http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/Chinese-Company-Bets-Big-On-Laos-Casino...

I actually talked to the chinese dude that was managing that project when I was in Laos (Mr. Hann). He said they basically built an entire city there but he is worried that they are not going to see a return on their investment for a long long time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4U_TS0iFYc

I see a lot of posts and news about other countries coming in and investing mass amounts of money into Laos. I'm not so sure why everyone wants Laos to become "developed". I kind of like it the way it is, simple and peaceful. It seems like paradise will be lost with all these "modern" ideas wanting to come into Laos. I don't want Vientiane to look like Bangkok or Singapore or New York. I want Vientiane to look like Vientiane the next time I visit. I don't care what anyone says, Chinese, Vietnamese and even Thai's are invading into Laos. You don't just invest billions of dollars and not expect to get something back in return. Laos people probably don't even realize the price that they are sacrificing for this "development". Why can't Lao people be the ones to "develop" Laos the way they want it, why do we have to rely on others to do that? Commie gov't doesn't know how to invest in Laos, only know how to sell it. If only they help Lao people get loans or joint ventures or even international funding for local businesses, but no, they would rather fatten their pockets and show off to the ignorants that Laos is developing, just look at that new casino over there. These are fake ideals of being developed. Learn to build some decent roads before you think about a highspeed train or highway system. Invest in some hospitals and doctors so Lao people don't have to go to Udon instead. Returing to Laos after about 6 years, I see nothing improving for the Lao people, nothing. Land is more expensive along with everything else. More chinese, more vietnamese, more crime, more corruption, more pollution, more bad roads, more foreign banks, more hi-so more bad than good. I can't think of anything good that I saw.

Laos is developing it'll take time in the next 10, 20 year

This diamond shaped road carved land (in pink) is almost the size of Vientiane.  What are they building? Is this a mining company?