Laos or Thailand - Which is Better for Expats to Retire in SE Asia?
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- Join us as we discuss which is the better location in SE Asia to retire, Laos or Thailand. Which is better for you? Watch this video and let us know what you think.
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At the beginning of 2023, my wife and I decided to leave America, and move to SE Asia, making Laos our home base.
My name is Javier, and my wife is Fon.
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DISCLAIMER: The opinions in this video are for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Always do your own research.
#travellaos #expat #laos #dailylife #visitlaos #thailand #thailandtravel
00:00 Intro, 7 Considerations for Retiring in Laos vs Thailand
01:28 1. Language
03:26 2. Food
06:14 3. Culture
07:30 4. Landscape
08:14 5. Transportation/Infrastructure
11:02 6. Visas/Long Term Residence
13:38 7. Cost of Living
Info on Visa/Expat Services for Laos:
/ laosvis
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I'm working remotely and I'm in my mid 30s, so cannot talk about retirement. But I made Laos my home base, before I also lived in Thailand and travelled a lot. As a home base for me personally Laos is way better. Much easier visa options, cheaper costs of living (if you earn foreign currency), still authentic & real, very honest & friendly locals, beautiful nature. I like thailand a lot, lived there all over the country from north to south, but it became more expensive and thais are much more after your money. Its a mass tourism hotspot. I just came back from one of the worst places on the planet - phuket. A beautiful tropical island, but i hate the vibe. Our hotel owner only walked around and talked about stupid farangs who dont have money. All she said was money money money (she spoke thai, but I understand thai and speak lao as well). If retire in thailand, isaan would be the best and still most authentic area (which was part of the lao kingdom before. They also speak lao in isaan, isaan itself is not a language, most of the isaan food also originated in laos. Thai government had a strict "thaification" policy after isaan became part of thailand to push all lao related things out).
I like both countries, but prefer Laos to live in. And whenever I miss the sea, I just hop over to thailand, vietnam or anywhere else close by. Someone considering making one of both countries a home base, should definitely try each country some months or a year first. People like different things 🇱🇦🤝🇹🇭
Very well said. Thanks for sharing your perspective of both countries.
I think you listen too much to Loas make believe vicious lie stories about Thailand till bias arisen.
great history lesson.
i totally agree with your opinion about thailand and laos, and not many people know sadly the true story about isaan and the “thaitication” thing, sadly. But indeed is one of the most genuine areas compared to the tourist hotspots.
i was wondering, are you lao or thai by any chance?
@@beau_de_jour thanks man, appreciate your comment. And I agree that not many people know about the thaification and history of isaan & laos, including their language, culture and food. That shows that the thaification was succesful. Nowadays thai people are quickly offended when you say something like that isaan people are of lao origin. But lao people have no problem with thais. Thailand also has never been colonized, which makes them a very proud and nationalist country.
And to answer your question: I'm a farang living in Laos and previously also lived in thailand
I wish thailand would show more respect towards laotians, a big percentage of lao migrant worker keep thailand succesful (as well as burmese and cambodians). 🇱🇦🤝🇹🇭
Cheers brother 🙏
Laos is very third world in too many ways compared to Thailand. As a westerner, I need certain amenities and cultural fixes. An occasional western styled restaurant, clothing for a larger man, and internet shopping. In addition, medical care is much, much more advanced in Thailand. When in Laos, I always feel like I am being cheated and someone's got their hand in my pocket (and not for a good reason). While I feel safe in both countries, I feel like the likelihood of me getting "rolled" in Laos is higher. Having lived in Communist China for eight years, I have had it with Socialism and Communism, thus ruling out Socialist Laos. As an advancing country, Thailand just feels newer, and more modern in their cities, and the rural areas are not as blighted as Laos' rural regions. Roads are better cared for in Thailand, and transportation is more plentiful. The one thing going for Laos is the friendliness and genuineness of the Laos people. Thailand may be the land of 1000 smiles, but they are fake smiles. The Laos people are truly smiling and happy to see a new face. Being a landlocked nation, Laos has no beaches or coastal beauty and activities. The mount of unabridged drug, illegal call centers, and "casinos" in Laos just makes it feel more corrupt and sinister than Thailand (and that is saying something in regard to corruption). For my money, my choice is clear between the two nations. The only time I go to Laos is for a border run to stay in Thailand.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
To say 1000 fake smiles for Thai people is wrong. As a Thai, I dont know what kind of people you are connecting with. The real Thai people they smile from their hearts. No need for fake smiles. What for?? Who do you think you are we have to give you fake smiles. No reasons. Even politician, if we dont like them, we turn our back to them, not even have a slight thougt of fake smiles at all.
