http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17287
We did loads of the stuff recommended in it and it helped us meet local people and ensure that our money was going to worthwhile places.

For example: teaching locals to read English (Brother Mouse in Luang Prabang - fantastic place!).

If you fancy a massage, go to the Red Cross in Luang Prabang. It's not luxury - none of your scented candles here - but a great massage and all the money goes to the Red Cross. The brave can even donate blood.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17287 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16900
Laos is an adventurer’s paradise, offering treks to off the beaten track destinations that few tourists get to. It’s a country that receives relatively few visitors and that is one reason why it is so special and why we love it.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16900 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14877 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14877 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10317 Retire-Asia.com has pages of information about the Lao PDR. Visa on arrival (30 days now), banking, ATMs, Vientiane nightlife for tourists, expat life or retirement and more.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10317 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10207
Good place to hang out with the locals and try a bit of Lao dancing!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10207 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9999 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9999 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8658
It's a really relaxing place to spend a few days chilling out - reading, swimming, walking, wildlife watching, going on boat trips or visiting local villages. There is a dorm building as well as private rooms and bungalows (costing approx US$6-25), a bar/restaurant and a large terrace overlooking the river. There's no electricity so evenings are pretty low key - playing games, drinking Beer Lao and eating the fantastic local food.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8658 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4850 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4850 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4847 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4847 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4846 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4846 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4845 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4845 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5879 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5879 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4844 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4844