How to SAVE MONEY in Laos

[@truckerfromreno]

I'm more impressed by the good people who made and sent the hats than the people who own those monstrous houses.

[@NowinLao]

This! 💚

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

You have to wonder who are these people who build these Mc Mansions in Lao. What do they do for a living ? Relaxing and Pleasurable is this video. You bring so much of yourself to the video. . Words can't say enough of the work that you're doing . Again, and again. we say Thank you. You are truly a legend. 🙏🙏 Jim and Harriet

[@NowinLao]

There's certainly no shortage of these mansions here Jim. As for what they do... I have no idea. I hope you guys are doing well, thank you

[@rosshitchen-ij6en]

Plenty of rich people in Asia.

[@kaox44]

Wow, that's a massive mansion. That's what we call a "Venetian" architect design from the Romans. The whole time....I was hoping to see Mina jump out from the back seat with her BIG smile to lighten up the video. Laos is growing but is China the best partner to modernize with, maybe...only time will tell. Keep the awesome videos coming Todd and Neenee!

[@robertricharde147]

I'm not a commenting type of dude, however I wanted to let you know that I enjoy your videos and since of humor. It's a great escape from my hectic life. Your videos are appreciated.

[@NowinLao]

Hearing from non commenting types of dudes makes my day.. much appreciated Robert, thank you 👍

[@lesleyculley9682]

Hi Todd & Neenee noticed that the back seat looked so empty.......and it seemed so very quiet 😢........

[@hamburger--fries]

❤ your wife looked amazing!! Fun video.

[@BobMelsimpleliving.]

Huge houses. Some people are incredibly wealthy. I wonder are they any happier than we are. 59 kids are going to be happy. 😂 and one big one. Love it. Thanks Todd.

[@NowinLao]

I know I couldn't be happy in one of those.. 😏 Thanks guys 🙏

[@chrisperkins7331]

Hi Guy's First I am also someone who watches the rain sometimes, I think it is very theriputic. Second you don't need to have a PO box to recieve post/mail from overseas, although they do seem to ask for a Laos ID as proof it is for you. The system you can use is to send it to the PO. By that I mean the address on the box would be "your name, C/O post restaunt, address of the PO. It helps if you have a phone number on it so that they can callyou that something has arrived for you. As for those monstrosaties , which some locals insist on building, it is just a dick mearuring compotition that you often find in almost all countries.

[@DanBall-y9u]

Hi Todd, I have been in Laos for the last week and I really love you this place. Definitely planning to come back and thank you for your videos. They have been very helpful

[@dyosavlogs8284]

I will travel in laos soon

[@onongprasong7878]

The one with Vangvieng moutain replica I think that mansion is the residence of the Ceo. or the headquarter of Phongsupthavy group co. Ltd. That deals with selling hydro power to Vietnam. By looking at the satellite picture the rear gate goes through the warehouse of the group name that I mentioned. Thank you for sharing Todd

[@farangutan6773]

Wow the wealth on one side of the fence and the poverty on the other , mind boggling ?

[@PeterC245]

I would call the style , Obscene,

[@NowinLao]

That name suits 😆👍

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

yes, or decadentism

[@graemeaylward8313]

Colossus of Rhodes is who you are thinking of Todd. There are several places like those near us in Khon Kaen province, Thailand. Many are built with money that has dubious origins and is probably a way of avoiding tax, although they hardly hide things do they! You want to have a look at some of the cars when they are completed. When I was in China 12 years ago, there were similar huge houses, and I have a feeling that the super size castles here are owned by people of Chinese origin. Like you I love sitting out watching the rain which has been particularly heavy in our part of Thailand this year 🙂 Those hats are great and I am sure will be much appreciated by those hill tribe peoples that you visit in the winter. God bless you both and the people who sent you the hats. ❤🙏😀

[@teoschatz8430]

🤗🙏🏼! Holy cow 😮they musta been rich 🤑 😉. I wonder if they have seen any of your videos 🤔 That’s so sweet of the couple who made and sent you the beanies, you have many nice fans. Thank you for dragging us along, enjoyed it. Take care.

[@NowinLao]

Always happy to drag you along Téo 😋

[@lovnyphongsavan4235]

That is very very god’s blessings blessings for your life 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jaysmoke3132]

17:49 hahahaha that kills me. Outstanding. Your channel is so fun to watch. Thanks again for taking the time and putting the work into doing it.

