callao

my Lao girlfriend and I would like to visit Macau and Hong Kong next time I'm in Laos, and don't know if she can get a visa to visit both those countrys as I would fly to Macau from BKK and take the ferry to HK and vise versa anybody know if a lao national can get a visa to go there

I was recently shopping in Vientiane Laos (Walk Man Store) and came across a lefty set of Callaway golf clubs, 1 and 3 woods, full set of irons, Callaway putter and a travel bag, all for $500 US, brand new, I'm thinking these are knock offs and started to take another closer look at them, I couldn't find anything on them that would make me think they were not Callaway, heads looked authentic, graphite shafts had Callaway emblems even the grips looks authentic, so I'm wondering if anyone has seen similar clubs or know someone who has bought a set of counterfit? clubs, do they work, or are these pure garbage that people should just avoid, gotta be too good to true, thanx, callao

Yes theres Katouys and gays but the DJ plays good music and everybody is having a good time there, sol-idit thats right, better than Novotel, too many people, I was too close to a fight and had to go,I'll be back in town 3-16 for a while any good clubs that you know about? callao

Hmmm well me and the wife aren't really big nightclub fans but I've been to most over time.

Listings as I remember:

Novotel - D-Tech or something like that it's called . . . all I remember was the constant use of strobe lights - which for me I have very sensitve eyes and I just stood there with my eyes closed half the time! The attendees are the most savour in the world

Future - next door in comparison this makes D-Tech look like the Ritz! This really is the lowlife disco - you'll be amazed at the number of falangs with thai/lao girls hanging off their arms! Been once and will never return!

Lunar36 aka Don Chan - As you know it's open late - but the music for my liking was utter crap and also WAY WAY too loud for the size of the venue.

Nana - Has some decent enough music on not far from Don Chan small and finished at 11pm

Marina - As I mentioned previously used to be busy and bareable but now . . dunno! Although full of the hi-so crowd.

One I've not been yet is Romeo - The Lao 'superclub' in other words the biggest - on route 1 heading out about 4km from town toward Friendship bridge. It certainly seems busy enough at weekend and I am certain it's open late also as the place is only just starting come 11pm.

Also there is the Meena on the same road not from from the Japanese embassy. The Joker also a bit further up the road from Future before Marina.

There is numerous other scattered around but for the life of me I can't remember there names! We only really go when friends dragged us along . . .

Don't know if that helps!? Like I say I ain't a nightclub person . . well dance nightclubs never have been, as I used to be a rock DJ I guess it's easy understand why!

thanx for the info, yes I'm an old rock n roller myself so the disco music can drive me nuts but we like to go out partying a little when in VTE so maybe we'll check out ROmeo , is it east of downtown as in down Fa Ngum rd to the end and turn right at the main road that heads toward the border on the left side of the street (ithink I saw it before) as for D tech some Lao girls got into it there then the boyfriends and I was almost clobbered so thats out , Future hot and musty inside, Lunar is fun, but will probably brave the ladyboys and bathroom attendent at solidid again, Music House is OK before there were no people there but last time I was in town the place was packed with falangs and could not get a seat, thanx for the info will be there in a couple weeks, callao

I said I would check out some nightlife in VTE so heres my report, Khop Chai Dou bar although they advertise live music and the waiters were even saying so, there was no live music at KCD for the whole 3 weeks I was there the phillipino guy and girl singer that have played there for years were not there at all so I don't know what happened but no live music at least while I was there Lunar36 at DCP was still the after hours bar and still open till 300am or so, but during the Greater Mekong subregion summit it was completely closed as Dob Chan Palace had security set up for the summit, Romeo disco was also closed during this period and all the bars were systematically closed by 1200, by police, Menam? Pub, same street as Romeo closer to downtown was a good disco type bar, was told by locals that it stays open late as well but not during GMS summit, Solidid now that you mentioned it I did notice more gays and Katouys in there where I didn't notice before when I've gone there but a fun place with some falangs there, Music house still has the same band playing rock and roll covers but real small and hard to get a table, Bor Pen Ynyang bar 4th floor rooftop bar where the mostly falang crowd, play pool (the good tables are on the 3rd floor)and listen to CD music, lots of local girls in there, as with KCD and Lunar, Future is a dive for locals, disco at the Novotel is for a very young crowd of mostly locals, Mekong Deck is right on the mekong by PVO, new placee drink beer and have some Lao food, sort of a fancy beer place, Sunset bar at the end of Fa Ngum road is quieter and cheaper, hope this helps some people I had a good time at all the places I visited and encountered no problems with anybody at all so...Callao

I haven't been to Laos via Nong Khai for about 35 years, so can't really advise my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren who'll be going that route next Monday. Can anyone tell me if there's anything to be sure to have, or watch out for, or any good tips that will make their crossing hassle-free?

