But it also means Vientiane looks to Hanoi for policy direction - even when it should look elsewhere. As Thailand and others pressure Vientiane to open up, Hanoi leans on it to keep the communist faith - and Laos lurches to and fro along the road to reform. No one likes to talk about Hanoi's political domination of Vientiane. It doesn't mean we always follow each other. But they do.
Delegations come and go between their capitals, and Laos clears all major policy with Hanoi.
Ties with Bangkok are better than ever. Culturally the Laotians and Thais are close. Hence Hanoi's influence will likely wane, says Bangkok-based Laos expert David Fullbrook, while the Thais will gain more leverage. Owing in part to pressure from Thailand, Laos has liberalized its economy more than Vietnam. At the same time, Vientiane is moving closer to Hanoi's old foe Beijing.