Thread: Differences between Laos and Thailand

I've been in Savanakhet a few days now, and a couple more to go.
So far these a the things noticeably different to Thailand.

1. The Lao people are more polite.
2. I have yet to come across an arrogant entitled khon Lao.
3. They all appear to respect the road rules diligently, despite the fact that I have yet to see a policeman.
4. Lao are less greedy and money-grubbing.
5. They are not into "curries" (gaeng whatever). Lots of different yum dishes, and BBQ meat.
6. Not into plain rice, but it's around.
7. They have no idea of their own modern history; They are ignorant of the notions of French colonisation and US bombs. The Communist National Assembly makes sure of that, I suppose.
8. Lots of goats here.
9.Lots of a breed of small cattle.
10. The beef is more tender than in Thailand. Significantly so. Still not Aussie prime, but beats Thai beef hands down.

My wife had held an inbuilt Thai attitude for khon Lao, looking down upon them. She remarked to me yesterday that she's so glad to have met Lao people, and is ashamed of her previous senseless attitude. She has adjusted her thoughts and now has a decent respect for the people. She strongly holds the belief that Lao are more polite and law-abiding.

Standard of english was better in a lot of places where johnny farang goes
Sandwiches are far superior, of course
More happy go lucky
Road rules abided by more than Thais





Tell them to leave out the mayo........

Savanakhet is one of the most boring places on the planet which is a shame as it could be so much better. No difference in the driving as far as I could tell as some of the tuk tuk drivers were just as wild and fast. Lets face it most people are "polite" when you 1st meet them on holiday especially when you as a foreigner are probably pretty new to them.
Its fantastic your wife has has the ability to admit she may have been wrong as Ive yet to meet a Thai (including my wife and kids) that could even entertain the notion of admitting being wrong.

Beer Savan, better than Beer Lao, better than Thai beers.

Ciggies: 30 baht a pack of Winston!
Tuktuks more expensive though.

Beer Savan, haven't seen....only in savanaket?

Coffee is great as well. On the corner opposite the river on the main drag in Vientiane. Opposite is a pointless Fuji restaurant which was entertaining two tables at the best of times.

The Major shopping mall had just opened and the girl l was with got dodgy guts from squid. That night she stank the bed out.

Originally Posted by Maanaam

I've been in Savanakhet a few days now, and a couple more to go.
So far these a the things noticeably different to Thailand.

1. The Lao people are more polite.
2. I have yet to come across an arrogant entitled khon Lao.
3. They all appear to respect the road rules diligently, despite the fact that I have yet to see a policeman.
4. Lao are less greedy and money-grubbing.
5. They are not into "curries" (gaeng whatever). Lots of different yum dishes, and BBQ meat.
6. Not into plain rice, but it's around.
7. They have no idea of their own modern history; They are ignorant of the notions of French colonisation and US bombs. The Communist National Assembly makes sure of that, I suppose.
8. Lots of goats here.
9.Lots of a breed of small cattle.
10. The beef is more tender than in Thailand. Significantly so. Still not Aussie prime, but beats Thai beef hands down.

I used to look forward to my visa runs to Cambodia and Laos, young countries with tragic pasts, and as you say generally polite and respectful people that appreciate the little trickling that far down. More than a decade later, and all I hear is same same positives.

Have a good one.

Originally Posted by parryhandy

Savanakhet is one of the most boring places

Yeah, there's not a lot to do unless you're into eating and drinking. Luckily our hotel has a pool.

Originally Posted by parryhandy

No difference in the driving as far as I could tell as some of the tuk tuk drivers were just as wild and fast

Well, to be fair I am comparing to Southern Thailand where road rules are a myth, so Savanakhet seems to me to be a driving paradise.

Originally Posted by parryhandy

Its fantastic your wife has has the ability to admit she may have been wrong

Why wouldn't any educated and intelligent person admit when they're wrong?

Originally Posted by Maanaam

Why wouldn't any educated and intelligent person admit when they're wrong?

face ? status ?

This thread has been brought to you by ​The Laos Tourism Association.

Best bakery cafe in Vientiane, interior pic is in other post

First ever mall


Did notice a few tuktuks advertising a Korean fast food joint, so maybe they're on their way in.

Originally Posted by parryhandy

face ? status ?

I did say "educated" and "intelligent".

Originally Posted by DJ Pat

First ever mall

I went to Vientienne about 12 years ago. I don't recall seeing any building over 3 stories. Much like Suvanakhet today.
Relative to Thailand, clean.

There really are a few benefits to colonialism.

I went with my Thai secretary a few years ago. It was an eye opener for her. She said "this is what thailand used to be like".

People were polite, helpful and considerate.

The food in Vientiane is really good and Ibis has really comfortable beds. Beside that the city is a bore.

Originally Posted by YourDaddy

The food in Vientiane is really good and Ibis has really comfortable beds. Beside that the city is a bore.

yup used to look forward to trips there because of the food and wine but now not at all. For a capital city its the pits.

Another quite strong impression; It seems the Lao people are not so caught up with status as the Thai. Thailand goes from obsequious to arrogant in their attitude towards other people, whereas the Lao are just equally polite to each other with no apparent status.

Something else I noticed; Although everyone has phones, you don't see the Lao on them all the time. In restaurants, people talk to each other, in shops attendants attend.

My wife has grown quite attached to Lao and has made friends here. One woman, her masseuse, is now her FB friend and she hopes to be able to invite her to Songkhla where she will see the sea for the first time in her life.

Educated and intelligent people know that they don't "know it all." It's the rest of those seppos I worry about.

As for boring or lack of things to do isn't that just about anywhere. I don't mind a Laotian sunset on a farm in the middle of nowhere. As long as I have a beerlao that is.

As for the police I found they pretty much left me alone. Perhaps they could tell I was crazier than them, I seppo. A wink and a nod and we were generally on our way. I did miss Kong Lore (sp?) cave, it's still on the list.

Peace out, fish.

I visited Vientiane and Luang Prabang for the first time about 30 years ago. I remember cycling around the Patuxai monument on rickety old rented bikes - hardly a car to be seen on the roads, (so just like modern-day Naypyitaw LoL)

it's like Thailand in the 90s, great place to be at the moment

Beer Lao tastes even better in Laos.