Job Discussion Forums

[InTheKnow]

I would recommend finding someone who lives in and blogs about daily life in Laos. You'll get better and more timely information than trolling forums for that kind of info.

[soundsgood]

Yes, I'm sure things have changed a lot since 2007 - and Yes, Laos is somewhat cheaper than Thailand.

[skipperoo]

I was in Laos last year for about a month. Found a semi-decent guesthouse in Vientiene for about 5 dollars a night and food was dirt cheap, even cheaper than Thailand. Luang Prabang was much the same except nicer, I stayed in a stunning guesthouse (if I ever return I will hunt it down again) for, again, 5 dollars a night - eating out for every meal at great riverside restaraunts (stay away from the mainstreet tourist joints, they cost a lot) with a few beers set me back about 4-5 dollars a meal. If that's expensive to you then I suggest you loosen the pursestrings a little.

The statement about ATM machines also isn't true (anymore), at least in the major settlements. Luang Prabang has a number of ATMs and they all accept international cards.

It's an incredible country, full of wonderful people. I've no idea what the ESL experience is like there, but if you want a holiday you can't do much better.

[jay_gee]

great info in here guys

ive spent 5 weeks in laos over 09/10 - fantastic country the people are beautiful

[JLL]

I spent 10 days in Vientiane a couple years ago (after three months in Thailand) and got so sick that after a few days of vomiting up bile I had to get a Thai ambulance to take me back to Nong Khai, Thailand where they patched me right up.

The doctors said it was dengue fever; I wasn't convinced. But watch those Mekong mosquitos! And have health insurance that will pay for you getting to Thailand if necessary.

Otherwise, what little I saw of Laos was pretty great. Vientiane is a great capital 'city'. (More like a small town.) I do ache to return and see Laos properly.

[Micro67]

I only go as a tourist and it can be expensive to get there from here (HCMC) but there is potential. There is a coffee town, Pakse, that looks to have enough money to support a lot more ESL than it has (I only saw one modest school).

It could be done, but the market is probably 25 years behind Vietnam and well more than that behind Thailand.

[Kirkpatrick]

Was thinking of teaching in Cambodia, but giving the news of recent events I think am going to pass. I wanted to go and teach in Laos last year, but kind of got stuck. Hopfully, I get out of here later on this summer. Anyone over there now that İ can get the low dow from?

[deessell2]

[Kirkpatrick]

No, I am under 50, But the reality is as an English teacher I will never make 2250 usd. in Cambodia. So, what if a guy does meets Miss Right and wants to get hitched. You can't!! Millionares only... Come on!!

[ScottishGringo]

So is anyone teaching in Laos at the moment? What sort of money are you making and how is the work / lifestyle etc?

I loved Laos when I travelled through it a couple years back, stunning place and friendly people. Vientianne can be expensive though, I turned out when they were hosting the SEA games not knowing it was on, was a real struggle to find anywhere to sleep and the prices they were charging for a room in a guest house were extraordinary.

[Kirkpatrick]

Yea, what's the low down in Laos these days. Do you still get a visa at the border or what? Can you get a 3 month visa in Bangkok? How about getting there by bus? Also, how long to find work? I only have copies of degree and TESOL. Will this work for employment in Laos?

[bluetortilla]

[pooroldedgar]

Might understand it if you meet Ms. Right...

[Prof.Gringo]