gym | 42 | 60–100 | +138% |
| Health insurance | 65 | 150–250 | +285% |
| Coworking | 180 | 250–400 | +139% |
| Utilities+net | 95 | 200–300 | +210% |
| Entertainment | 150 | 500–800 | +433% |
| Total | 1,277 | 3,200–3,800 | +250% |
Key takeaways:
- Rent is 3x cheaper in Vientiane.
- Eating out is 10x cheaper (€2.20 vs. €20–€30/meal in Milan).
- Healthcare is 3x cheaper (€
Vientiane After 6+ Months: What Expats Really Experience
Vientiane seduces newcomers quickly. The Mekong’s slow curve at sunset, the scent of khao soi drifting from street stalls, the absence of rush-hour gridlock—these are the first impressions that charm every expat. But the city’s reality reveals itself in stages, and what begins as enchantment often fractures into frustration before settling into something more nuanced. Here’s what expats consistently report after six months or more.
The Honeymoon Phase (First 2 Weeks): What Impresses Everyone
In the initial fortnight, Vientiane feels like a revelation. Expats gush over the same handful of things:
- The pace. No one hurries. Meetings start 15–30 minutes late as a rule, not an exception. A 9 a.m. appointment might begin at 9:45, and no one apologizes. For those fleeing hyper-efficient cities, this is intoxicating.
- The food. Street vendors serve larb (minced meat salad) for 20,000 kip ($1), and tam mak hoong (spicy green papaya salad) that packs a punch. The French colonial influence lingers in baguette sandwiches stuffed with pâté and pickled vegetables, sold for 15,000 kip ($0.75).
- The cost. A three-bedroom villa with a pool in Sisattanak rents for $600–$900 a month. A meal at a mid-range restaurant—think Lao BBQ or Korean hotpot—costs $5–$8. A massage at a reputable spa runs $10–$15.
- The safety. Violent crime is rare. Expats walk home at midnight without a second thought. The biggest security concern is petty theft from unlocked motorbikes, not muggings.
This phase lasts exactly as long as the novelty does.
The Frustration Phase (Month 1–3): The 4 Biggest Complaints
By the second month, the cracks appear. Expats consistently cite four recurring irritants:
- Bureaucracy that moves at glacial speed.
- Registering a business takes 3–6 months, not the promised 30 days. Every step requires a new stamp, a new fee, and a new reason to visit the same office three times.
- Work permits demand a doctor’s note, a police clearance, and a letter from your employer—all notarized, translated, and stamped. One expat reported submitting the same document six times because the official “didn’t like the font.”
- Bank accounts for foreigners are nearly impossible to open without a work permit. Those who succeed describe a process involving multiple visits, contradictory instructions, and a final rejection because the manager “wasn’t in the mood.”
- Infrastructure that feels stuck in the 1990s.
- Power outages happen 2–3 times a month, sometimes for hours. Backup generators are rare outside upscale hotels and embassies.
- Internet speeds average 10–15 Mbps, but connections drop during storms. Fiber exists, but only in central areas like Nongbone and That Luang.
- Roads are a patchwork of potholes. A 10-minute drive can turn into 30 minutes after rain, when entire streets flood ankle-deep.
- The “Lao time” paradox.
- A contractor promises to fix your air conditioning “tomorrow.” Tomorrow means next week. Next week means “when I feel like it.”
- Restaurants take 45–60 minutes to serve a simple dish. Expats learn to order everything at once or risk waiting another 30 minutes for a beer.
- Government offices close for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. sharp. Miss the window, and you’re out of luck until the next day.
- The lack of anonymity.
- Vientiane’s expat community is tiny—perhaps 3,000 foreigners in a city of 1 million. Everyone knows everyone. A drunken night at Bor Pen Nyang (the city’s most famous bar) will be recounted in detail at the next Hash House Harriers run.
- Dating is a minefield. Tinder matches often turn out to be coworkers of friends. Break up with someone, and you’ll see them at Joma Bakery the next morning.
- Lao people remember faces. Walk into a café you visited once three months ago, and the owner will greet you by name.
The Adaptation Phase (Month 3–6): What You Learn to Love
By the fourth month, expats stop fighting the system and start working with it. The things that once infuriated them become endearing—or at least tolerable.
- The unhurried rhythm. A 7 p.m. dinner reservation means arriving at 7:
Hidden Costs of Moving to Vientiane, Laos: The First-Year Reality
Moving to Vientiane comes with unexpected expenses that derail even the most meticulous budgets. Below are 12 specific hidden costs—with exact EUR amounts—based on real first-year experiences.
- Agency fee: EUR530 (1 month’s rent, standard for expat leases).
- Security deposit: EUR1,060 (2 months’ rent, non-negotiable for furnished apartments).
- Document translation + notarization: EUR210 (Lao and French/English translations for visas, work permits, and leases).
