Eating out is a great way for people to socialise and unwind in Laos. There are many restaurants with outdoor seatings, and you can even sit on the floor to eat at some places.

Foreign visitors lack knowledge in Laos, that's why they tend to pay more than the locals.

If you purchase drinking water at the shops, it's expensive (but still cheaper than in your country). The locals purchase the big 10 litre water containers for only 4,000 kips, trucks drop them straight to their homes. I don't often buy drinking water at the local shop.

The average price of fur (rice noodle) in Vientiane cost 10,000 - 12,000 kips, and much cheaper in the countryside. In my life, I have never ordered a bowl of fur that costs 20,000 kips. Maybe you ordered a jumbo size or extra ingredients.

Still good price and cheaper in Laos, plus great view. Pho in US around $7+ drink $2-$3.

Visits Laos if you can and spend your money there. The more the better to help Laos economy. I don't care about spending $2-$3 on food. It's still a good deal in Laos. Seafood buffet at casino in the US cost about $25 a person.

question: do lao people object to sharing table with strangers? if there was no open tables in restaurant because it is full.

to me that would be very sociable

No I dont like to share table with stranger.

USA Joe wrote on 7^th Aug, 2010 at 12:48am:

Sound good.


Rapido wrote on 8^th Aug, 2010 at 10:39am:

Thanks for all the information in here guys.  I am planning to go to Laos the end of October. Got my ticket already.  Hope to have some fun time. Food, girls, socialize, and what else?