Will Weber Director Lao Peoples Democratic Republic Visitors to Laos must expect more restrictions than in most Asian countries. Visas are more expensive and tedious to obtain. Good information about safety, trails and transportation is hard to obtain.
Few people speak English, even in hotels.
I was very pleased to have a host or guide conversant in local languages who helped me avoid these problems. Everyone I did meet was very friendly and courteous. My guides helped prevent this from happening, but even alone in the markets or restaurants I had the sense that by simply asking the price first and being willing to bargain I was treated fairly. Vietnam is richer, more developed and more accustomed and attuned to tourists than Laos. The cost of accommodations in Laos is high, relative to the standard of services and comfort.