If you had some fund , I'm just curious what type of
business would you like to start in Lao. We have all seen
like ex-pat gone back home and started some sort of business to help out their fellow countrymen. As for
me I would like to start a investment company. More like
encouraging foreign company to invest in Lao. I realize
we don't have skill workforce maybe more something along
manufacturing.

what the heck no ideas ?

No one wants to start a business there because you get so little money and the commies interfere with everything, but I know a few Thais who go there to sell food/clothes. They just cross the border and trade.

dang I didn't know it was that bad

Selling drugs is very profitable in Laos. J/K. I would never sell anything that would harm a human being. I don't even like buying beer for friends to be honest and it's not because I am cheap. I would have no issue buying them lunch or dinner.

Beer has become a part of Lao culture in this day as age whether people like it or not.

Back in the old days, dancing on the streets of Laos and sharing beers with friends and family and splashing water on each other during Lao New Year celebrations wouldn't be acceptable in Lao society, now it's considered normal.

If you're a tourist visiting Laos and you don't buy your friend a beer when you know they love drinking beer then it will give you a bad reputation.

They obviously need something to drink with their food when you take them out to lunch or dinner. Are you going to tell them "look, pal, you can order any drink you like except a beer?"

And please be aware that when Lao people drink beer, they don't just drink a single glass of beer. They drink many bottles of beer.

Bao Evil wrote on 25^th Apr, 2017 at 8:27pm:

Selling drugs is very profitable in Laos. J/K.

You have a good point. It's not really a joke because some gang members in Laos actually sell drugs to make a living.

You may see people running a normal business such as a clothing store or a night club to conceal to the general public about their illegal drug activities, so people believe that yeah they drive a luxury car, or yeah they are rich with nice house because we can see that they run a business, but in reality their business isn't their primary source of income.

What they are actually doing behind their business, the drug trade, is being hidden from the public eye.

Most businesses in Laos make a living the correct way, so I'm not saying that all businesses are involved in the drug trade, but there's a small minority of rich people in Laos who are, and I believe in Karma.

they will buy karma and pay the cops.

They certainly pay the cops to cover up their drug activities. That's what you do in Laos, you can have a motor vehicle accident in Laos and pay the cops to get away with it.

But you can't buy Karma. Buddha up there can see what you are doing. If you do good things or bad things in your life, you will soon see it. You won't see it straight away but one day you will see it with your own eyes before you die. That's what the elders taught me.

For example, if you donate to Buddhist Temples, or the poor people on the streets, in the future you may be wealthy. You may never be wealthy but you will live a more happier and healthier life than those who have done bad things.

I always try to do good deed not that I want a better life in the next life .But it makes me good inside.

Keep doing the things that makes you good inside, even if that means starting up a business in Laos in the future and play your part in helping the people.

We also have to think about the things we do, just in case we return to Earth or another planet, or whether there is life in Heaven for us. Nobody wants to suffer in their life or after their death.

I would like to start up a bar or restaurant in Laos but sadly have no $$ to do so

It really depends on the type of restaurant that you're interested in.

A noodle type of restaurant wouldn't be expensive, however the start up costs of a buffet style restaurant would be high but will result to higher profits.

I was considering more of a dive bar and small restaurant with a US midwestern theme.  Think small town Nebraska.

maybe my  first ideas was to big. I think I can do a little motel for backpacker.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 26^th Apr, 2017 at 3:58am:

Beer has become a part of Lao culture in this day as age whether people like it or not. Back in the old days, dancing on the streets of Laos and sharing beers with friends and family and splashing water on each other during Lao New Year celebrations wouldn't be acceptable in Lao society, now it's considered normal. If you're a tourist visiting Laos and you don't buy your friend a beer when you know they love drinking beer then it will give you a bad reputation. They obviously need something to drink with their food when you take them out to lunch or dinner. Are you going to tell them "look, pal, you can order any drink you like except a beer?" And please be aware that when Lao people drink beer, they don't just drink a single glass of beer. They drink many bottles of beer.

So how was Songkran celebrated in the past?

Buk Nut wrote on 30^th Apr, 2017 at 12:49am:

So how was Songkran celebrated in the past?

Perhaps you could ask the Thais because they celebrate songkran.

We celebrate songkhan in Laos.

The spelling is unimportant to me. It's essentially the same holiday, they even have it in Southern China, where the Dai Lue people live, and in Shan state, Myanmar. And I thought the Lao language used to have the "R" sound back then until it was dropped.

