Which would be better for an american expat to live in for nothing over a month? Cambodia or Laos? I was aiming for something peaceful and serene, and also something I could learn the language and because immersed in the culture. (Lao and Khmer)
Thailand - 3 Answers
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1 :
This is the Thailand forum. I guess you know that Cambodia and Laos are not part of Thailand! But maybe this forum will work too! Unless you are exceptional you really won't learn Thai, Lao or the Khmer language in a month! There are words and tones that would take years to master! Unless you are an Asian you will never be fully immersed in the culture. But, you might find a little village somewhere and walk around a bit, like many other foreigners have, trying to find themselves! My choice would be Laos. Now all you have to do is get your visas, choose the town to camp out at, be willing to use squat toilets and take cold water showers, etc. You could stay in Luang Prabang for a while and venture out to some of the local villages - sort of a little at a time. Perhaps there is a volunteer group you can sign on to and do some charity work. Read some of the below forums for some additional advice. Have a nice holiday.
2 :
I guess Khmer would be an easier language to learn as I think it is not a tonal language like Lao and Thai, but of course its not written as abc, There is a backpacker destination between Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Lao, or you could cross into Lao at Mugdahan in east Thailand
3 :
I would say Laos would be more peaceful and serene... Cambodia, in places can have a "harder" atmosphere to it - a bit more old west - I am not sure if you are looking for a place to live "for nothing" as in inexpensive or want to stay for "nothing over a month" Thailand can be less expensive than Cambodia.. but maybe you live here and are looking for a break? - and Khmer language is similar to Thai as is Laotion, so, if you speak Thai already, you might make easy progress - - [ w/o squatting ]
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