@mrforrestlee: Laos in 2026: What Thailand Felt Like 30 Years Ago 🇱🇦 If you ever wondered what Thailand felt like back in the 1990s before the skyscrapers and mega-malls, cross the border into Laos. Going from modern Bangkok to Luang Prabang and Vientiane feels like stepping into a Southeast Asia time capsule—quiet riverside streets, French-Lao cafes, dusty motorbike loops, and mom-and-pop night markets where nobody is in a rush. Wait for the 2026 plot twist though: you can buy sticky rice from a wooden roadside stall, pay via QR code on 5G, and board the 160 km/h Laos-China high-speed train through the mountains 🚄 Does Laos remind you of old-school Thailand, or is it in a lane of its own? 👇 #laostravel #luangprabang #thailandvslaos #laoschinarailway #southeastasiatravel
Forrest Lee
Region: TH
Wednesday 21 October 2026 10:20:00 GMT
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hebbe :
Were you in Thailand 30 years ago?
2026-10-22 13:56:36
29
beckmanfamily2510 :
I am Thai. Have been to Laos twice and love it. I love quiet places it’s nice
2026-10-21 17:21:47
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renn 🔰🇱🇦 :
Idk if you’re being informational but why do i hear the word underdeveloped so many times in this vid
2026-10-21 12:03:05
160
the_Equalizer :
What you mean is less WESTERNIZED.
2026-10-22 05:49:57
106
GTBanna 🇬🇾 :
I think a better and less western centric perspective word for this is authentic rather than “undeveloped”.
2026-10-21 19:31:27
322
user8738627980167 :
luang probang is a world heritage town it's why it's untouched do more research
2026-10-22 12:52:15
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Boua Nee701. บัวนี :
Luang Prabang has managed to preserve its original character, largely due to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1995, which brought about strict laws and measures to control urban development.
Key factors that have allowed Luang Prabang to maintain its original state include:
• UNESCO World Heritage Status: UNESCO recognizes Luang Prabang as one of the best-preserved examples of traditional architecture and urban layout.
• Construction Regulations: Local authorities and the Lao government strictly regulate construction—prohibiting high-rise buildings, restricting certain types of modern retail (for instance, there are no 7-Eleven convenience stores), and mandating that existing structures retain their original architectural form.
• A Blend of Two Eras: The town features a harmonious integration of traditional Lao architectural elements—such as the iconic "sweeping" roofs of its many temples (wats)—and colonial-style architecture.
• Limited Urban Expansion: As the administrative and economic focus of the country shifted toward Vientiane, Luang Prabang did not undergo significant industrial or large-scale economic development. Consequently, the town has preserved its traditional community lifestyle and the serene, natural environment along the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.
2026-10-27 03:28:53
10
BigWinBeast :
why ppl hating on laos in the comments. just bc laos make better food than thailand does not mean yall can be rude IMO 🔥
2026-10-21 17:03:54
10
u2446765 :
Chiangmai or Thailand 30 years ago was not beautiful as Luangprabang
2026-10-25 01:15:05
10
Darrell Bigger :
When we say they are hurting are they
2026-10-21 17:40:36
21
Jo :
Lao is like northeastern Thailand 20-30 years back, my parents had nostalgia when they visited lao 😂
2026-10-21 11:25:12
9
Niss :
Lao people are also generally traditional in the sense that they see no need to make these drastic changes to appeal to western audiences or a different lifestyle. They’re perfectly happy as they are and I admire that
2026-10-22 02:18:47
11
TravelwithChad :
Cambodia is where I always return to. The Khmer are a different level of genuine kindness.
2026-10-22 15:13:49
14
Feb28🥐🍧💕 :
mind you LPB is a world heritage city so we keep the city authentic doesn't mean we are undeveloped
2026-10-26 01:12:28
8
SVC :
I love it, hope it never changes
2026-10-21 20:43:13
5
Mmma :
Wild, for using a western perspective and called a place ‘underdeveloped’. And especially when peace and quiet become ‘underdeveloped’ too. Haha
2026-10-26 03:40:30
2
lillagreen :
I love Laos!!
2026-10-22 13:17:31
7
oxtailfriedrice🇯🇲 :
laos is beautiful country
2026-10-21 18:12:53
7
Sunsarmi :
Not 30 years ago, 50 years ago! I remember!
2026-10-21 16:57:08
5
wellmax999 :
50 years instead !
2026-10-21 14:57:21
5
Josy :
you compare between UNESCO heritage site and Bkk ? what the point, all the building are need to be preserve, this city can’t build more than 3 stories based on the rules,how it can be developed like BKK then ?
2026-10-25 00:40:20
2
Bree vongs :
that's why LPB is the world heritage city, But Chiang mai. Can not compare and let keep LPB that way.
2026-10-26 03:44:23
3
Paradise Not Included :
The perceived lack tourism has NOTHING to do with how “underdeveloped” it is by the way, which is totally subjective…..
2026-10-24 04:26:39
4
Latestupdate :
lao art museum
2026-10-28 12:28:17
1
Siulung Inthv :
Simply beautiful city
2026-10-30 12:53:54
1
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