Sabaidee all.  New to this site and thanks for letting me in.   This topic probably has been touched on before but I am very ambitious in starting a relatively small business (hiring about 20 locals) in Vientiane.  Borned in Laos and is still being created in the great USA, I still have a full heart for my Lao people and my old country.  Need yall's opinion. Should I stay or should I go? Why/Why not?

It has been touched many times. If your heart is into it, and you have the startup money and business know-how, then I don't see any reason why you can't start a small business in Laos.

A business can work for others, and may not work for others, in terms of sales and profitability.

"No risk no reward." In my opinion go for it if you has an opportunity. Laos is developing and there are opportunity, but find out everything you need to know about the bussiness that's you are interesting in. Good luck Laos need more expats like you to help out. I don't plan to live in U.S forever myself. Want to retire at age 55-60 in Laos and do some volunteer work. Plus cost of living is cheaper.
:) 8-)

Do you have family or relative in Laos? You can ask them too sense they live there.


PEACE wrote on 23^rd Feb, 2011 at 6:58pm:

Sabaidee all.  New to this site and thanks for letting me in.   This topic probably has been touched on before but I am very ambitious in starting a relatively small business (hiring about 20 locals) in Vientiane.  Borned in Laos and is still being created in the great USA, I still have a full heart for my Lao people and my old country.  Need yall's opinion. Should I stay or should I go? Why/Why not?

Relatives in the USA says NO I think mainly to (1) resentment against the Communist idealogy in Laos and (2) also of the influx of Vietamese in Laos.  But do not know any relatives in Laos and if so in the country side so limited knowlege to ask them.

We all left Laos because of communism.  But we have to realized that there is 'Wind of Change' in Laos I think will benefit all khon Lao in Laos because the change will create job opportunities for our country's young demographic (ages 16-30).  

It obvious that I would like to protect my investment and then some and at the same time create jobs for our khon Lao.  Currently I am an Exploration seismic and electromagnet Geologist/Geophysicist in the Oil/Gas industry using geophysical methodologies to find hydrocarbon.  But these similar technologies can be applied to detect UXO at a faster rate as well, I think.  Would be very interested if I can talk to someone in Laos what the methods used in detecting/clearing UXOs right now and maybe suggest to them my ideas.

Business wise, it would a 'beautification of Vientiane' Landscaping company where rocks,pebbles,sands,soil,mulch are involved with trees,flowers.  I love (heart and soul) Rocks because I studied them in college and there should be very unique rocks in Laos- and I am 100% sure that they are comprehensive studied and utilized for the beautification of Laos.  Also many pictures of roads and streets from Vientiane that I have looked at via internet looked 'sandy'-this due to human induced soil erosion and I know of a solution to that.

Thanks for the advice,

Live Love Laugh Laos

To run a business in Laos, it's probably better to have close connections living in Laos, so they can give you advice to prevent you from falling into any traps.

The roads and streets of Vientiane are always sandy because it's a dusty city, and dirty tyres doesn't help either.

what is the yearly climate like? I thought it is humid mainly most of the year, rain constantly.  Does it get very windy at a particular time of year?

It is usually humid in most parts of Laos, but then again, even if the temperature drops a smidgen, the locals consider it a cold day because we're used to hot weather. Northern Laos gets some frost because there's mountainous terrains.

During the rainy season there will be some wind. Most of the time, your air conditioner or electric fan is the main source of wind.

The least expensive way, I think, is to solve this 'dusty' or 'sandy' problem on the roads is grass.  Grass coverings holds the sandy sediments in place when it rains or stepped on by human.  In Texas where it is extremely hot and humid, residents like myself, mainly use Saint Augustine grass on their lawn because this type of grass thrives in this extreme conditions and the grass loves to grow on sand.   I am sure St Augustine grass can grow nicely in Vientiane.  I think it should make the city more greener too.

You reside in Vientiane?