i really agree on the point on the fake smiles in thailand! always thought that and that’s the first time i see someone else saying the same
@@beau_de_jour I want to be clear that it is not a malicious smile with any purpose behind it. It is part of their nonconfrontational culture and society. And, it does not mean that they are unfriendly either. I am just saying that the smile is much like me saying hello to you or giving you a head nod of greeting.
Thanks, good overview. I crossed the river for a visa run from Thailand a few years ago, and Lao people were so nice. Walked up to me and started conversations. They were fluent in English, smart and well traveled.
Great to hear! Thanks for sharing your experience!
As a Thai woman who left Bangkok long time ago to the UK. When I visited home, Thailand became very big business for tourists and retirees and I found it is too much. I’d prefer a quiet life, sincerely with a simple life like Laos. I’ve never been to Laos but just watching your videos and friends who visited Laos. Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand. Thai government starts taxing expats from January 2024!! So there are so many factors to consider!! This is my opinion 😁
Thank you for sharing your perspective!
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How do you know that Thai people are not sincere? Is it just you or not?
How do you know that Thai people are not sincere? Is it just you or not?
Try Vietnam. I've lived in Thailand...it got ruined by tourism.Vietnam is fabulous...just stay away from foreign mass tourism. Vietnamese are very friendly...my number one reason for living in Vietnam.
Taxing expats in January 2024?? First I have heard!!
Living retired in Thailand and go to Lao as a vacation. I suggest this way.
Basic facilities and healthcare in Thailand is way more superior than Lao.
Lao, nowadays is not livable like before due to failure of economic and government.
Interesting point
Nice listing and explanation for your 7 items. I am 53, retired in Jomtien Thailand. Medical care for retirees would have to be considered as well. Accommodation and amenities have to factor in. If a person is okay living in a house vs living in a condo with multiple swimming pools, gym, and sauna. I would recommend Laos as a 2nd "stage" of a retirement plan for S.E. Asia. First, go to Thailand or the Philippines, then work towards Laos. No Western restaurants like Mcdonalds, or Western cultured restaurants. Here in Jomtien, there are plenty of Western and European-styled places to eat. I will be in Laos at some point in the future as the visa is much more simplified and less of a hassle.
Thanks for sharing!
Jomtien is nice and also easy to get a bus to Bangkok International Airport
Retiree and health insurance/medical facilities should be high on a retiree list. Thailand is the choice. Near Laos I would say, for example, Nong Khai or Udan Thani would be a good place for medical, but living in Vientiane could be a good economical balance beteeen both countries. Udan Thani has an airport for Thai or other nearby countries. Vientiane has an airport too. It's a matter of which airport having the destinations or connections you need.
Very good point. Thanks for sharing!
เมืองชายทะเลเมืองไทยมีเยอะ. ไม่จำเป็นต้องไปอยู่เมืองที่มีนักท่องเที่ยวเยอะ ลองมาใช้เวลาที่เมืองไทยซักระยะก่อน. เมืองไทยสะดวก ทุกอย่าง กินอาหารเหมือนพวกเราก็คงไม่เเพงมากเกินไป เมืองไทยยินดีต้อนรับนะคะ
Thank you for sharing!
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Very informative and interesting
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I think you missed a very big point for retirees. Medical facilities, I think Thailand has the better option. Also as a expat if you plan to fly out of the country regularly you'll mostly going to be routed via BKK. Seems more retirees are now eying Cambodia, Siam Reap as Thailand is definitely getting more expensive.
Good point on the medical facilities. Thanks for highlighting!
theres no medical facilities in Siem Reap
I've lived and worked in Laos, Burma and Thailand for more than 22 years - I teach Science and English. I have lived in many different cities in all 3 countries and right now I am living in Laos, in the beautiful northern city of Luang Prabang. But in a few weeks I will move back to live permanently in south Thailand by the coast. Why am I moving from Laos? Because of the air pollution! The pollution during the 'burning season' has got worse and worse every year that although I had planned to retire here in Luang Prabang, the air pollution is so bad that my health is suffering.
