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?

"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.

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

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?

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:

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

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!!!!

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