Good idea. Don't they have grass that used less water? Vientiane is short on water. I don't think water grass too often.  8-)


PEACE wrote on 26^th Feb, 2011 at 4:33am:

The least expensive way, I think, is to solve this 'dusty' or 'sandy' problem on the roads is grass.  Grass coverings holds the sandy sediments in place when it rains or stepped on by human.  In Texas where it is extremely hot and humid, residents like myself, mainly use Saint Augustine grass on their lawn because this type of grass thrives in this extreme conditions and the grass loves to grow on sand.   I am sure St Augustine grass can grow nicely in Vientiane.  I think it should make the city more greener too. You reside in Vientiane?

Good luck on your business goal. Taking a trip to Laos is probably a good idea before starting business. Just to experiences and see how everything are. I try to ask relative about sending stuff from America to sell in Laos like electronics, use car, clothes. Whatever people like to buy supply and demand, but tariff, taxes is expensive.


PEACE wrote on 24^th Feb, 2011 at 3:41pm:

Relatives in the USA says NO I think mainly to (1) resentment against the Communist idealogy in Laos and (2) also of the influx of Vietamese in Laos.  But do not know any relatives in Laos and if so in the country side so limited knowlege to ask them. We all left Laos because of communism.  But we have to realized that there is 'Wind of Change' in Laos I think will benefit all khon Lao in Laos because the change will create job opportunities for our country's young demographic (ages 16-30).   It obvious that I would like to protect my investment and then some and at the same time create jobs for our khon Lao.  Currently I am an Exploration seismic and electromagnet Geologist/Geophysicist in the Oil/Gas industry using geophysical methodologies to find hydrocarbon.  But these similar technologies can be applied to detect UXO at a faster rate as well, I think.  Would be very interested if I can talk to someone in Laos what the methods used in detecting/clearing UXOs right now and maybe suggest to them my ideas. Business wise, it would a 'beautification of Vientiane' Landscaping company where rocks,pebbles,sands,soil,mulch are involved with trees,flowers.  I love (heart and soul) Rocks because I studied them in college and there should be very unique rocks in Laos- and I am 100% sure that they are comprehensive studied and utilized for the beautification of Laos.  Also many pictures of roads and streets from Vientiane that I have looked at via internet looked 'sandy'-this due to human induced soil erosion and I know of a solution to that. Thanks for the advice, Live Love Laugh Laos

Clearing dirt and dust off roads in Laos is unavoidable, they'll always come back even when cleaned.

Many residential areas still don't have paved roads, so once the vehicles go on the main roads, they bring dirt along with them.

There's alot of grass areas near the river, but they still need to clean the dirty roads there regularly.

PEACE wrote on 26^th Feb, 2011 at 4:33am:

The least expensive way, I think, is to solve this 'dusty' or 'sandy' problem on the roads is grass.  Grass coverings holds the sandy sediments in place when it rains or stepped on by human.  In Texas where it is extremely hot and humid, residents like myself, mainly use Saint Augustine grass on their lawn because this type of grass thrives in this extreme conditions and the grass loves to grow on sand.   I am sure St Augustine grass can grow nicely in Vientiane.  I think it should make the city more greener too. You reside in Vientiane?

Welcome to the forum

It's very good idea what you are going to do...It's sound like you have not been back to Laos yet! Like The old say"Testing the water before you jump in" Take a few week off...and going back to visit Laos. See if you like the weather first! and who going to be your market target? Does these target have the ability to pay for your service?
What kind of capital do you have?
How long can I survive if there is no payment come in?
Potential competition.....

Good luck mate!!!!

Are brothels legal in Laos? You could make a fortune being a pimp. The demand is always there.

How much for a girl in Laos? Over here it co$t: $120/30 minutes, $180/ 1 hour. I just want to compare prices.

........Oh, yeah, the majority of sex workers in NZ (90%) are THAI!

How do you know about the cost for a prostitute in New Zealand, and that most are Thai. Have you hired one in the past?

Brothels are technically illegal in Laos, but you can get away with it like most things in a corrupted society. The pimps give "tea money" to the police.