Anyway, I think the Lao, the Siamese, the Dai and the Shan are essentially the same people with small differences.

The spelling matters because it reflects how you say it. If I go around saying that I enjoyed my "songkran", everybody will think that I'm a Thai person.

We are not the same as the Thais, the Bangkok Thais wouldn't consider Laotians as the same as them.

I know they wouldn't, because Bangkok Thais are pretentious trash who think they're better than everyone else.

Thai people, Lao people, Dai people and Shan people are "the same" in the same way Germans, Dutch, Danes and Austrians are "the same."

Anyway, how was "songkhan" celebrated in the past?

Everybody on Earth is the same, we all have ears, eyes, nose, hands and legs, but our culture and language is different. Thai and Lao are different people in this regard.

The Lao New Year, or songkhan, was celebrated in a more respectful nature during the Lao Kingdom era.

You could walk on the streets and not be shocked to have trucks driving past and splashing water all over you from nowhere, or drunks dancing with music and alcohol beverages on every street.

In the past, people would approach you and say good wishes, then splash water for good luck in the new year.

I disagree admin. You do understand that Thai and Lao come from a common root right? If it weren't for the French then Laos would've been absorbed into the kingdom of Siam and just be another "regional dialect."

I'm talking about ethnic groups which are very close to each other in terms of language and culture. Thai and Lao are similar in this regard as are Germans and Dutch.

Forget about the French, lets go back to ancient times when they weren't in Laos.

Laos is between 5 countries, that means that people from those countries would have crossed into Laos in history, so therefore Laos come from a common root from many countries and not just Thai.

Did you know that in early Lao history, King Fa Ngum married a Khmer princess, and 10,000 Khmer army crossed into Laos? That's a lot of Khmer people at the time to come to Laos.

If anything, Laotians have more of a common root to modern day Cambodians. They eat sticky rice and padaek (fermented fish) just like Laotians. Thais don't eat these things.

There's a lot of Vietnamese living in Laos these days too.

Thanks for imparting me with that knowledge. The Isaan area of Thailand is almost the same linguistically and culturally as Laos, except Isaan people tend to be more on the dark-skinned side, kind of like the highland Lao people (Lao Teng) who are said to have been the original inhabitants of Laos. The Lowland Lao (Lao Lum) as we know today, came down from Southern China in waves as did the Siamese. The Lao Lum tend to have lighter skin and more East Asian features than the highland Lao and the Khmers. Khmers tend to be darker and the language sounds similar to highland Lao languages.

Asian people have yellow skin so we tend to get darker quicker when we're out in the sun than a typical light-skinned westerner.

Isaan people tend to be on the dark side because most people from that region are farmers or they spend a lot of time outdoors. If they're inside most of the time then they're not going to look dark.

There's plenty of dark-skinned people in central Laos too, particularly those in the sun such as labourers and Tuk Tuk drivers.

Laotians with light skin have some Chinese or Vietnamese in them, while those who are naturally dark have some khmer blood in them. But then again your skin color comes down to whether you spend most of your day inside or outside.

Laotians in Laos have no common roots to the Siamese, but Isaan people in Thailand have common roots to Laos.

Either way, I prefer the darker women from southern Laos.  They're very beautiful.

mitch wrote on 30^th Apr, 2017 at 2:52pm:

Either way, I prefer the darker women from southern Laos.  They're very beautiful.

That's good for you, because they like (I'm assuming you are) white western men, they see it as a sign of moving up in the world. At least the ones that aren't too shy to talk to you.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 26^th Apr, 2017 at 3:58am:

Beer has become a part of Lao culture in this day as age whether people like it or not. Back in the old days, dancing on the streets of Laos and sharing beers with friends and family and splashing water on each other during Lao New Year celebrations wouldn't be acceptable in Lao society, now it's considered normal. If you're a tourist visiting Laos and you don't buy your friend a beer when you know they love drinking beer then it will give you a bad reputation. They obviously need something to drink with their food when you take them out to lunch or dinner. Are you going to tell them "look, pal, you can order any drink you like except a beer?" And please be aware that when Lao people drink beer, they don't just drink a single glass of beer. They drink many bottles of beer.

Yes, Lao people drink until they fall and can't get up. I hate seeing them like that, but don't want to be the one that rock the boat. I would make every attempt to stay away from the drinking crowds which is majority of them. No wonder why we don't advance in the world like others because most of us too busy drinking, making babies, and having fun. I am all for the fun part, but come on man. 