Sorry to hear that. Luang Prabang is one of my favorite cities. I do understand the air pollution. In Vientiane this year it was brutal. I’ve heard similar situation in Chiang Mai. Good luck on your move to Thailand! Cheers!
@@UtopiaBanishedwow, can the smoke really travel from indonesia (sumatra island and java island i guess) all the way to bangkok? wow, this stuff is real then
Hey nice to meet you,I had a friend at work that was from Laos.So its been on my to do list for awhile.
It's a must visit, if you're looking for a change of pace!
Thumbs up 👍 Javier 😎
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🔥 video 🇹🇭🇱🇦
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Cambodia. If you don’t know anything about Cambodia check it out . I think it’s a better place to retire than these 2 countries and the food and culture is very similar to Laos and Thailand
Thanks for the suggestion! We went to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat about 10 years ago. It was amazing. Will have to go back to Cambodia and do more exploring.
AND MORE EXPENSIVE IN CAMBODIA
Beware your pockets and belongings whether valuable or not.
@@uwishiwasu Thailand is more expensive from my experience
@@OppoA-kj7us that happened to me when I was in Thailand. So far it has not happened yet when I was in Cambodia
Both countries have good and bad side It’s all depends on the person habits of what they like. If you have enough investment and like quiet peaceful with beautiful nature buy land in Laos outside of city you can create your own paradise. Thailand is more crowded, but better infrastructure than Laos of course, the cost of living is similar maybe a little cheaper than Laos in some parts. You cannot buy land but you can own a property in Thailand. Crimes rates is much higher than Laos due to the large population. You can get kill by just looking at other people face. The law is very strict in wild game compared to Laos. So in my opinions it’s all depending on the person habits.
Thanks for sharing!
After retiring in Laos for over 2 years now, I'm in agreement with your observations and conclusions. You did a good job in presenting required knowledge in a concise form.
I'm fortunate to be in good health in my late 70s, but concerns about accessing quality healthcare are shared amongst the expat community, especially those living outside Vietiane. Fortunately, Vientiane does have some very good, private outpatient clinics (with labs). There has been a feeling of improved accessibility to better quality healthcare in Vientiane since a branch of a private Bangkok hospital opened here in 2022. The buzz amongst the expat community is that the Thai hospital has brought the community a vast new array of state-of-the-art diagnostic services. Similiarly, there is a bit of a buzz surrounding the much improved quality in women's healthcare available locally.
However, folks should be aware that serious health conditions requiring critical care will find them on a plane to Bangkok or Singapore (surprisingly affordable!) to enjoy the benefits of best practices medical attention.
Thanks for the detailed response on medical! That is more of a concern as we grow older in our retirement. It’s nice to see the recent improvement, and hopefully will get better…but agree that for serious conditions we see expats make a short trip to Thailand. Cheers!
I enjoyed your video, but my biggest concerns are medical care/medical infrastructure; corruption; security of assets, and property interests; and stability… I think Thailand has the advantage compared to Laos when it comes to all of the above concerns… Laos Is beautiful… Serene… but because of my concerns it is not for me…
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
The '''language barrier''' stops me right from the start ! -- Too old to be bothered. Looking for "comfortable" in my retirement - not discomfort and difficulty with language !!! -- Given these criteria - Thailand is out too - not just Laos ? -- Cambodia seemingly has English much more in use and even the USD !?! -- But it's the Philippines that really offers the overall best fit for US expats in their old age. Respect for seniors is their custom - low cost of living super friendly & welcoming locals who all speak your language - is a very hard combination to beat !!! --?-- Comfort. Goodness of fit. Numerous other like minded US expats for company and internationals as well. -- Sorry - but I been searching and looking worldwide - for 2 years and this is where I ended up. 🤗
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Philippines is like the US in late 80s and 90s. Like a true American colony with English widely spoken and the most popular food is American fast food. If you want American version of Asia, that’s the place to be.