[@rryder994]

I like a good rain storm.. sometimes without the thunder and lightning, sometimes with.. we finally got a bit of rain today, not a lot, but it was steady..peace

[@KavanOBrien]

My dreams are pretty stormy so no need to wake up to see the rain = song = Why does it always rain on me = Travis.

[@BobMelsimpleliving.]

You're right. It's called the Colossus of Rhodes. A statue of the Greek (sun god) Titan Helios. One of the ancient wonders of the world. Well done Todd. 👍👍

[@jamescregg694]

The Colossus of Rhodes!

[@antruok4950]

Nice wander in town - those Big properties look out of place - as perko said , who’s is bigger lol - 👌👍👋🙏

[@terranceyeo3087]

the two towers look in the french style

[@soldierofgod7564]

Yes what does he do for living??!!!! Especially in Laos!!! For what I heard he is a cows farmer? Wow 🤩

[@deonkhamvongsa946]

Thanks for the info. My parents heading there in few months.

[@gordon7260]

ps , the Big Pineapple at Woombye QLD on the sunny coast

[@mtnmandeluxe5429]

I'm that way with fierce storms,,thunder and lightening,,hard rains,,etc

[@NowinLao]

Silly bugger 😆

[@ftkinsella]

Hi guys. Thanks for the video today. Just relaxing after cutting the grass. Cheers mate.❤❤❤

[@tobyjugg6202]

Great looking beanies - you looked like you were 20 mate LOL - as for "rain watching" I still cant resist !!! 3 am, pouring down in rainy season and im sat on the porch watching the lightening storms banging overhead - I never get sick of it - then back to kip with her mumbling " you clazy maan" lol

[@NowinLao]

Hahaha good to hear! Love it.. you crazy ol man 😆

[@AutumninAsia]

Living in Siem Reap this time of year, we also get much rain. And yes, I do get up in the middle of the night to watch the rain.

[@NowinLao]

Something so soothing about it 👌

[@Bobwa2008]

Love NiNis sunglasses they look great on her.

[@NowinLao]

Neenee says Thank You! 😎👍

[@BadMedizin]

I love your romps around the city! 👍👍👍🙏

[@NowinLao]

Cheers mate 👍

[@peterelliott2914]

You should make a replica Uluru in your backyard mate. Don't let people climb it. Couple of pet Kangaroos. Release a bunch of flies every day and it'd be just like home 😂

[@saylarvee]

Great idea,,,,but,,,,call it " Ayres rock"

[@anferneec]

@saylarvee "Ayres rock sponsored by KokKok" 😂

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

... Mt. Everest

[@terranceyeo3087]

i noticed when you opened you box you could see right through no back on it

[@geraldtabu-or2jr]

It's good gesture for everything you do to those kids.

[@lauraMan2009]

Your videos are fantastic and thank you for taking the time to vlog.

[@NowinLao]

Glad you enjoy them Laura 🙂

[@franckjames9052]

These mansions remind me the Chinsese casino in Van Pak Len

[@geraldtabu-or2jr]

The house is nice design especially the landscaping.

[@Bad_Karma1968]

Todd as always a great vlog The question is where did the money come from for the “ houses” that are actually the size of hotels Can we get more real life as opposed to mansions ( unless the mansion is one u and NeeNee build for yourselves ) as u guys deserve it You sacrifice so much to help,others Keep up the good work and great vlogs

[@CaptainKremmen]

The big kid looks pretty happy. I wonder why Laos has Kok Kok and not the usual apps? Much of Asia has Grab, Bolt and/or InDrive. I'd have thought it would be much easier for one of those to set up in Laos than to design a whole new app just for Vientiane.

[@NowinLao]

It's not a whole new app, it's an entirely different company that offers shopping (kokkok mega mart), delivery services and these transport services.

[@CaptainKremmen]

@@NowinLao That explains how they have the resources to set this up. It could be a good investment for them. If they are successful, one of the big multi-nationals might buy them out. (I'd hope so, because having different apps for different countries is such a pain.)