Bao Evil wrote on 2^nd May, 2017 at 2:03am:

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 26th Apr, 2017 at 3:58am: Beer has become a part of Lao culture in this day as age whether people like it or not. Back in the old days, dancing on the streets of Laos and sharing beers with friends and family and splashing water on each other during Lao New Year celebrations wouldn't be acceptable in Lao society, now it's considered normal. If you're a tourist visiting Laos and you don't buy your friend a beer when you know they love drinking beer then it will give you a bad reputation. They obviously need something to drink with their food when you take them out to lunch or dinner. Are you going to tell them "look, pal, you can order any drink you like except a beer?" And please be aware that when Lao people drink beer, they don't just drink a single glass of beer. They drink many bottles of beer. Yes, Lao people drink until they fall and can't get up. I hate seeing them like that, but don't want to be the one that rock the boat. I would make every attempt to stay away from the drinking crowds which is majority of them. No wonder why we don't advance in the world like others because most of us too busy drinking, making babies, and having fun. I am all for the fun part, but come on man.

:applause

Why you want to have a venture in Laos?

Investment? Speculation? or something?

Nearly everything is under the table, not on the table.

I'm just saying . I know it will never happen . Just a thought Peter

ba dac wrote on 6^th May, 2017 at 10:10am:

I'm just saying . I know it will never happen . Just a thought Peter

I really enjoy spending time in Laos, sometimes thought about moving there for the right opportunity.  If I had the money I'd start a restaurant there.  Problem is, I think foreigners have a lot of restrictions placed on them on owning or renting property, so I don't how to get set up.

mitch wrote on 6^th May, 2017 at 11:07am:

ba dac wrote on 6th May, 2017 at 10:10am: I'm just saying . I know it will never happen . Just a thought Peter I really enjoy spending time in Laos, sometimes thought about moving there for the right opportunity.  If I had the money I'd start a restaurant there.  Problem is, I think foreigners have a lot of restrictions placed on them on owning or renting property, so I don't how to get set up.

Why can't they look across the border and see how well the others countries are doing . Even Burma has open up and encourage foreign investment. The commie that are in charge either they too greedy or not thinking of the future.

Burma has opened up, but the same people are still in power behind the scenes. They just did it to boost the economy and get richer.

well at least they have a bigger pot to steal from. hopefully
some of the crumbs will fall for the little people.

Is there a market for male strip club? ;D :D ;D

ba dac wrote on 6^th May, 2017 at 1:09pm:

mitch wrote on 6th May, 2017 at 11:07am: ba dac wrote on 6th May, 2017 at 10:10am: I'm just saying . I know it will never happen . Just a thought Peter I really enjoy spending time in Laos, sometimes thought about moving there for the right opportunity.  If I had the money I'd start a restaurant there.  Problem is, I think foreigners have a lot of restrictions placed on them on owning or renting property, so I don't how to get set up. Why can't they look across the border and see how well the others countries are doing . Even Burma has open up and encourage foreign investment. The commie that are in charge either they too greedy or not thinking of the future.

I think things will change in Laos. More people are becoming aware of Laos and are traveling there. There's a lot of foreigners visiting Laos and posting videos of their travels up on Youtube. I think a good business to have would be a hotel or tour company- if you do it right. If you look at some of the reviews on hotels in Laos on yelp and other similar sites, you'll find that some foreigners are disappointed in regards to customer service, cleanliness, upkeep and the quality of the rooms. I remember one particular review that showed the shower door was installed incorrectly. So I think that a hotel that prioritizes quality and customer service would do very well but it would take a lot of work.

Laos is a developing nation. In terms of business, it means that if you can do it better than anyone else in the country then you'll probably be successful. Since there's not a lot in Laos, you can basically bring any type of business in and have moderate success, I think. And if you're the first of your type of business and you build up your brand reputation, treat people right then you can probably build a business empire. Yes I KNOW it's a crazy thought because it's Laos. But things change and cultures change and I do think that Laos will become more prosperous.

Also, Laos is in the middle of SE Asia,which is definitely an advantage. If I was a billionaire, I would build a transportation network that connects the different countries to each other. Bullet trains, regular transport and cargo trains, airport terminals. I know there's already trains and planes in Laos but I would expand the network and connect the country.

