Living in Vientiane

Eating

Down by the river is pretty much as lively as it gets in Vientiane. Various chilled-out riverside eateries serve traditional Thai and Southeast Asian dishes to be enjoyed while overlooking the Mekong. Some restaurants reside on stilts others are sidewalk based, each offering a different experience of the surrounding area.

From fine dining to street carts, the choice is varied. With people from many different nationalities living and working in the vast array of restaurants that Vientiane has to offer.

Transport

It's easy to visit many of the city's attractions and restaurants on foot, or for the more adventurous, by bicycle. For longer distances there are the famous "tuk-tuks" or conventional taxis - some metered, some not! Due to the lack of a good public transport system, long-term residents really need their own form of transport, with many opting for the traditional scooter or one of the many brands of vehicles for sale either new or second hand. In Laos, we drive on the right hand side of the road.

Weather

Vientiane has a tropical climate with a dry season and a wet season. Temperatures range from warm to hot, with some very humid days when the rains mark the start of the southwest monsoon season in May or June. Rainy conditions continue through to the end of October, then the northeast monsoon arrives bringing with it drier and cooler days.

November through February feature the most comfortable, sunny days in Vientiane, then the temperatures rise again in March, April and May.

Common Words and Phrases in Lao