[@NowinLao]

It's the having to change sim cards for different countries that pisses me.. I wish they could simplify that 😉

[@Fredroc57]

I wouldn't say those houses are bigger than the White House but, they are definitely the size of some city halls. 🙏👍

[@NowinLao]

Ridiculous ay 😆

[@jugglematt100]

Hey tod , thanks for the tip re kokkok rideshare . We will be there in feb next year , could you suggest a a place in Vientiane or thakhek for car hire ? We were hoping to grab a vehicle and have a bit of a look around the thakhek loop . Really looking forward to exploring beautiful laos and Cambodia, thanks matt

[@NowinLao]

Hey Matt.. other than the usual suspects like Avis etc, I'd jump on the "Expat Laos" FB page here or "Vientiane social" and ask the question there. There's always people offering their services and vehicles for travel there. I can't recommend any off hand as I've never required it.. sorry mate. Hope you have a magic time when here 👍

[@mtnmandeluxe5429]

Hey bro,,,its nearly a shock to not hear that happy giggle,,see her bright eyes and big smile from the back seat. It's taking some time for me to get used to Mina not being around. Those houses are worse than insane! To bad they cant donate to the shoe and beanie fund. I'll see ya Ttyl,,,Marlon

[@donaldthomas7753]

I saw hideous, huge houses like this in Cambodia. They were either politicians or military people I was told.

[@waynepollard198]

those big pillars are really going be gun turrets LOL 🤣

[@01Vee-Pixie]

It’s odd to see some people with a house that big for 3 people when a lot of people don’t even have a proper home to live in.

[@ironbuffaloXX]

I'm building my house next door same size. I better not see comments about how I spend my millions!

[@NowinLao]

Are saying I can't voice my thoughts on my channel? 🤔

[@terranceyeo3087]

hi guys just watching before bed time

[@NowinLao]

Good onya mate.. thanks Terrance 👌

[@russroy6688]

Looks like a Golden Triangle Palace

[@NowinLao]

Yeup

[@saylarvee]

Did you ever see anyone riding the small kok kok ?

[@NowinLao]

Most were riding the big Kok koks 😐

[@KimWright-wq8cu]

Look”n like a real hippie in your beanie Todd 😜👏👏👌 They are cool 👌♥️

[@NowinLao]

Robyn done a great job ay 👌

[@davidlongley534]

Guess I'm a silly bugger 4oclock watching the rain

[@NowinLao]

Good onya maaate 😆👍

[@gordon7260]

Colossos of Rhodes Giant, that house is like Peter Pans castle, the family probably gather out the back under a corrugated roof for party's etc. The Knifhts beat Canberra in the first week of the finals and now face the NZ warriors over in Auckland in the QF playoff. Thars crazy about the market making way for condo/shopping mall. When I was there in January ( I did not know about your channel then) I went into the Lao shopping mall many shops and people , Parkson there was nothing in it and about 20 people , and only shops open on the ground floor. Todd can you explain in Paetron about the US dollar account? did you know you can set up a Wise account, used to be Transfer Wise FX currency exchange or XE FX account

[@NowinLao]

Yes, that's how I do it. It doesn't have to be 'Wise FX' it can be any FX company.. (I use TorFX, based in QLD) to transfer your cash from your Aus bank account to your account in Laos (or wherever). When setting up your overseas account, make sure it is a US $ account 👌

[@gordon7260]

what Wise is attempting to do is introduce a debit card so you can withdraw funds in any country at the best rate , not the shit rate the bank gives you@@NowinLao

[@chrisha6830]

👍👍👍

[@sherylgergen6672]

I certainly hope the people that are building the "Palace of Versailles" pay their builders/gardeners well and that if they own a business, they do the same with their employees. It is an embarrassment of riches.🌺

[@hauvtoj]

Laotians are doing well.

[@geraldtabu-or2jr]

Some are into match fixing by determining an outcome in a game and using punters to place large stakes of money on games difrauding gumbling companies.mostly lower tier European leagues African leagues and cricket in India.

[@ptng9814]

ลาวยินดีตอนรับ❤❤

[@ayangdidi5524]

Hej Todd, Really disgusting such "Royal palaces" with a lot of "mauvais goût style" when the majority of Lao population have poor living , many villages no acces to decent schooling , bad tracks and no electricity. And the government is pretending to work for democracy and the people's well-being !😢

[@billsimpson2392]

13:18 Yes 😊👍

[@NowinLao]

I knew you would agree Bill 😉👍

[@fedesetrtatio1]

Queensland pineapples is best as.