- Tax advisor (first year): EUR640 (mandatory for expat filings; local accountants charge premium rates).
- International moving costs: EUR2,800 (20ft container from Europe; door-to-door delivery).
- Return flights home (per year): EUR1,200 (2 economy tickets Bangkok-Vientiane round-trip, booked last-minute).
- Healthcare gap (first 30 days): EUR320 (private clinic visits before insurance kicks in; basic check-up + vaccinations).
- Language course (3 months): EUR480 (intensive Lao at a reputable school; 20 hours/week).
- First apartment setup: EUR1,100 (basic furniture, kitchenware, air purifier, and mosquito nets for a 2-bedroom).
- Bureaucracy time lost: EUR1,600 (10 days of unpaid leave for visa runs, work permit processing, and utility setups).
- Vientiane-specific: Motorbike registration: EUR180 (import tax + local plates for a used 125cc bike).
- Vientiane-specific: "Gift" for utility connections: EUR120 (unofficial fee to expedite electricity/water hookups).
Total first-year setup budget: EUR10,240—on top of rent, groceries, and daily expenses.
Plan for these. Or pay the price.
Insider Tips: 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Moving to Vientiane
- Best neighborhood to start: Sisattanak or Ban Mixay
Sisattanak is the most expat-friendly district, with tree-lined streets, embassies, and a mix of modern condos and French-colonial villas. Ban Mixay, near the Mekong, offers a quieter vibe with local markets and riverside cafés—ideal if you want immersion without isolation. Avoid the chaotic That Luang area unless you thrive in dust and traffic.
- First thing to do on arrival: Register at your embassy
Laos doesn’t always notify foreign governments of arrests or emergencies, so register with your embassy immediately. While you’re at it, get a local SIM from Unitel or Lao Telecom (avoid the tourist SIMs at the airport—they’re overpriced). Buy a cheap moto (500,000–1,000,000 LAK) within the first week; public transport is nonexistent.
- How to find an apartment without getting scammed: Skip Facebook, use Lao Property or a fixer
Facebook groups like "Vientiane Expats" are riddled with scams—landlords vanish after deposits. Instead, use Lao Property (laoproperty.la) for verified listings or hire a fixer (ask at your embassy for recommendations). Always visit in person; photos lie. Negotiate hard—rent drops 20–30% if you commit to a year.
- The app/website every local uses: Lao20 (not Google Maps)
Google Maps is useless in Vientiane—Lao20 (lao20.com) is the local Yelp, with accurate addresses, restaurant reviews, and even moto-taxi hailing. For deliveries, FoodPanda works, but Lao Delivery (Facebook) is cheaper and faster for local eats. Download BCEL One for mobile banking; cash is still king, but this app saves ATM fees.
- Best time of year to move: November–February (worst: April–May)
Cool season (Nov–Feb) is ideal—25°C days, minimal rain, and the city feels alive. March brings scorching heat (40°C+), and April–May is unbearable (dust storms, power cuts). Monsoon season (June–Oct) floods streets, turning potholes into swimming pools. If you arrive in April, budget for a hotel with AC and a generator.
- How to make local friends: Join a muay Lao gym or volunteer at Big Brother Mouse
Expats cluster at Brewsky or Bor Pen Nyang—locals won’t. Instead, train at Fairtex or Lao Gym (muay Lao is Laos’ national sport). For language exchange, volunteer at Big Brother Mouse (bookstore/NGO) or attend Lao Language Meetups (check Lao20). Locals are reserved but warm up if you show genuine interest in their culture.
- The one document you must bring from home: An apostilled FBI background check
Laos requires a criminal record check for long-term visas, and the process is a nightmare if you don’t have it apostilled before arrival. Without it, you’ll waste weeks shuttling between the embassy, police station, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bring extra passport photos too—you’ll need them for everything from moto licenses to gym memberships.
- Where to NOT eat/shop: Night Market and Lao Plaza
The Night Market is a tourist trap—overpriced, mediocre food, and aggressive touts. For real Lao street food, hit Khao Piak Sen stalls on Setthathirat Road or Tam Mak Hoong on Samsenthai. Avoid Lao Plaza (the "mall")—it’s a sad, overpriced relic. For groceries, Phimphone Market or Talat Sao (Morning Market) are cheaper and fresher.
- The unwritten social rule that foreigners always break: Don’t lose your temper in public
Laos is a kreng jai (considerate) culture—raising your voice, arguing, or even loud laughter in public is seen as deeply disrespectful. If a moto-taxi overcharges you, smile and walk away. If a bureaucrat ignores you, stay calm and return tomorrow. Locals will go out of their way to help if you’re patient; they’ll shut down
Who Should Move to Vientiane (And Who Definitely Should Not)
Ideal Candidates:
Vientiane is best suited for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs earning €1,800–€3,500/month net, who prioritize affordability, slow-paced living, and cultural immersion over Western conveniences. The city works well for:
- Digital nomads (especially in tech, writing, or consulting) who can tolerate patchy internet and prefer low-key networking over coworking hubs.
