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The Nam Song River in Vang Vieng, Laos


10 Best Places for Families to Live in Laos

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: In this article, we highlight some of the best places for international families to live in Laos.

If you're dreaming about moving with your family to Laos and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in Laos.

Vientiane

Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, is a wonderful place for international families to live. The city is home to a variety of child-friendly activities and venues. For instance, the Children's Cultural Centre offers a range of activities and workshops designed to educate and entertain young minds. The Lao National Museum, while not specifically for children, is also a great place for kids to learn about the country's history and culture. For outdoor activities, families can visit the Buddha Park, a sculpture park with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues, or the Chao Anouvong Park, a beautiful green space perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. In terms of athletic facilities, Vientiane International School has a swimming pool and gym that are open to the public. There are also several sports clubs that cater to children, such as the Vientiane Youth Football Club and the Vientiane Tennis Club. These clubs provide a great opportunity for kids to learn new skills, stay active, and make friends. Overall, Vientiane offers a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for international families.

"Laid back friendly people. Appreciative of anything you do for them. Respectful of elders," said one expat living in Vientiane.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Laos, is a good place for international families to settle. The city offers a plethora of activities for children. The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, for example, provides interactive exhibits and workshops that educate children about the diverse ethnic cultures of Laos. For outdoor fun, families can visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls, a stunning natural attraction with swimming holes, picnic spots, and a bear rescue center. The Luang Prabang Library also organizes a 'Book Boat' project, which is a unique opportunity for children to engage in community service by helping to distribute books to remote villages. For sports and recreation, the Luang Prabang International School has a swimming pool and a gym that are open to families. The city also hosts the Luang Prabang Half Marathon, a family-friendly event that encourages children to participate. Additionally, the Luang Prabang Golf Club offers junior golf programs for kids. With its rich culture, beautiful natural surroundings, and family-oriented activities, Luang Prabang provides a vibrant and enriching environment for international families.

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Pakse

Pakse, the second most populous city in Laos, is an excellent place for international families to reside. The city is filled with activities that cater to children. The Champasak Historical Heritage Museum, for instance, offers educational exhibits about the history and culture of the region, providing a fun and informative outing for kids. For outdoor recreation, families can explore the Bolaven Plateau, known for its stunning waterfalls, coffee plantations, and hiking trails. The Xe Pian National Protected Area is another great spot for nature-loving families, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting and bird watching. In terms of athletic facilities, the Pakse Hotel has a swimming pool that is open to families, and the city is also home to several gyms. For children interested in sports, the Pakse Football Club offers youth programs, providing a great way for kids to stay active and socialize. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and family-friendly activities, Pakse offers a diverse and vibrant environment for international families.

Savannakhet

Savannakhet, the second-largest city in Laos, is a wonderful destination for international families to call home. The city offers a variety of activities that are both educational and entertaining for children. The Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum, for example, is a popular attraction that provides interactive exhibits and activities, allowing children to learn about prehistoric creatures in a fun and engaging way. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Dong Natad Provincial Protected Area, a beautiful nature reserve that offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. The city also boasts the Savan-Seno Special Economic Zone Park, a green space perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. In terms of athletic facilities, the Savan Vegas Hotel and Casino has a swimming pool that is open to families, and there are several gyms throughout the city. For children interested in sports, the Savannakhet Football Club offers youth programs, providing a great way for kids to stay active and socialize. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and family-friendly activities, Savannakhet offers a diverse and vibrant environment for international families.

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Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng, a picturesque town in Laos, is an ideal location for international families to reside. The town offers a multitude of activities that are both educational and entertaining for children. The Organic Mulberry Farm, for instance, provides an interactive experience where children can learn about sustainable farming practices and even participate in silk weaving. For outdoor recreation, families can explore the Blue Lagoon, a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, or take a leisurely boat ride down the Nam Song River. The Pha Ngern View Point and the Tham Chang Cave are other natural attractions that offer opportunities for hiking and exploration. In terms of athletic facilities, the Silver Naga Hotel has a family-friendly swimming pool, and there are several outdoor adventure companies that offer kayaking, rock climbing, and cycling activities. For children interested in sports, the Vang Vieng Football Club offers youth programs, providing a great way for kids to stay active and socialize. With its stunning natural landscapes, engaging activities, and welcoming community, Vang Vieng offers a diverse and vibrant environment for international families.