@@TheZevvy I want "comfortable" in my retirement. Nice weather really friendly people low cost of living and some like minded expat company ! -- Frugal in a small studio - but AC as needed. 🤗 A 125 Honda Click - just for local. A nice bus w/ac for any distance ? = "comfortable" - remember ? ❤🙏👍👋🍺
the Philippines imo is the best fit for me too. English speaking, and for me primarily Christian, especially Catholic, were huge factors also. another thing that was a huge difference is major highways and most stores,malls,and services, are all posted in English, huge respect for elders, visa, although was lengthy process,about a year for 13A had to go to immigration about 5 times but done now, yes, the poverty, infrastructure, and trash and roosters can be trying at times , but for me, the positives far outweigh the negatives, and having a wife I wouldn’t trade for the world is far more important than anything else..
+ For Laos : PEOPLE (About 10 times more REALLY friendly than Thai) - Much less touristique
- For Laos : Even more corrupt than Thailand
+ For Thailand : Food - islands - infrastructure - health services - transportation - Offre of accomodation
- For Thailand : Immigration requests (pain in the A...)
Thank you for sharing!
Unless you are in a tourist area, or in BKK & don't speak Thai, forget it, it's an absolute nightmare. My Mrs home town is 90 minutes outside BKK & no one & I mean no one speaks English.
Good to know. Always helps to learn a little of the local language. Can be a challenge, though. Thanks for sharing!
@@retire_recharge_roam keep up the good work big man, good video
You are in Thailand, why do you expect them to speak English when that’s not their language. You need to learn their language and their ways.
@geopaulet923 where in that post do I say I expect them to talk English, I'm just saying to people that unless you speak Thai, stay in Tourist areas.
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Based on extensive research of various factors in SE Asian countries, I found Cambodia (Siem Reap in particular) to be the clear winner. Wonderful people, excellent multi-cultural food, widespread English, simple unrestricted $300/year multi-entry retirement visas and an equivalent low cost of living. No three month residence reports, minimum bank balances or annoying visa runs. Thailand is a fantastic country but maybe getting a little too popular for its own good.
Thank you for sharing the info!
Could you tell me more about the visa process to stay in Cambodia. Thailand visa way too many hoops you have to jump through .
@@stevek343 There are no fewer visa hoops than Cambodia. There’s only one important thing to remember. Do NOT initially apply for a tourist visa. Make sure to get an “E class” (business or retirement) visa which is good for 30 days. Then take that entry visa to almost any travel agency who can have it converted it to 3, 6 or 12 month long-term visa (no reason not to get maximum 12 month) which is about $300. In 7-10 days, voila. Could not be easier. Only requirement for retirement visa is that you’re at least 55.
As a Laotian, I’ve been in Bangkok and Vientiane traffic, and Dallas/ Fort Worth traffic, Laos takes the win for WTH driving- rules of the road in Laos, what is that lol
My tourist visa in Laos is for 90 days
Yes - We lived in California for a while, and not even Los Angeles driving is a match for Laos! Thanks for the info on the visa. I’ve heard you can get a “visit” visa for 90 days if you’re visiting Lao family.
Liked นะ.
🙏
You can make home in laos then go to Thailand travel sometime if you want
Great idea! We’ve made Laos our home base, since it’s conveniently located central to SE Asia. We’re currently traveling through the Isaan region of Thailand. 👍🙏
Laotion People must more friendly and peaceful low crime than Thailand a lot
Agree with the low crime in Laos. We’ve always felt safe. Thanks for sharing.
How do you live in Laos if you are now allowed to own land? Do you just buy condominium in order to live there?
Land rights in Laos are similar to Thailand. As a foreigner, I cannot own land, but I believe there are land lease options with condos. My wife and I live with her Lao family on the family farm in Laos. Most expat foreigners that do not have family ties rent an apartment or house.
Can you make a blog on Business visa for Laos? I wanted to run a small business in Vientiane or Luangprabang 😊
Thanks for the question!
We’ll plan on that for an upcoming video. 👍
Lao is a Communist country. Any existing law can be changed instantly.
The cost of living in Lao is high, and food is expensive. Lao has less, medical care, and infrastructure.
Bangkok, HuaHin, and Phuket are better places for retirees.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Cost of living is probably closer than you think:
czcams.com/video/94US4EHGrhw/video.htmlsi=G3I_8ndeIUMyaWXY
And the food choices are abundant in the major cities: czcams.com/video/RMcd-28VX0g/video.htmlsi=Zy6n9SNuNlw2YyAt
I do get your point, though, in terms of convenience. Thanks for watching!
Agreed 👍
Beaches .
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It is Illegal for a Foreigner to Boom Boom with a unmarried Laos Woman (locals can and will snitch on you), not so in Thailand.