The cost in Laos has been discussed on the following thread:

http://www.laopride.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.cgi?num=1265333314/30

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 5^th Mar, 2011 at 5:16am:

How do you know about the cost for a prostitute in New Zealand, and that most are Thai. Have you hired one in the past? Brothels are technically illegal in Laos, but you can get away with it like most things in a corrupted society. The pimps give "tea money" to the police. The cost in Laos has been discussed on the following thread: http://www.laopride.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.cgi?num=1265333314/30

Off course I've been with some (White, not Thai), not because I can't get it for free but because I simply need the relief. I don't just scribble to kill time you know? You sound surprised. I read in a prior post that Lao men are just as notorious. I hope you are old enough to read this type of adult content. You look quite young.

In response to how do I "know" the statistics regarding the NZ sex industry:  I "know" because everyone else "knows" too. OK, maybe I exaggerated that 90%, but only by just a wee bit, because they are up there: in the top tiers. "Word-of-mouth" works the same way that gossip does in Laos. Before you know it the whole village knows your business. These girls are frequented by many for their "submissiveness" and willingness to do"anything and everything". They will even let you brandish your "sword" in front of their faces; but only if your bill tallies up. I am not here to talk shit about Thai people by the way because this is a Lao website - lets keep it that way. But since you asked, you got your answer.

I thought that most Lao expatriates don't pay for sex because sex workers are scarce in western countries. But anyway, you always have to be careful because they've been with literally hundreds of customers.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 5^th Mar, 2011 at 10:32am:

I thought that most Lao expatriates don't pay for sex because sex workers are scarce in western countries. But anyway, you always have to be careful because they've been with literally hundreds of customers.

Off course you use condoms. That goes without saying. "Scarce"? I don't know where you got that notion from. Have you not heard of Amsterdam? The sex industry is big business. You only have to look across the river to see the dividends. What do you think the Expatriates do when they go back home to Laos? Men are what we are:____(insert your preferred curse in the space provided). They prefer Lao girls too because they don't shave. LOL!
I remember when they legalized prostitution in NZ - circa 2004 - half the politicians were jumping up and down, offering hi-fives all around. You would have thought that they had ousted the then current government. The main reason why they signed the bill was to reduce crime on woman, especially rape. NZ is getting REAL soft now. They even have a "anti-smacking" law. If you "smack" a child, you go to jail. But that's a whole different topic all in itself.

Even with protection, you still have to be careful. Legalizing prostitution reduces rape is abit silly. Anyone can get raped while walking on the streets. The offender can now make excuses, "I thought she was a prostitute".

Do you even go to jail for light smacking in New Zealand?

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 5^th Mar, 2011 at 7:21pm:

Even with protection, you still have to be careful. Legalizing prostitution reduces rape is abit silly. Anyone can get raped while walking on the streets. The offender can now make excuses, "I thought she was a prostitute". Do you even go to jail for light smacking in New Zealand?

Is a smack not as "light" as discipline gets? I have read in the papers where some parents have had the misfortune of spending time behind bars, simply because they didn't take the law seriously. If caught heavy-handed, you will definitely be pleading your case inside the family court room. For me, personally, I think that it should be the parents' right to discipline their child how they want. As long as the kid learns the lesson (and doesn't die) then I believe the positives out weigh the negative. I remember when I was young, I used to get disciplined with that little wooden paddle they use to beat the rice. Sometimes the rice had already dried up and clung onto it. Akin to getting hit with a piece of timber where the stray nails protrude. Stung for a whole month!

You're right: anyone can get raped. But with the legalization of prostitution, it makes it "easier" for sexually frustrated men to get that relief. " 'I thought she was a prostitute' " is no-where near a good enough excuse. Not paying for any service is a criminal offense in anyone's language. By the way, even prostitutes can claim ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) as long as they pay taxes. For instance, if, say, they turned up to work one day and had an "accident". Maybe while playing intimate games, someones joystick went in too deep which resulted in a sore throat and her unable to perform at the level expected. She can apply for ACC. (They pay 80% of her wages while the employer pays the remaining 20%). She can still work under-the-table though. Just minus the fellatio.

Hows that?

How's the professional sports scene in Laos?
Do they have any sports competitions? Because I personally love sports, I just wondered what my fellow kinsman do for leisure. I think that would be the way to go in terms of investment. A PRO' sports team.