Thakhek

Thakhek, a charming town in Laos, is a great place for international families to settle. The town is filled with activities that are both educational and entertaining for children. The Thakhek Loop, for instance, is a popular attraction that offers a unique opportunity for families to explore the stunning landscapes and local villages by motorbike or car. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Phu Hin Bun National Park, a beautiful nature reserve that offers opportunities for hiking, caving, and wildlife spotting. The Konglor Cave is another must-visit natural attraction, providing an exciting boat ride experience through a 7km long cave. In terms of athletic facilities, the Inthira Thakhek Hotel has a swimming pool that is open to families, and there are several gyms throughout the town. For children interested in sports, the Thakhek Football Club offers youth programs, providing a great way for kids to stay active and socialize. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and family-friendly activities, Thakhek offers a diverse and vibrant environment for international families.

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Xam Neua

Xam Neua, a captivating city in Laos, is an excellent choice for international families looking to relocate. The city is brimming with activities that are both educational and entertaining for children. The Hintang Archaeological Park, for instance, is a popular attraction that offers a unique opportunity for families to explore ancient megalithic sites and learn about the region's rich history. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area, a stunning nature reserve that offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. The city also boasts the Xam Neua Museum, a local museum that provides interactive exhibits and activities, allowing children to learn about the local culture and history in a thoughtful and engaging way. In terms of athletic facilities, the Xam Neua Hotel has a swimming pool that is open to families, and there are several gyms throughout the city. For children interested in sports, the Xam Neua Football Club offers youth programs, providing a great way for kids to stay active and socialize. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and family-friendly activities, Xam Neua offers a diverse and vibrant environment for international families.

Phonsavan

Phonsavan, a vibrant city in Laos, is an excellent destination for international families to settle. The city offers a plethora of activities that are both educational and entertaining for children. The Plain of Jars, for instance, is a popular attraction that provides a unique opportunity for families to explore the ancient stone jars and learn about the region's rich history. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Phou Phanang National Reserve, a stunning nature reserve that offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. The city also boasts the UXO Survivor Information Centre, a museum that provides interactive exhibits and activities, allowing children to learn about the impact of unexploded ordnance in a thoughtful and engaging way. In terms of athletic facilities, the Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel has a swimming pool that is open to families, and there are several gyms throughout the city. For children interested in sports, the Phonsavan Football Club offers youth programs, providing a great way for kids to stay active and socialize. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and family-friendly activities, Phonsavan offers a diverse and vibrant environment for international families.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Muang Xay

Muang Xay, a picturesque city in Laos, is a great place for international families to reside. The city is filled with activities that are both educational and entertaining for children. The Oudomxay Museum, for instance, is a popular attraction that offers a unique opportunity for families to explore the local history and culture through its exhibits. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Nam Kat Yorla Pa, a stunning nature reserve that offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. The city also boasts the Children's Cultural Park, a local park that provides interactive activities and play areas, allowing children to engage in physical activities in a safe and fun environment. In terms of athletic facilities, the Litthavixay Guesthouse has a swimming pool that is open to families, and there are several gyms throughout the city. For children interested in sports, the Oudomxay Football Club offers youth programs, providing a great way for kids to stay active and socialize. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and family-friendly activities, Muang Xay offers a diverse and vibrant environment for international families.

Muang Pakxan

Muang Pakxan, a charming town in Laos, is an excellent choice for international families seeking a new home. The town is abundant with activities that are both educational and entertaining for children. The Pakxan Museum, for instance, is a popular attraction that offers a unique opportunity for families to explore the local history and culture through its exhibits. For outdoor recreation, families can visit the Phou Khao Khouay National Park, a stunning nature reserve that offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. The town also boasts the Pakxan Children's Park, a local park that provides interactive activities and play areas, allowing children to engage in physical activities in a safe and fun environment. In terms of athletic facilities, the Pakxan Hotel has a swimming pool that is open to families, and there are several gyms throughout the town. For children interested in sports, the Pakxan Football Club offers youth programs, providing a great way for kids to stay active and socialize. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and family-friendly activities, Muang Pakxan offers a diverse and vibrant environment for international families.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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The Nam Song River in Vang Vieng, Laos

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