Then I would start an Air Conditioning supply and maintenance company  ;D ;D

wrote on 25^th Jul, 2017 at 8:56am:

Also, Laos is in the middle of SE Asia,which is definitely an advantage. If I was a billionaire, I would build a transportation network that connects the different countries to each other. Bullet trains, regular transport and cargo trains, airport terminals. I know there's already trains and planes in Laos but I would expand the network and connect the country. Then I would start an Air Conditioning supply and maintenance company  ;D ;D

:applause this I agree . I think cause we are land lock and pretty stable in that region. I think a nuclear power plant and provide the area with power. That's a great idea.

  If the Japanese lack the technological sophistication to safely use nuclear power, i.e.; Fukushima, what confidence could one have in Laotian technological sophistication?

  Perhaps some kind solar powered ceiling fans would help with heat and if priced right would be affordable.

  Lacking oceanic ports makes trade difficult. One reason why America became so powerful; no country can match the number of natural world class ports we have. Combined with America's navigable inland waterways makes shipping so easy and cheap here. Sadly almost all landlocked countries are the poorest in their region.

daft wrote on 25^th Jul, 2017 at 10:37am:

If the Japanese lack the technological sophistication to safely use nuclear power, i.e.; Fukushima, what confidence could one have in Laotian technological sophistication?   Perhaps some kind solar powered ceiling fans would help with heat and if priced right would be affordable.   Lacking oceanic ports makes trade difficult. One reason why America became so powerful; no country can match the number of natural world class ports we have. Combined with America's navigable inland waterways makes shipping so easy and cheap here. Sadly almost all landlocked countries are the poorest in their region.

Wind and solar farms to produce more electricity to export to neighboring countries. Since Laos is landlocked, it would be good to concentrate on exports and limit imports. Are the goods that Lao people purchase for daily use produced in Laos or outside the country?I think that's something  to look into.Toilet paper company anyone?  :D 

There's a lot of landlocked countries in Europe that are quite prosperous, like Switzerland. I think the Lao people could benefit from studying their economy and also learning from the mistakes of neighboring countries, like Thailand,  in their quest for wealth.

Of course one of us could write an epic fantasy novel like Lord of the Rings,promote the hell out of it to the point that it becomes a best seller and  have the movie version filmed in Laos Peter Jackson style  ;D ;D

daft wrote on 25^th Jul, 2017 at 10:37am:

If the Japanese lack the technological sophistication to safely use nuclear power, i.e.; Fukushima, what confidence could one have in Laotian technological sophistication?   Perhaps some kind solar powered ceiling fans would help with heat and if priced right would be affordable.   Lacking oceanic ports makes trade difficult. One reason why America became so powerful; no country can match the number of natural world class ports we have. Combined with America's navigable inland waterways makes shipping so easy and cheap here. Sadly almost all landlocked countries are the poorest in their region.

Solar powered ceiling fans are a good idea. If it can be exported to neighboring countries, that would be good.

  The hard part about limiting imports, especially from China, is that people want the electronics and other goods Laos cannot make.

Also Switzerland was historically (William Tell era) a very poor area with terrible roads. Most landlocked countries have it tough; Bolivia, Central African Republic, Afghanistan. True, Kazakhstan is doing well, they have oil.

  Since Laos has no oil, maybe they could export some of their excellent beer!

daft wrote on 25^th Jul, 2017 at 3:54pm:

The hard part about limiting imports, especially from China, is that people want the electronics and other goods Laos cannot make. Also Switzerland was historically (William Tell era) a very poor area with terrible roads. Most landlocked countries have it tough; Bolivia, Central African Republic, Afghanistan. True, Kazakhstan is doing well, they have oil.   Since Laos has no oil, maybe they could export some of their excellent beer!

That's good about Switzerland! They started off poor like Laos and then turned their country around. Very inspirational.

The problem is the people in charge are close minded creedy communist. Nobody wanna invest in a country
like that to much corruption. They don't think or care for the future of Lao . They just wanna stuff their fat pocket today. Look how well South Korea turn out. They invested
in education and look how well its paying off. They are making everything and exporting it.

Tourism will be a very good choice. Trecking in Northern mountains will be profitable. But in this region, agriculture is the biggest one, should be switched to tourism, much more eco friendly. If I had money, I would not put money in hotel or sort, travel agency or middle-man-like agency would be much suitable for a condition where arbitary power is in a few hands.

  Marketed to the booming and polluted Cities of China:
Puttering about the Laotian mountains, an oasis of tranquility  and natural scenery; your idea has great merit.