I opened a business in Laos and would recommend anyone else to do the same.  However, don't be too convinced by the government's claim of 'One-stop shop for foreign investment'.  It took me over a year and more than 100 'stops' to get my business fully registered and licensed.  Anyway, I like the sound of your proposed project (I just built a rock garden myself around our fish pond and waterfall),  Good luck!

Administrator: Can I change my username?  I see someone else already has it.

Thanks.

To change username

1. Click on "User CP".
2. Click on "Profile".
3. Click on "Edit Profile".
4. Enter your password.
5. Enter your new name in the Displayed Name field, then save changes.

I'm not a sports person but soccer (football) is popular in Laos.

So NZ prostitutes get covered from work accident because it's a legitimate job.

Extensive smacking can cause injury. I don't mind light smacking, but sometimes parents get really angry and they go overboard with it, i.e. whack their children with the full force of their hands or object.

I guess parents can get away with it if they smack their child at home and there's no serious injury. The authorities will never know. But if the child require hospital treatment, then they're in trouble.

When it come to business sadly Laos still rank 171 out of 187. So open business in Laos might not be that simple. Singapore rank number one. As we can see Singaporean GDP is $195 billion and per capita income per year is $43,000.
8-) ;) :)



wrote on 5^th Mar, 2011 at 10:25pm:

I opened a business in Laos and would recommend anyone else to do the same.  However, don't be too convinced by the government's claim of 'One-stop shop for foreign investment'.  It took me over a year and more than 100 'stops' to get my business fully registered and licensed.  Anyway, I like the sound of your proposed project (I just built a rock garden myself around our fish pond and waterfall),  Good luck! Administrator: Can I change my username?  I see someone else already has it. Thanks.

So, all-in-all did you encounter anything that you think will deter potential small-time investers? Any inside-info' that you can divulge with us regarding their beviour and practises? Do I have to always be on the lookout?

Sounds like you stay in Laos andnot in the USA.

Larb Dip wrote on 6^th Mar, 2011 at 4:45am:

So, all-in-all did you encounter anything that you think will deter potential small-time investers? Any inside-info' that you can divulge with us regarding their beviour and practises? Do I have to always be on the lookout? Sounds like you stay in Laos andnot in the USA.

Yes, I live in a rural area outside Vientiane and opened a resort and ecolodge here a few years ago.  

There is nothing to deter potential investors as long as they are prepared for licenses and permissions to take a long time to be processed.

This long wait does not mean you cannot operate your business.  For example: we needed permission to start construction on our lodges. However, we could not get the necessary licenses and permissions until we had built the lodges, which were then inspected by the relevant govt. departments who then gave us permission to build them.

That's kind of the way it works here.... :)

They key is not to be impatient and to retain a light touch and a sense of humour.

wrote on 6^th Mar, 2011 at 9:06pm:

Larb Dip wrote on 6th Mar, 2011 at 4:45am: So, all-in-all did you encounter anything that you think will deter potential small-time investers? Any inside-info' that you can divulge with us regarding their beviour and practises? Do I have to always be on the lookout? Sounds like you stay in Laos andnot in the USA. Yes, I live in a rural area outside Vientiane and opened a resort and ecolodge here a few years ago.   There is nothing to deter potential investors as long as they are prepared for licenses and permissions to take a long time to be processed. This long wait does not mean you cannot operate your business.  For example: we needed permission to start construction on our lodges. However, we could not get the necessary licenses and permissions until we had built the lodges, which were then inspected by the relevant govt. departments who then gave us permission to build them. That's kind of the way it works here.... :) They key is not to be impatient and to retain a light touch and a sense of humour.

Are you Lao, or are you white? (Just curious).

Are you saying that it is worth investing in Laos? If I did invest, I wouldn't want to be kept on a leash. I wouldn't want corrupt officials yanking my collar in one hand and with the other, frisking my pockets - so to speak. Come across anything of this nature?

Also, how's the atmosphere over there? How do the locals feel in regards to all this foreign investment? (Be honest. Please).

I'm British (yes white thanks for asking???).  I've been in Laos for 20 years with my Lao wife and two teenage sons.  