I know they need a photo for each visa and that the visa will cost them about US$30 or THB1000, but beyond that I don't know anything. How do they get to the Immigration post from the train and how much should they pay? If anyone offers to run off with their passports on either side of the border and fix it all for them, what should they do? How do they get from Thadeua (Is the Lao immigration post still there?) to Vientiane and how much will it cost?

I know there are other posts on the forum about this crossing, but if anyone can answer these specific questions in one hit I'd be very grateful indeed. And if anyone can warn me of any potential dangers or ripoffs for this little family that would be very helpful. I wish I was going with them, but am caught up here and their mother will already be there.

Thank you

Xangsamhua

there will be some minibus drivers on the lao side of the border they will want 300 baht for the trip to Vientiane

Yes theres Katouys and gays but the DJ plays good music and everybody is having a good time there, sol-idit thats right, better than Novotel, too many people, I was too close to a fight and had to go,I'll be back in town 3-16 for a while any good clubs that you know about? callao

Hmmm well me and the wife aren't really big nightclub fans but I've been to most over time.

Listings as I remember:

Novotel - D-Tech or something like that it's called . . . all I remember was the constant use of strobe lights - which for me I have very sensitve eyes and I just stood there with my eyes closed half the time! The attendees are the most savour in the world

Future - next door in comparison this makes D-Tech look like the Ritz! This really is the lowlife disco - you'll be amazed at the number of falangs with thai/lao girls hanging off their arms! Been once and will never return!

Lunar36 aka Don Chan - As you know it's open late - but the music for my liking was utter crap and also WAY WAY too loud for the size of the venue.

Nana - Has some decent enough music on not far from Don Chan small and finished at 11pm

Marina - As I mentioned previously used to be busy and bareable but now . . dunno! Although full of the hi-so crowd.

One I've not been yet is Romeo - The Lao 'superclub' in other words the biggest - on route 1 heading out about 4km from town toward Friendship bridge. It certainly seems busy enough at weekend and I am certain it's open late also as the place is only just starting come 11pm.

Also there is the Meena on the same road not from from the Japanese embassy. The Joker also a bit further up the road from Future before Marina.

There is numerous other scattered around but for the life of me I can't remember there names! We only really go when friends dragged us along . . .

Don't know if that helps!? Like I say I ain't a nightclub person . . well dance nightclubs never have been, as I used to be a rock DJ I guess it's easy understand why!

thanx for the info, yes I'm an old rock n roller myself so the disco music can drive me nuts but we like to go out partying a little when in VTE so maybe we'll check out ROmeo , is it east of downtown as in down Fa Ngum rd to the end and turn right at the main road that heads toward the border on the left side of the street (ithink I saw it before) as for D tech some Lao girls got into it there then the boyfriends and I was almost clobbered so thats out , Future hot and musty inside, Lunar is fun, but will probably brave the ladyboys and bathroom attendent at solidid again, Music House is OK before there were no people there but last time I was in town the place was packed with falangs and could not get a seat, thanx for the info will be there in a couple weeks, callao

No worries. The music house is that the one with the live band opposite the mekong next to the Tex-mex restaurant? Used to be On the Rock? If it is I do like it in there when we wanted a night of music we'd normally go in there. But they've started doing karaoke until 9pm using the PA system they have and it is deafening and normally empty! The place is hit and miss of how many people go sometimes it'll be packed other times empty. The female singer in the band is a friend of my wifes - they do bash out a few good tunes.

Romeos on the right as you head out of town. Basically if you take the main newly surfaced road past kop jai deur and just continue straight for around 4kms, it's the road that follows the mekong, Romeos it's a large pink coloured building on the right hand side - before you get to the small roundabout which has a clock in the middle of it. You will pass several large 'restaurants' on the right - they might be packed as they have loads of weddings at them. If you are driving up this road past 11pm watch out for the pissed/high motorcyclist the road is pretty chaotic especially on a Friday night!