[@NowinLao]

Disagreeing with ya there mjr 😉

[@DiscoDrew]

I look forward to sitting on a KokKok in Vientiane, is a phrase I thought I’d never say 😂

[@NowinLao]

😆👍

[@farangutan6773]

lol.

[@financierechris9566]

That could have been beautiful with a Lao Style but I think the owner wanted to copy the main building of Chitralada or Dusit Palace with Italian style lol btw Vientiane has to make some laws about urbanism before It's too late this is my mom's Country and I'm afraid it will become ugly in the future with all buildings ...

[@geraldtabu-or2jr]

Our currency has lost to the dollar here.i change my dollars in black market if my sister visits from USA.its. better rate.

[@geraldtabu-or2jr]

In my country or Africa true middle class are mostly indians people with saving of 100000$ and maybe a house worth 100000$ car etc.i would one-day like to build Mediterranean house design like those in Spain california.same pobx system exist here.

[@peterkhotsombath1134]

Lao 1% super rich don't have companies employ of 1,000 of people, and people don't know what they do for living. 😮 This only exists in Laos. 😮

[@mikegilyeat3213]

Materialism. what a waste. how much better would others be, if some of this was shared?

[@wearemysticking]

I hope you're both doing well? The houses are too big but as you said it's a show of wealth. For the shopping malls I think it's possibly a tax right off, if they have such things there. It's strange not seeing Mina in the videos, I hope you have some good news about her soon

[@djnor1979]

Oh yes, the infamous tuktuk drivers. Once they told me from the old southern bus terminal (don noun) to the border it would cost 2 people 500 baht. I offered 200, but he refused. We asked how much to the morning market (where the bus starts to go to the border for 15B/person) - 30 baht / person. (more than half of the distance compared to the border route) So instead of 200 baht he got 60, also stuck in traffic. I paid total 90 to get to the border. This was back in 2011, and i promised that i will NEVER come to Laos again without my own transportation. It is just ruining the experience for many of the tourists. So now i have my Thai car as well as my Lao car here with us.

[@Disgruntled_Ex-Hippy]

Thinking they shot the 'tagger' before he finished.

[@boxcartwilly]

Did you buy anything off the brush lady ?

[@NowinLao]

Yeah, Neenee picked up a broom 🧹 Didn't need it, but it helps 👍

[@sisakhonevilayphone8087]

❤️💕🙏😇😇😇

[@scotbownes5627]

👍🙂

[@tomhorn6156]

We know :-)

[@ewengillies9826]

Laos answer to the Playboy Mansion. Bushyboy Oz

[@jesuisrobert808]

Do people exchange Bitcoin in Laos or how does the government feel about people using BTC for foreign exchange?

[@chrisperkins7331]

The government is very open minded about digital urrencies here with a number of mining operations set up a while ago. However the dams have not produced as much power as was planed due to lower than usual percipitation this year so the where shut down. As for useing them in the every day economy, you would be hard pressed to spend or buy digital currencies. However a number of companies where set up, so you could try to contact them should you wish to.

[@jesuisrobert808]

@@chrisperkins7331 the use case is compelling and pretty mature for foreign currency exchange, not so much for daily purchase transactions

[@world-uk2vj]

? low cost labor, low cost materials, zero cost to obtain the land, minimal taxation on businesses,

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

As bigger the homes, as bigger the inferiority complex, that needs to be compensated

[@tchin6339]

Who owns these "palaces" and I thought Laos is the poorest country in Asean.. Those "palaces" are more massive than the White House!!

[@chrisperkins7331]

Lao is designated the poorest country in SEA, as you say. However the wealth of a nation is judged by its relative GDP, which is a bad way to do it. Reason one is that GDP is calculated based on tax decleared revenue, and much of the economy is not taxed in the way it is in the west. The other point I would make (going slightly off your point) is as most of all nations economies are privatly owned (not owned by the nation) it can hardly be called the wealth of the nation.

[@fedesetrtatio1]

The Colossus of Rhodes with their piss off fences.

[@NowinLao]

That's it! 😝👍

[@USER-GU4GJJURFGJKV]

Don't forget that in the past Vientiane was one of the heroin capitals of the world. This heroin capital must have settled somewhere.

[@chrisperkins7331]

I would say that in the past there was some use of opium, but popies don't like wet weather so I find it hard to believe your statment. I did visit an opium den in 1973 when I was there but never saw any heroin.

