🌍 Overview
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is a hidden gem for digital nomads seeking an affordable and laid-back remote work destination. With a growing expat community and improving infrastructure, Vientiane has become a popular spot for remote workers looking to escape the chaos of more touristy destinations. As a digital nomad destination, Vientiane offers a unique blend of French colonial charm, Buddhist culture, and Southeast Asian hospitality.
What draws nomads to Vientiane is the city’s low cost of living and relaxed atmosphere. A 1-bedroom apartment can be rented for around 366,000 KIP (~$45 USD) per month, and a meal at a local restaurant can cost as little as 25,000 KIP (~$3 USD). The city’s laid-back vibe and friendly locals make it an ideal spot for remote workers looking to recharge and focus on their work. While Vientiane may not be a bustling hub of activity, its slow pace and easy-going atmosphere make it perfect for those seeking a balance between work and play.
As a remote work hub, Vientiane has made significant strides in recent years. The city now boasts several coworking spaces, including the popular iWork Vientiane, which offers flexible membership plans starting from around 150,000 KIP (~$18 USD) per month. While the internet speeds in Vientiane may not be the fastest, averaging around 5 Mbps, fiber availability is slowly improving, making it a great option for nomads who need reliable and fast internet.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
1. Sisavangvong Road
Sisavangvong Road is a bustling hub of activity in Vientiane’s central business district. This neighborhood offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to upscale apartments. A 1-bedroom apartment in this area can cost anywhere from 300,000 to 600,000 KIP (~$37 to $75 USD) per month. Sisavangvong Road is also home to several coworking spaces, including iWork Vientiane, and a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Pros: Central location, easy access to coworking spaces and amenities Cons: Can be noisy and crowded, limited parking options
Typical streets in this neighborhood include Sisavangvong Road, Lane Xang Avenue, and Vientiane’s iconic Patuxay Monument.
2. Setthathirath Road
Setthathirath Road is a quieter neighborhood located just north of the city center. This area offers a range of accommodation options, from apartments to houses, and is known for its laid-back atmosphere. A 1-bedroom apartment in this area can cost anywhere from 250,000 to 450,000 KIP (~$31 to $56 USD) per month. Setthathirath Road is also home to several local markets and a range of restaurants serving traditional Lao cuisine.
Pros: Quiet and peaceful atmosphere, easy access to local markets and restaurants Cons: Can be a bit far from the city center, limited coworking options
Typical streets in this neighborhood include Setthathirath Road, Kaysone Phomvihane Avenue, and the bustling Talat Sao Market.
3. That Luang Road
That Luang Road is a charming neighborhood located just east of the city center. This area is known for its French colonial architecture and is home to several historic buildings, including the iconic That Luang Stupa. A 1-bedroom apartment in this area can cost anywhere from 350,000 to 650,000 KIP (~$43 to $80 USD) per month. That Luang Road is also home to several local restaurants and cafes, as well as a range of shops and markets.
Pros: Charming and historic atmosphere, easy access to local amenities Cons: Can be a bit noisy and crowded, limited coworking options
Typical streets in this neighborhood include That Luang Road, Phra That Road, and the bustling Talat Sao Market.
4. Talat Sao
Talat Sao is a bustling neighborhood located just north of the city center. This area is known for its vibrant markets and is home to several local restaurants and cafes. A 1-bedroom apartment in this area can cost anywhere from 200,000 to 400,000 KIP (~$25 to $50 USD) per month. Talat Sao is also home to several coworking spaces, including the popular Talat Sao Coworking Space.
Pros: Vibrant and lively atmosphere, easy access to local amenities Cons: Can be a bit noisy and crowded, limited parking options
Typical streets in this neighborhood include Talat Sao Road, Kaysone Phomvihane Avenue, and the bustling Talat Sao Market.
