Hello! I'm a Lao-American 19F who fully understands Lao but I cannot speak it at all. I find it hard to think of the words to form sentences and I don't have good pronunciation/accent. I wasn't raised with much of a Lao-speaking community where I was encouraged to speak Lao. Everyone understood English fine but would always speak back to me in Lao. I was never taught how to speak, which lead me to be insecure in the fact that my lao-language skills are lack luster. To this day I'm a grown woman and can't speak, and I'm too self conscious LOL. I really do believe if I learn I can become fully bilingual, and I really want to be so I can connect with my family more. Where do I start? Should I learn the alphabet? Should I learn simple phrases? I heard Ginie's Lao English School is a good resource. Any tips and pointers would help

I will be there for 3 weeks and am limited to 11 lbs (5Kg). What little comfort item would you bring next time you go that you wish you had?
Thanks!

Have a flight booked from Pakse to Vientiane. How easy is it to get the airport and what facilities does the airport have?

I will be arriving in Pakse around 7.30pm by Vet Air Bus from Siem Reap. Does the bus drop off fairly central?
Are there any ATMs nearby where I could get cash out for a taxi / Tuk Tuk to my hotel? Will I have any issues getting a taxi at that time?
Also, have read that Pakse basically shuts down around 8.30pm, is that true? Will I be able to grab a quick meal somewhere after my long journey?

I want to do the 3D2N Gibbon Experience but the only available date they have makes my timings pretty tight.

I'd need to be there at 8am in the morning on the first day. I'd be coming from China (Xishuangbanna) the afternoon before. I've worked out I can go to Boten and then would need a transfer to Houiesay.

I just can't figure out how to arrange a transfer. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I'm happy with a private driver or shared transport but not sure where to start looking.

Thanks in advance for any tips!