[@davepb5798]

Geez those buildings are kin'ugly, all that concrete will be a massive heat sink.

[@armunro]

In a poor country like Laos why would you build a house like that? I can understand building it in a place where there is more infra for the rich and famous and is better connected internationally. A big house has lots of rooms that need cleaning and furnishing, and never get used. I know from experience! Its bit like when you are born you come with nothing and when you leave this world you leave with nothing. Through life you should just buy and consume what you need!

[@americanronin5223]

What do these McMansion owners do for a living? I thought the average salary was only about $250/mo. I was also under the impression there wasn't much free enterprise to generate this kind of wealth, and the well heeled are primarily government officials and bureaucrats who siphon off tax revenue and foreign aid. Could this be where all the foreign aid are going into?

[@NowinLao]

No, Lao has had a free market for many years now. You'd be surprised how many people are making big money that have no link to government or aid money.

[@americanronin5223]

@@NowinLao That's encouraging. As a Hmong-American who has earned a piece of the American Dream, I would like to invest in Laos. Unfortunately, all the warning signs say "NO!" due to lack of the rule of law, non-existent intellectual property rights, and legal protection for foreign investors, lack of infrastructure, etc. It's a mile long list according to the U.S. State Department. However, I am glad to see people doing well. Keep up the good work sharing your lived experience in Laos as well as how the people are coming along.

[@johnnybgood3724]

​@@americanronin5223let me tell you something. The owners of the biggest event center (Saint phila) in laos are Lao Americans. The owner of the biggest open market is Lao Australian. There are many investors in Laos that are from United States and Australia.

[@tomhorn6156]

He he..

[@KennoRob]

The big fancy house is disgusting,throwing it up in the face of poor people.Maybe the earnt it,worked hard etc etc ...but man...come on !!!.In an upmarket area of a western city...fair enough......Kenno...West Aust

[@lmapicas3279]

Bloody big Granny Flat mate thats for sure

[@rossjurecka5372]

Nene put on bit of weight ! She is still lovely thought ....😊

[@rickyvang3485]

gotta be some kind laos government that don't pay enough money for their workers and saving all the money to build that big house

[@johnnybgood3724]

Have you seen the biggest event center in laos? The owners are lao Americans.

[@terranceyeo3087]

maybe if they spred their wealth around the area

[@robertchaplin]

When building any property (big or small) there are wages paid, building supplies bought, tradesmen hired etc. so any building does benefit the community at large. The old simple rule is one person’s spending is another person’s income. There will always be successful people.

[@Juzi1980]

Must have been about a trillion kip.

[@KavanOBrien]

The Colossus of Rhodes= Helios = the Greek titan god of the sun.

[@tinakhang5219]

Love your videos. But I must say that I’m not a fan of those huge Roman inspired homes. I personally think they are ugly and take away from the natural beauty of the country. It’s too bad they couldn’t come up with something that blends in more with the country.

[@davidbell730]

we want mina,, we want mina, we want mine !!!!!!

[@NowinLao]

Yes we do!

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

...omnia praeclara rara

[@terrywombat4856]

Grabbing a big kok kok may appeal to some folks 🤐🤐

[@bjoernandersen8287]

That big palace is a proof of how gangsters get insanely rich in a communist country. Let me guess how much they give in charity to the poor people, about zero kip would be my guess. You guys on the other hand are doing a great effort to help the poor village people.

[@chrisperkins7331]

I understan the point you are makeing, however I don't think your point about it being a comunist country is fair. In the capitalist world (such as the US, UK, and Saudiarabia) the wealth gap is even worse from my obsevation. It least here there are no homeless people, or an armed constanelery everywhere you look.

[@masonryjoe]

I would say corrupt Chinese money ?

[@DanBall-y9u]

Strike *you* but I do like you 😂

[@jimsdad3739]

Are you the arbiter of whats right or wrong with other people's houses?

[@NowinLao]

No, but just like you I have an opinion 😉

[@darrenblack6240]

Unbelievably pretentious, it's just not needed talk about save the planet? How many cubic meters of concrete for how many people? But keep the vlogs coming 👍 interesting and I'll be back next year first time in about 10yrs and I'll say hello 👋

[@NowinLao]

Safe travels mate 👍