Laos is a more conservative country in general.
Fact - 💯
I always refer to the C.I.A World FactBook before I travel anywhere. And what you mention is in their book of facts. I gave my Lao gf residing in Bangkok a hard "No" pass on a recent trip offer to Laos for this very reason.
www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/laos/travel-facts/
Lao has a beautiful nature that is untouched. It’s a stress free life style which I love. No crime and no junk food to keep people sick 😂And lastly as long as you stay out of politics you’d be fine. I’m all in for that! Thailand may be modern due to they never had a war but if I like modern stress and crime I’ll just stay here in the USA. I would not feel safe living in Thailand. Maybe to visit for a change of scenery is nice to have. Thank you for such a great comparison! Look forward to your next video 🤗
Thanks for your feedback! Good points!
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You can't compare communist countries like Laos and Vietnam and liberal country like Thailand.
If you get sick you will think of Thailand first.
Thanks for the comment. Medical care is improving in Laos, but understand many expats travel to Thailand for serious medical conditions.
Check out his video for more info:
czcams.com/video/kvq5FMqe0Sg/video.htmlsi=HupTn9byZBmRwgvq
Thanks for watching!
The food compared to Thailand is not that special, The roads are just not there, Driving at night could be the thing you ever do.
I have really grown to appreciate and savor some of the traditional Lao dishes (like Bamboo soup and ant egg omelette)…but it’s definitely an acquired taste. I would agree that driving at night can be a harrowing experience, but then now that I’m retired I’m home on the farm by sunset anyway. Thanks for watching!
@@retire_recharge_roam"Bamboo soup and ant egg omelette", both of which you can get in Thailand.
Laos 🇱🇦 because food 🍱 it’s delicious 😋 living in the city it’s ok 👌 but live in the country side might be hard to go around. Thailand 🇹🇭 it’s beautiful might be expensive to live there..
Good points. Thanks for sharing!
I lived in Lao for 22 years and worked there and had my own business, I left in 2018 and came back to visit in Feb 2024.
The country is now owned by the Chinese, the infrastructure has still not improved and the Chinese have overtaken the country and the corruption and prices are out of control.
The Basic Lao people still scrape by and it is not the same country it used to be, much prefer Thailand.
Thank you for the insight
wow seriously just in 4 years?
A retired person means quite old person, need better health systems
We’re young at heart. Does that count? Haha.
Medical care is improving in Laos with some newer private hospitals in Vientiane, but understand many expats still travel to Thailand for serious medical conditions.
Check out his video for more info:
czcams.com/video/kvq5FMqe0Sg/video.htmlsi=HupTn9byZBmRwgvq
Thanks for watching!
Thailand is way better than Lao
Depends on your preferences…different strokes for different folks. We’re happy in Laos, but we have many friends that have retired in Thailand.
Laos has no retirement visa so the whole discussion is futile.
No formal retirement visa, but long term residence is definitely an option. Thanks for watching!
Always being good boy otherwise Just little thing could cost you big problem in Thailand
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It's the same in any country isn't it?
Just like a German-Swiss so called gentleman kicked at the torso of a young lady doctor who sat on a public ladder on the public beach to watch the early moon and the sea near the front of his house in Phuket last 2 months for the reason he doesn't like anyone to sit close or in front of his house like that?
Anyway appreciate most the Thai people in Phuket, and all parts of Thailand demonstrate a big protest in front of his house on the 2nd or 3rd day after the incident for the harmful and unfair felony did to the innocent Thai lady doctor.
@@walking_in_the_shade how about thai people who live in foreign like US and Western should they do same rule in Thailand ?
@@OppoA-kj7us how about thai people who live in foreign like US and Western should they do same rule in Thailand ?
Laos is 100% better than Thailand. Just go to Vietnam and enjoy your retirement.
Thanks for the comment.
Yes, we are enjoying Lao quite well!
If you wanted to live in semi modernized society’s Thailand if you choose Laos then compared Laos to Thailand you must have brain damage Laos just emerged from so called Vietnam war because their neighbor country trying to ripen its apart again and again of cause was not Vietnam that is . Just read every things in between the lines about Laos in order to comprehend the whole issues about Laos
Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Mumbling voice is very difficult to understand, so I stop after 5 minutes
Thanks for the feedback.