Romeo usually has guys with light batons leading people into the car park. Like I say I've not been and since we've now got a two week old baby I don't think we'll be going anytime soon - but it'd be good to hear if it is any good!

yes the girl singer at music house is good and maybe I tryed to go on a busy night , thanx for the Romeo directions I know the road you're talking about and think I can find it, so I'll check it out and report back, when I was there in sept. they were already digging out areas of the NEW road and repairing it right there by where you say romeos is, I don't think 3 inches of AC is strong enough for the loaded trucks travelling on the road, 10 guarranty ? I doubt it, already some failed areas by the brand new area by the airport, sorry I do this work myself so I been watching the job progress thanx again for the info will report back and congratulations on the new baby, callao

Yes theres Katouys and gays but the DJ plays good music and everybody is having a good time there, sol-idit thats right, better than Novotel, too many people, I was too close to a fight and had to go,I'll be back in town 3-16 for a while any good clubs that you know about? callao

Hmmm well me and the wife aren't really big nightclub fans but I've been to most over time.

Listings as I remember:

Novotel - D-Tech or something like that it's called . . . all I remember was the constant use of strobe lights - which for me I have very sensitve eyes and I just stood there with my eyes closed half the time! The attendees are the most savour in the world

Future - next door in comparison this makes D-Tech look like the Ritz! This really is the lowlife disco - you'll be amazed at the number of falangs with thai/lao girls hanging off their arms! Been once and will never return!

Lunar36 aka Don Chan - As you know it's open late - but the music for my liking was utter crap and also WAY WAY too loud for the size of the venue.

Nana - Has some decent enough music on not far from Don Chan small and finished at 11pm

Marina - As I mentioned previously used to be busy and bareable but now . . dunno! Although full of the hi-so crowd.

One I've not been yet is Romeo - The Lao 'superclub' in other words the biggest - on route 1 heading out about 4km from town toward Friendship bridge. It certainly seems busy enough at weekend and I am certain it's open late also as the place is only just starting come 11pm.

Also there is the Meena on the same road not from from the Japanese embassy. The Joker also a bit further up the road from Future before Marina.

There is numerous other scattered around but for the life of me I can't remember there names! We only really go when friends dragged us along . . .

Don't know if that helps!? Like I say I ain't a nightclub person . . well dance nightclubs never have been, as I used to be a rock DJ I guess it's easy understand why!

thanx for the info, yes I'm an old rock n roller myself so the disco music can drive me nuts but we like to go out partying a little when in VTE so maybe we'll check out ROmeo , is it east of downtown as in down Fa Ngum rd to the end and turn right at the main road that heads toward the border on the left side of the street (ithink I saw it before) as for D tech some Lao girls got into it there then the boyfriends and I was almost clobbered so thats out , Future hot and musty inside, Lunar is fun, but will probably brave the ladyboys and bathroom attendent at solidid again, Music House is OK before there were no people there but last time I was in town the place was packed with falangs and could not get a seat, thanx for the info will be there in a couple weeks, callao

look this up

here the Law on Foreign Investment

There was some discussion three or four years ago to cancel the wholly-owned foreign investment possibility, but I am not sure what became of it. Be careful.

there is some information on foreign investment laws on the Lao embassy website in the USA, does seem to encourage foreign invvestment with yearly visas break on taxes, especially if you have Lao partners involved, I'm looking into some business ventures there myself (lao silk) for US market

I'll be making my first visit to Vientiane on Sunday. Any recommendations for a comfortable but not five star hotel with a bit of Laotian flavor?

Tks much.

althou my GF says its been cold in VTE lately

- Yes it ain't the warmest! At night for some reason it's still around the 21C mark . . which is very odd for Feb, but then again it was a hot December, I am actually enjoying this temperate weather!

my favorite club is Sornideth club

As in pronounced locally - sol-i-dit . . . the regular katoey and gay hang out night club. I ain't been there for probably the best part of 2 years but we have numerous gay friends who are there every week without fail. It's a fun enough place sure but from a straight guys perspective I didn't really enjoy the 'running the katoey gauntlet' just to get to the toilet! If folks want go there just tell a tuk-tuk driver and they'll get you there in about 10 minutes or so from the centre.

Offroadlanna - Yes that's the one! I know I'd read it's name somewhere. I just can't remember for the two new ones that have opened in the middle of town . . ahh well I'll see them sooner or later.

Yes theres Katouys and gays but the DJ plays good music and everybody is having a good time there, sol-idit thats right, better than Novotel, too many people, I was too close to a fight and had to go,I'll be back in town 3-16 for a while any good clubs that you know about? callao

I'll be making my first visit to Vientiane on Sunday. Any recommendations for a comfortable but not five star hotel with a bit of Laotian flavor?

Tks much.

