If Indiana Jones decided to change career paths and become a teacher- Laos would be #1 on his list.

Up until 1989, Laos’ borders were closed to tourists. Landlocked and underdeveloped, they realized that it was time to branch out and accept assistance and influence from the western world.

The capitol city of Vientiane is a treasure trove of French influenced architecture left over from French colonization in the mid 1900’s mixed with Laotian culture to create the ultimate Asian fusion of a city.

Luang Prabang has an incredible expat community where he could sit around with a cold draft beer and bullshit about the good old days; and the rest of the country….well, it’s still waiting to be explored.

Bordering Thaiand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and a tiny border with China- you are right in the center of some of the coolest destinations in Asia.

You see, Laos is known for being a country whose roads are less traveled. Dense jungle, remote villages, wild elephants, and a population of thriving tigers- it’s an adventurers paradise.

As for teaching- Laos is a small, underdeveloped country and so the teaching scene is also small and underdeveloped. Your options are limited, but teaching positions do exist all around the country.

For Teachers looking to make some cash- teach in the big cities and go treasure hunting on the weekends and during school breaks. For teachers looking for the adventure of a lifetime with local kids who still play outside and respect their parents- land a job in a slightly remote area.

Laos is cheap, off the beaten path, and full of history that will blow your mind.

Don’t expect to get rich in Laos- at least not monetarily. You can, however, expect a teaching experience rich in culture, relationships, and incredible nature.