There is a Lao way of doing things regarding business and you just have to fall in with that.  Dealing with officials can be frustrating at first, but you need to develop a relaxed attitude to them.  I have had a lot of experience with Lao officials, but the only 'corruption' I have encountered is of a very mild kind.  For a typical example, an official might indicate to you, "We can process this license application for you in about two or three weeks.  However, if you want it quickly you could pay US$10 and we could have it ready for you tomorrow afternoon.  That kind of thing.  I've usually waited the extra time except when things were really urgent.

Another example of 'mild corruption' is when we were building and opening our resort, we had countless visits from govt. officials from all levels and departments for various registration processes and it was only polite and the accepted 'norm' to provide them with lunch.  Not to have done so would have seemed impolite.  Remember these officials make only a tiny monthly salary.

If you can't put up with this kind of thing, then Laos may not be the place for you to invest in.  But good luck anyway!.....

Old Man

Thank for sharing your business experiences in Laos. Its very helpful.
8-) :)


wrote on 7^th Mar, 2011 at 4:59am:

I'm British (yes white thanks for asking???).  I've been in Laos for 20 years with my Lao wife and two teenage sons.   There is a Lao way of doing things regarding business and you just have to fall in with that.  Dealing with officials can be frustrating at first, but you need to develop a relaxed attitude to them.  I have had a lot of experience with Lao officials, but the only 'corruption' I have encountered is of a very mild kind.  For a typical example, an official might indicate to you, "We can process this license application for you in about two or three weeks.  However, if you want it quickly you could pay US$10 and we could have it ready for you tomorrow afternoon.  That kind of thing.  I've usually waited the extra time except when things were really urgent. Another example of 'mild corruption' is when we were building and opening our resort, we had countless visits from govt. officials from all levels and departments for various registration processes and it was only polite and the accepted 'norm' to provide them with lunch.  Not to have done so would have seemed impolite.  Remember these officials make only a tiny monthly salary. If you can't put up with this kind of thing, then Laos may not be the place for you to invest in.  But good luck anyway!..... Old Man

wrote on 7^th Mar, 2011 at 4:59am:

I'm British (yes white thanks for asking???).  I've been in Laos for 20 years with my Lao wife and two teenage sons.   There is a Lao way of doing things regarding business and you just have to fall in with that.  Dealing with officials can be frustrating at first, but you need to develop a relaxed attitude to them.  I have had a lot of experience with Lao officials, but the only 'corruption' I have encountered is of a very mild kind.  For a typical example, an official might indicate to you, "We can process this license application for you in about two or three weeks.  However, if you want it quickly you could pay US$10 and we could have it ready for you tomorrow afternoon.  That kind of thing.  I've usually waited the extra time except when things were really urgent. Another example of 'mild corruption' is when we were building and opening our resort, we had countless visits from govt. officials from all levels and departments for various registration processes and it was only polite and the accepted 'norm' to provide them with lunch.  Not to have done so would have seemed impolite.  Remember these officials make only a tiny monthly salary. If you can't put up with this kind of thing, then Laos may not be the place for you to invest in.  But good luck anyway!..... Old Man

Over 20 years in Laos now. Damn! That's a long time. You must really hold the country in your heart. You probably speak Lao too. :D

Larb Dip wrote on 5^th Mar, 2011 at 3:26am:

Are brothels legal in Laos? You could make a fortune being a pimp. The demand is always there. How much for a girl in Laos? Over here it co$t: $120/30 minutes, $180/ 1 hour. I just want to compare prices. ........Oh, yeah, the majority of sex workers in NZ (90%) are THAI!

I believe that I already expressed my opinion on this subject. So I will remain silent, for now.

wrote on 8^th Mar, 2011 at 7:45am:

Larb Dip wrote on 5th Mar, 2011 at 3:26am: Are brothels legal in Laos? You could make a fortune being a pimp. The demand is always there. How much for a girl in Laos? Over here it co$t: $120/30 minutes, $180/ 1 hour. I just want to compare prices. ........Oh, yeah, the majority of sex workers in NZ (90%) are THAI! I missed it. Please say what is on your mind. I believe that I already expressed my opinion on this subject. So I will remain silent, for now.