When you think about Southeast Asian women, your mind may automatically turn towards Thai, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and perhaps Malaysian. However, there is another country in that region that is all too easily overlooked, and by doing so you will be missing out.
Laos is a landlocked country that borders many major Southeast Asian countries that include Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and also China. Arrivals have been mostly growing year on year with over 4 million people entering Laos in 2018.
The country attracts a variety of visitors from young backpackers, to couples, single travelers, and families. It also has a healthy expat population with retirees, restaurant owners, and teachers living in the capital and beyond.
If you are planning a visit or even a more permanent move to Laos then you will want to meet some local people and that might perhaps include the beautiful Lao women.
The way to go to meet Lao women
Just as in many other countries, Laos has plenty of nightlife. There are night markets, restaurants, pubs, bars, and nightclubs. Just like overseas, you will meet different types of people depending on where you look.
In Vientiane, the capital, there are numerous fancy restaurants and cafes which attract westerners and hip Lao women alike. It is unlikely that you will meet someone easily in such a place so you will have to think more along the lines of bars and clubs.
However, when looking in some bars in the capital you are very likely to encounter freelancers and ladyboys too. If you are looking for a respectable, traditional Lao woman then these are probably not the places to try.
Assuming you are staying in Laos for only a short time and want to meet a Lao woman then you will probably have to choose the bar and club scene. Many local women also use dating apps such as Badoo and Tinder, and if you have the time you can get to know someone online before arranging a date.
How should you expect a date to go with a Lao woman?
Although it doesn’t always happen, be prepared for a chaperone to come on the date with you. This will often depend on how you met your date and how old and experienced they are.
If you have been introduced to a traditional village girl then lucky you, however, you may be the first foreigner she has ever been on a date before and she is likely to be quite shy too.
Dress smartly for your date, don’t expect there to be any public displays of affection, don’t get drunk, and do expect to pay for everything. It is very standard that the male will pay for all aspects of the date.
However, if you met a girl in a club and who is perhaps more experienced with foreign men then you will find you have a much more relaxed date. This isn’t to say you have picked up a bad girl, only that she has maybe been married before - Lao girls marry young - or had a ‘falang’ boyfriend, or two, previously.
Where should you take a Laos woman for a date?
The easiest answer is to ask them but you might find that many Lao women are hesitant to make suggestions. Find out what type of food she likes, don’t assume that she does or doesn’t like foreign foods. Many Lao people are not fans of the western diet whereas others enjoy dishes like pizza fairly regularly.
Understand that Laos is not like any western countries. Don’t expect any chain restaurants or brand names from America on the street, although Hard Rock has made an appearance. There is one cinema in the capital and you won’t see a casino there.
If things go very well and you meet again you may find you end up in what seems like a relationship very quickly. It isn’t unknown for a girl to get together with a boy very fast compared to western standards. If you are traveling for a few weeks or months in the region then you might find this suits you quite well.
If you have the budget and everything is running smoothly then you could take her on holiday to a neighboring country. Remember, Laos is landlocked, there are no beaches.
Taking your new girlfriend away
Once everything is going well and you are both enjoying each other's daytime and nighttime company you may decide to take her with you for a week or two.
Thailand and Cambodia are both easy to reach from Laos and can offer a different experience to someone who has spent most of their life in Laos. Gambling is illegal in Laos and if you take your girlfriend abroad then you can both enjoy a few nights in the biggest casino resort hotel in the world in Genting Highlands, Malaysia.
Alternatively, visit the beaches of Thailand with your beautiful Lao girlfriend and drink cocktails while enjoying the sand and sea. On the subject of gambling, you will find that many Lao women love playing cards although it is prohibited. Don’t be surprised if she spends some time playing games on her phone. Favorite activities are Facebook, Candy Crush, and casino games. Slot machines and card games are also enjoyed on smartphones across Southeast Asia.
When it is time to go
There will come a time when you need to continue your adventures. If you have enjoyed each other's company you can expect some tears. Lao girls can be very genuine and haven’t been exposed to the same levels of tourism as neighboring Thailand.
Don’t be surprised if you are asked for money when you leave. Laos is a poor country and men are expected to look after their partners. If you are serious about her then she is likely to want financial assistance while you are away although she may not ask.
If you are serious about your girlfriend then you should be aware of something...most Lao women want to be your future bride. Most want to get married and have children. This isn’t stereotyping, it is something you will see more often as you spend time in the country. This will lead to you meeting the parents sooner rather than later.
Summary
Meeting a Lao woman can be extremely easy in a bar setting but harder outside of these places if you are only in Laos for a short time. Expats can spend time getting to know a woman before asking them out but if you want to meet a Lao woman quickly then head to a nightclub or bar.
Be wary of freelancers and check the girl you are talking to is genuine. Don’t be surprised if she talks of being together after only a couple of dates, it just means she likes you. One thing to note is that it is illegal to sleep with a Lao national before marriage. This is not enforced on tourists but make sure you stay in city hotels and not accommodation in a small village.
Otherwise, enjoy going out and meeting the beautiful women of Laos.
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