Lao Orchid hotel is the one people talk about now , newly redone close to the river with some views 30US Lane Xang hotel has a pool althou my GF says its been cold in VTE lately Scandinavian Bakery is the place other poster is talking about its right at the fountain square and does have good breakfast and coffee JOMA bakery is close by also, food venders at the river can be good or bad depending on which vender you choose, for a night out you could go to Khop Chai Dou bar listen to the live music till about 1100 pm then go to Don Chan Palace disco till closing its the only place that stays open past 1130, my favorite club is Sornideth club but it can be difficult to get there and back if you don't know your way around, so stay downtown where you can walk to get some food etc Lao orchid Lane Xang, inter hotel 25 -40US, Lao plaza and don chan palace are both about 100US callao

I plan on staying in the Vientiane area for a couple of months this february and want to ask if it is possible for me to travel to Udon Thani for shopping etc without too much trouble, can I keep my visa on arrival in thailand open even thou I exit to Laos or do I have to go throu immigration each time, also I am building a home there, can I buy things in thailand (appliances,windows etc) and bring them into Laos or not , tarrifs to pay etc, any info would be appreciated, callao

My site is being cleared and temporary worker housing is being built today. Excavation starts after the King's birthday holiday this week, with footings being poured starting next week. About 1/3 of the house will be concrete slab on grade, and the other 2/3 will be on columns. The portion on columns will effectively be a walk out basement (the site slopes) and will have a cement floor as well.

I'll be meeting with the builder and engineer this week to make sure we're all on the same page before we start relative to moisture control. The plans call for compacted sand over the dirt then the concrete slab. I'm planning on installing 6 mil polyethylene between the sand and the concrete. I've heard of putting it between the dirt and the sand instead. What's best here in Thailand?

There will be a retaining wall at that portion of the structure where slab on grade becomes pre stressed slab on columns. I'm planning on talking to the guys about perforated PVC drainage pipes in gravel behind the retaining wall and poly sheet there too.

I've finally decided against any wood floors, choosing tile and stone instead. I've seen too much cupping of wood floors here, not to mention the termite problem. But even though there will be no wood floors in the house, I want to be sure that it is a dry house. I don't want to be contending with mold and mildew or extra insect problems due to dampness.

Also, has anyone used a crystalline waterproofing sealer on concrete like Yypex? Maybe that before paint on the basement walls and even on the rough floor before finish tiling?

This would be the time for an insecticide tube system and / or termite treatment of the earth. I've heard some say it's a must do, and others say that the tubes plug up after a few years. Any advice?

Your experiences and advice would be appreciated.

just to add to my previous reply the drain rock is the key to the moisture barrier working properly, water that does get under there will be able to fill up the rock area and dissapate slowly and putting the visqueen over the rock and under a small amoint of sand will allow the concrete to dry more naturally, pouring right over the visqueen sometimes will make the concrete get spiderweb type cracking, rebar mat or wiremesh in your slab will help if you do get some cracks in your slab they can't move, and for a basement there are additives available here in the US that you can add to the concrete to waterproof it more ( don't know about LOS) but the main thing is to have a drain behind the wall and to waterproof the outside of the wall the best you can, there are cement based waterproofing (thermoseal) or the old fashion way of using asphant base roofing mastic on the wall putting a drainrock field in with perferated pipe 4-6 inches BELOW your floor elevation (perferations down) and backfill with drainrock up the wall to -12inches from FG, and using either some fabric ( mirifi 140 G) or some roofing paper between the dirt and the drainrock and cover tthe top of the rock the same way , that is so the when there is water behind there the silts and clays that get into thae water cannot migrate into your drain rock and clog it up and make sure you connect your drainpipes to solid pipe to daylight so the water can work its way out before it starts to build up behind there , I'm a guy with 20 years of doing this types of foundation work so hope this helps, Callao, I'll be buiding a place outside Vientiane this year

Just DO it!!! my first house, the contractor didn't do it [to save a few bhatt?] and now, 7 yrs later i've repainted walls for the third time and blisters are reappearing. the blisters come up less than a meter high and now the only recourse i can think of is to panel [wainscoating] the lower portion of our walls....not a cheap or easy solution, but the only one i can come up with and that opens a whole other can of worms with giving the ants and termites a nice place to inhabit.

any suggestions appreciated

when putting a moisture barrier under the slab typically you would want to put about 4 inches of drainrock ( washed 3/4 inch, no fines) then your moisture barrierthen 1 or 2 inches of sand over that, the drain rock will keep the water level under the slab down to where it shouldn't ever get up to the bottom of slab elevation, just putting it between dirt and sand won't do a very good job I don't think Callao