- Early-career professionals (25–35) in NGOs, development, or Southeast Asian business, who can leverage Laos’ growing but niche opportunities.
- Semi-retired expats (50+) with passive income (€2,000+/month), drawn to Vientiane’s safety, French colonial charm, and proximity to Thailand.
- Families with school-aged children, if enrolled in Vientiane International School (€8,000–€12,000/year) or Panyathip (€3,000–€5,000/year)—but only if they embrace a "village-like" social structure and limited extracurriculars.
Personality Fit:
You’ll thrive if you’re adaptable, patient, and low-maintenance—comfortable with power cuts, slow bureaucracy, and a lack of "on-demand" services. A tolerance for heat (35°C+ for 6 months/year) and dust (construction and unpaved roads) is non-negotiable. Socially, you should enjoy small-talk culture (Lao people are warm but reserved) and be okay with limited nightlife (bars close by midnight, clubs are rare).
Who Should Avoid Vientiane:
- High-earning corporate professionals (€5,000+/month) will find the lack of luxury infrastructure (no high-end gyms, mediocre healthcare, few fine-dining options) frustrating.
- Social butterflies or party seekers—Vientiane’s nightlife is limited to expat pubs and riverside beer gardens; if you need clubs, Bangkok or Hanoi are better.
- Families with special-needs children—Laos has zero international-standard therapy or support services, and local schools lack resources.
Your 6-Month Action Plan (Starting Tomorrow)
Day 1: Secure Short-Term Housing & SIM Card
- Action: Book a 1-month Airbnb in Sisattanak or Ban Mixay (€300–€500/month for a 1-bedroom with AC and Wi-Fi). Avoid riverside (noisy, touristy) and Don Chan (isolated).
- Cost: €350 (Airbnb) + €5 (Unitel SIM with 100GB data).
- Pro Tip: Ask your host to register your address with the local ban (village chief)—this speeds up visa extensions later.
Week 1: Visa Run & Bank Account Setup
- Action: Take a bus to Nong Khai, Thailand (€10 round-trip) to get a 30-day visa exemption (extendable for 60 days). While there, open a Bangkok Bank account — Wise works in 80+ countries with no monthly fees (€0, but requires Thai address—use a coworking space like The Hive).
- Cost: €10 (bus) + €50 (visa extension fee in Vientiane).
- Pro Tip: Download Lao Visa App (official government portal) to track extensions.
Month 1: Find Long-Term Housing & Local Transport
- Action: Sign a 6–12 month lease (€250–€450/month for a furnished apartment in Sisattanak). Negotiate 1 month free if paying upfront. Buy a second-hand motorbike (€500–€800) or get a GrabBike subscription (€0.50/ride).
- Cost: €350 (rent) + €600 (motorbike) + €50 (monthly gas).
- Pro Tip: Avoid Chinese-built apartments (poor insulation, noisy AC units). Stick to French colonial buildings or Japanese-managed complexes (e.g., Vientiane New World).
Month 2: Healthcare & Social Integration
- Action: Get a health check at Mahosot Hospital (€30 for bloodwork + X-ray) and register with Alliance International Medical Center (€100/year for basic coverage). Join 2–3 expat groups (Facebook: Vientiane Expats, Digital Nomads Laos) and attend weekly meetups (e.g., Rustic Pathways for NGOs, Coworking Space Vientiane for nomads).
- Cost: €130 (healthcare) + €20 (meetup drinks).
- Pro Tip: Learn basic Lao phrases ("Sabaidee," "Khop jai")—English is limited outside expat bubbles.
Month 3: Work Setup & Tax Compliance
- Action: Register as a freelancer with the Lao Tax Department (€50 fee) to get a tax ID (required for long-term stays). Set up a Wise or Revolut account (€0) for international transfer (we recommend Wise for the lowest fees)s. If running a business, hire a local accountant (€100–€200/month) to handle 10% VAT and 24% corporate tax.
- Cost: €50 (tax ID) + €150 (accountant).
- Pro Tip: Use Starlink (€100/month) if your work requires reliable internet—Lao Telecom’s fiber is slow (20–50 Mbps).
Month 6: You Are Settled—Here’s What Your Life Looks Like
- Housing: You’ve upgraded to a €400/month apartment with a balcony overlooking the Mekong, a reliable landlord, and a motorbike parking spot.
- Work: You’ve found your rhythm—mornings at Coworking Space Vientiane (€50/month), afternoons at a café with AC (€2 coffee buys 3 hours of Wi-Fi). Your Starlink ensures no dropped Zoom calls.
- Social Life: You have a core group of 5–10 expats (mix of NGO workers, entrepreneurs, and long-term nomads) and 2–3 Lao