Vientiane - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
People love tennis and badminton. I believe there is a weekend road cycling group on Facebook. If you are not on Facebook, you can still connect with a lot of people on WhatsApp groups. There are other festivals and events that attract the international community, too. - Dec 2024
School communities, tennis groups, volunteering, and other ways to meet new people. - Mar 2024
There is not much to do in Vientiane other than going to cafes or out to drink, and the nightlife is not that impressive. I think most people meet others through their kids' school/activities. - Mar 2023
The language barrier and cultural norms make it difficult to interact with local people extensively. However, the Lao are very friendly. Having small children that play with Lao kids is a good way to bridge the cultural divide. - Jun 2020
Going out to dinner, dinner parties, sports clubs/events. There are options, but you have to look for them. - Oct 2018
For somewhere that seems like it has not much to do, as far as American comparisons, we were always busy. We'd have game nights, BBQs, swimming at the Ambassador's pool, playdates with kids' friends. - Jan 2014