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking Spaces
Vientiane has a growing number of coworking spaces, including:
- iWork Vientiane: Offers flexible membership plans starting from around 150,000 KIP (~$18 USD) per month
- Talat Sao Coworking Space: Offers private offices and shared workspace starting from around 200,000 KIP (~$25 USD) per month
- Vientiane Coworking Space: Offers shared workspace and private offices starting from around 250,000 KIP (~$31 USD) per month
Internet
Internet speeds in Vientiane average around 5 Mbps, but fiber availability is slowly improving. Some popular internet providers in Vientiane include:
- Lao Telecom: Offers fiber internet starting from around 150,000 KIP (~$18 USD) per month
- Unitel: Offers fiber internet starting from around 200,000 KIP (~$25 USD) per month
Nomad Community
Vientiane has a growing nomad community, with several Facebook groups and meetups dedicated to remote workers and digital nomads. Some popular groups include:
- Vientiane Nomad Community: A Facebook group for nomads living and working in Vientiane
- Lao Nomad Meetups: A group of nomads who meet regularly for coffee and networking
Cafes
Vientiane has a range of cafes and coffee shops, including:
- Cafe Central: A popular cafe with reliable wifi and a range of coffee options
- The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf: A coffee chain with multiple locations throughout the city
- Joma Bakery Cafe: A bakery and cafe with a range of coffee options and reliable wifi
Visa Options
Visa options for remote workers in Vientiane include:
- Lao e-Visa: An electronic visa that can be applied for online and costs around 30 USD
- Lao Visa on Arrival: A visa that can be applied for at the airport and costs around 30 USD
- Lao Work Visa: A work visa that requires a sponsor and costs around 150 USD
Banking and Practical Setup
Vientiane has a range of banks and financial institutions, including:
- Lao Development Bank: A state-owned bank with multiple locations throughout the city
- BCEL: A private bank with multiple locations throughout the city
- ATM access: ATMs are widely available throughout the city, but may charge a fee for international transactions.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Local Customs and Etiquette
Laos is a Buddhist country, and local customs and etiquette are an important part of daily life. Some key customs to keep in mind include:
- Wearing modest clothing: Dress conservatively when visiting temples or attending cultural events
- Respecting the elderly: Show respect to older Lao people by bowing or using their title (e.g. Aunt or Uncle)
- Removing shoes: Remove your shoes when entering temples or homes
Food Scene
Vientiane has a range of food options, including:
- Traditional Lao cuisine: Try dishes like laap (meat salad), tam maak hung (papaya salad), and or lam (braised meat)
- Street food: Try popular street food dishes like grilled meat skewers and fresh spring rolls
- Night markets: Visit night markets like the Talat Sao Night Market for a range of food and shopping options
Nightlife and Social Scene
Vientiane’s nightlife scene is relatively low-key, but there are still some great options for socializing and having fun. Some popular spots include:
- The Riverside: A popular spot for sunset cocktails and socializing
- The Vientiane Social Club: A club that hosts regular events and parties
- The Night Market: Visit the night market for a range of food and shopping options, as well as some great people-watching
Arts and Cultural Attractions
Vientiane has a range of cultural and artistic attractions, including:
- The National Museum: A museum that showcases Lao history and culture
- The COPE Centre: A museum that showcases the impact of UXO in Laos
- The Lao National Theatre: A theater that hosts traditional Lao performances
Language Situation
English proficiency in Vientiane is relatively low, but many locals are learning English as a second language. Some popular language schools include:
- Vientiane Language School: Offers English language classes starting from around 10 USD per hour
- Lao Language School: Offers Lao language classes starting from around 5 USD per hour
⭐ Highlights
- Patuxay Monument: A iconic monument in the heart of the city, offering great views of Vientiane
- That Luang Stupa: A sacred Buddhist site and one of the most important cultural attractions in Laos
- Talat Sao Night Market: A bustling night market offering a range of food and shopping options
- The Riverside: A popular spot for sunset cocktails and socializing
- COPE Centre: A museum that showcases the impact of UXO in Laos
💡 Practical Tips
Visa Requirements
Visa requirements for common nationalities include:
- US citizens: Lao e-Visa or Lao Visa on Arrival
- EU citizens: Lao e-Visa or Lao Visa on Arrival
- UK citizens: Lao e-Visa or Lao Visa on Arrival
Getting Around
Vientiane has a range of transportation options, including:
- Tuk-tuks: A popular mode of transportation that can be hired for around 10,000 KIP (~$1.25 USD) per ride
- Motorbikes: Can be rented for around 20,000 KIP (~$2.50 USD) per day
- Buses: A popular option for longer journeys, with tickets starting from around 5,000 KIP (~$0.62 USD)
Safety Considerations
Vientiane is generally a safe city, but there are some areas to avoid, including:
- The border area with Thailand
- The area around the old airport
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Vientiane is during the cool season, from November to February, when temperatures are around 20-25°C (68-77°F).
Language
English is not widely spoken in Vientiane, but many locals are learning English as a second language. Some popular language schools include:
- Vientiane Language School: Offers English language classes starting from around 10 USD per hour
- Lao Language School: Offers Lao language classes starting from around 5 USD per hour
Money Matters
Vientiane has a range of banks and financial institutions, including:
- Lao Development Bank: A state-owned bank with multiple locations throughout the city
- BCEL: A private bank with multiple locations throughout the city
- ATM access: ATMs are widely available throughout the city, but may charge a fee for international transactions.
Healthcare and Insurance
Vientiane has a range of healthcare options, including:
- Vientiane International Hospital: A private hospital with international standards of care
- Lao Friends Hospital: A non-profit hospital offering affordable healthcare options
- Health insurance: Consider purchasing health insurance before traveling to Laos.
