Packing for Vientiane
This is a non-comprehensive list in progress...
It is geared for an AYAD coming to live in Vientiane for one year. Adapt it to your needs - if having a hair straightener is going to make you feel at home, then pack it even though it is not listed here!
Recommend Packing:
(impossible to get, very limited selection, or high premium)
Vegemite
Medicine / First-aid supplies
Any non-generic toiletries
Bath towels (the ones here fluff badly)
Motorcycle helmet
All Underwear, Shoes, Work Clothes unless you are size 6
Sunscreen
English books - ie novels
Moleskine notebooks
Computer hardware, Camera, Kensington lock
Things you can get in Laos and don’t need to pack:
(at least for a small enough premium that it is not worth packing)
Bicycle helmut, front and back lights. But only from Willy’s bike shop.
Nutella, Peanut butter, Jam, Pasta, pasta-sauce, bread
Soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, cotton-buds, etc
DEET based (20%) insect repellent ($1.6 for handy purse pack from most mini-marts)
Software in case your PC dies
Electrical Adapters ($2 from the Morning Market)
Blank CDs/DVDs
Small speakers/sub-woofer to connect to your laptop
Things only to pack if you are fussy about or use (or have spare room in your luggage):
Pure cotton sheets that aren’t bright pink and flowery
Cutlery that doesn’t bend when you use it
3M Hooks
Disposable wipes (antibacterial)
non-mini-size Tampons, at least til you find your way around for the first couple of months
Your favourite minted Floss
Good Tupperware (that keep out ants)
Fancy aloe vera impregnated tissues for those colds
Carmen’s Muesli
Bike helmet/lights. Sometimes Willy doesnt have them in stock and you probably want to be mobile ASAP.
Matching mini iPod speakers
Gift ideas:
Choc Macadamias for work colleagues in the office
Caramello koalas
Baby koala toys/clips
What they don’t tell you at PDT:
The insurance provided is minimal. Consider getting some extra cover from elsewhere.
Miscellaneous:
If you are going to be stationed in the rural areas where exercise facilities is limited, you might pack one of those pilates balls. I got this idea from Cat in Phonsavan. You will need the valve/adapter to blow it up, but you could use the pumps at the local bike repair shop. It could also double as a computer/desk chair!
Last Updated: 20070111