If you’re an adventurer at heart, get ready to be thrilled by the idea of visiting Laos—not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also with the chance to connect with locals on a meaningful level. I fell in love with Laos while visiting Luang Prabang and the capital, Vientiane. From amazing boat rides on the Mekong River to exploring caves and legendary temples, Laos is a hidden gem that deserves to be explored.
While Laos is an incredible country with much to offer, it may not be the best place for dating due to its strict local laws governing relationships between foreigners and local women. Many Lao women hold traditional values, and dating is often viewed as a serious step toward marriage, which is a stark contrast to the dating culture in Thailand or the Philippines.
Understanding the dating norms and legal framework in Laos is crucial for anyone looking to explore romantic possibilities here. By mastering the cultural dynamics, you’ll be better off and more respectful of the local customs. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide To Dating In Vietnam, Respectfully
Be Aware of Strict Dating Laws In Laos
One of the most surprising laws in Laos is that it is illegal for a foreigner and a Lao citizen to engage in cohabitation or sexual relationships if they are not married. Additionally, hotels or “guest-friendly” accommodations are almost non-existent, making it difficult for a Lao woman to visit your residence, even if she was your girlfriend and you were in a relationship.
Please understand that I don’t mention this with disapproval or judgementalism. These laws are likely in place for cultural, traditional, and protective reasons. My goal is to inform you so you can navigate dating successfully and respectfully, regardless of the country you find yourself in.
Given this legal framework, your best bet is to avoid dating in Laos if you’re not planning on getting married. From talking to seasoned Laos expats, there have been exceptions where, with the involvement of a village elder or a traditional dowry arrangement, the relationship may be more culturally accepted — though these are not reliable or legal guarantees. It’s best to protect yourself and abide by local laws while enjoying Laos for its cultural richness and natural beauty.
For more information on travel, dating, and cultural norms in Laos, check this link, provided by the U.S. Department of State.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide To Dating In Cambodia For Foreigners
Consider Dating Lao Women In Thailand
If you are genuinely interested in dating Lao women, Thailand may offer a more feasible and respectful option. Many Lao women make their way to Thailand, particularly to areas near the border. The capital of Laos, Vientiane, lies just across the Mekong River from Thailand, and because of this proximity, many Lao women travel to Thailand for work and better opportunities. You may be able to date them more freely within Thailand, where dating laws are more relaxed compared to Laos.
I’ve had a few encounters with Lao women while exploring Thailand. On a trip to Udon Thani in Isan, Thailand, I went on a date with a woman I assumed was Thai. However, during the date, she shared that she was originally from Laos but had been living in Thailand for many years. My favorite coffee shop in Bangkok, at the Exchange Tower in Asok, is also run by five women—all originally from Laos. If you’re interested in meeting Lao women, doing so in Thailand may be a more respectful and legally safe environment than attempting to do so within Laos itself.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Dating in Cebu City, Philippines
Dating Culture In Laos
Laos has one of the most traditional dating cultures I’ve encountered in Southeast Asia, more so than Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. I would even consider it more conservative than Vietnam, which I found to be quite high. Lao women are generally very traditional, with dating often seen as a pathway to marriage. Casual dating or short-term relationships are not commonly accepted.
Public displays of affection are non-existent in Lao culture. However, if you enter Laos as a tourist couple, nobody will mind if you want to hold hands.
Women in Laos are typically very modest in their dress and behavior. As a Western tourist, I could not distinguish Laos people from Thai or Chinese people based on their appearance alone, and that is because of the historical blended influences of their cultures. You’ll find many women wearing long dresses that cover their ankles. These women are not only beautiful but also incredibly respectful and kind. I would presume they would make excellent wives, supporting traditional gender roles in the household.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide To Dating In Thailand For Foreigners
Best Dating Apps In Laos
During my time in Laos, I experimented with various dating apps. Badoo turned out to be the most effective dating platform in Laos, especially in the capital, Vientiane. I also tried Bumble and Tinder but found very few profiles on these apps in Laos. Most profiles were actually from across the border in Thailand. For example, when I was in Luang Prabang, most of the women on the apps were in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In Vientiane, many matches were across the Thai border in Nong Khai and Udon Thani.
In addition to Laos, if you’re traveling around to other Asian countries, you should consider AsianDating.com, because they have a nice variety of profiles from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines:
Facebook Dating was another option I explored, though it also had a very limited presence of Lao women. Overall, the presence of Lao women on dating apps is quite small, even in the capital city of Vientiane.
Looking for a Lao or Thai girlfriend? Try ThaiFriendly.com, my favorite dating application in Thailand. There are also some women from Lao there, and you can search for them on the “Lao Peoples Democratic Republic” country filter. I encourage you to create a profile for free and browse the 1000s of Thai/Lao profiles. It’s free to send one message every ten minutes, or you can upgrade for a reasonable price to send more messages.
In conclusion, while Laos offers a stunning backdrop of cultural and natural attractions, it presents significant challenges for those looking to date locally. By understanding and respecting local laws and customs, you can still enjoy meaningful interactions and perhaps find love while traveling in this beautiful country. If you’re serious about dating a Lao woman, consider exploring possibilities in neighboring Thailand where the legal and cultural environment is more accommodating. Happy travels and best of luck on your romantic adventures!
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