Luang Prabang Travel Forum

Back in 2001 my wife and I spent a week in luang prabang and fell in love with it. We’re now thinking of spending a year there and were wondering if you can give us some information that can help us make a decision. Would it be possible to volunteer part-time with an ngo there? Can you give a rough estimate of the cost of renting a very nice furnished two-bedroom casita, house or apartment there. Is there a large expat community there? It is my understanding that we can obtain a one-month visitors visa which is renewable in l.p. for an additional two months. After three months can we simply do a turnaround in thailand, obtain a new visa and the reenter laos for another three months? Is the fact that we only speak english and some french a problem? I understand there is now broadband internet connection available. Is this only in internet cafes or can this be installed in residences. And finally, can you give a general feeling of what living in l.p. has been like. What do you think the budget for a year of comfortable living in laos might be? i’ve lived four years in indonesia and four in india and am now residing in california but have been spending a couple of months in asia each year. I would very much appreciate your taking a few minutes and sending me your thoughts.
Thanks a lot

I'm in LP at this very moment, at internet cafe. Must tell you that it's changed tremendously from my visit here 16 months ago...so I can only imagine what it's like after 5 years...you may want to give it another look.

good luck.

if you have a moment can you give me some more details about the changes?

I went on a trek through a company owned by a Canadian man married to a Lao woman. His name is Derek and his company is White Elephant Adventures Laos. The company's website is www.white-elephant-adventures-laos.com
Derek's a very friendly guy and might be able to provide some direction for you as an ex-pat looking to settle in for a little while.