Moving to anywhere is tough, especially another country. You have to move not only yourself, but all of your belongings, your vehicle and anyone else that you’re bringing with you. You don’t just skip down the street, but must strategically plan each step that you take. With not only moving arrangements, but also knowing more about the area, you can decide for yourself if Laos is the best place for you to move.0606

Moving to Laos was an adventure, one that I could not wait to explore and learn more about. Living in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, is a laid-back experience and thankfully, there are not too many tourists here which means the cost of living has not risen terribly high and the streets are not overcrowded with people snapping pictures or wandering in circles as they check the sights out. Some of the local artwork as well as the infrastructure and architectural design is amazing.

The Beautiful Laos Community and Culture

With beautiful French architecture around every corner, there is something to view and admire. Paired with the markets and shops that dot the streets, Laos is an acceptable place to enjoy all your days. Many move to this area to find peace, contentment and happiness within themselves. Some have even considered moving here recently due to the American election results or other political reasoning. This is, in part, because the area promotes healthy, happy living. Within the scenic views comes the silence that provides true joy. Nightlife can be exciting, providing many bars and nightclubs to hear music and drink and eat.

One of the biggest reasons that I chose Laos to move too was because it is a place that seems to be “stopped in time” which allows everyone to enjoy a bit more about themselves and the happiness of living, rather than focusing on other stuff. There is no rushing, no racing, no worrying or competing. It is just you, in that moment, living life as it should be. With little stimulation around you, you can truly feel at peace.

The Move Itself

The move itself wasn’t so bad, since I did my research and decided to do the move with a shipping company. The company helped me move all the items I needed from my apartment, as well as my vehicle. I checked with a few companies before choosing one and it really came down to the overall cost associated with shipping. I paid just over $3000 USD total for everything but it was well worth it once everything was where it needed to be. Not to mention, the company had all the paperwork necessary for the move. This helped me gather myself and get everything for the move, without having to worry about how I was going to get my items from point A to point B.

Getting Everything I Could Have Hoped for and More

The cities and towns dotting the roads are beautiful, welcoming and laid back places. Unlike so many places you’ll visit throughout the US, Laos welcomes one and all. There is no pressure to be more than what you are, have more than what you have or work harder than you want to work. You’re only pressured to be a good person and explore, as well as learn from the kind-hearted residents within the area.

I have been able to find myself, be more compassionate and caring about life, while also enjoying all that the area had to give. The cost of living is higher than in Thailand, where many U.S. expats live, but it is far less expensive here in Laos than what I was accustomed to pay for rent and utilities in the United States. The food is better as well. I’ve had dishes here that I know I would never find in the U.S., and while some of the food has seemed a little exotic, it is healthy and Lao food is brilliantly prepared and dished and is easily affordable even if I dine out every day.

Laos is a beautiful and rewarding place to live and I am glad that I made the move when I did. I recommend those wishing to gain a new scenic view and breath of fresh air to give Laos a try for themselves. Even if you can only come for a visit, it is likely that you will fall in love with this small, yet beautiful country.

-Ross Campbell