I about 2 years (if possible), I would like to come back and retire in Laos.
Can I do that ?
I will have a retirement income from work, from Social Security and from my 401K plan.
A combine of about $3000.00 a month should be enough living in Laos (I guess).
Is there anybody do that now?
May I suggest that you go to live in Laos for just a few months first to have a glimpse of what you may or may not like.
The next question is: do you have any relatives already living in Laos??? they will be able to give you guidance on how and where to find suitable housing and not to be milked by greedy people there. Vientiane and Luang Prabang are relatively expensive cities.
Another important question is your health care. When you get older you will get sick more easily. Most well-off Lao people go for medical checkup and treatment in Thailand because Laos is relatively poor in health care issues. To go to live in Laos without relatives there will be a bit tough for you. And you may end up coming back to Europe or the US after you spend a big chunk of your saving in Laos. Think and plan seriously because making any final decision.
I never plan to live in the expensive house like that.
Those houses are for foreign diplomats or business persons. As a Lao person you can rent a one or two-bedroom appartment for about $400-500 a month. You don't need maid or chauffeur, eat simple meal and live like other Lao people. It should not be too expensive. It's the travel back-and-forth between Laos and Europe or US that will cost your budget.
Not bad , working hard and try to make a living but at least we have the freedom and have no fear that the government will wake us up in the middle of the night of killing our own pig for meat to feed the family like in Laos 35 years ago. The most important is the freedom , better education , better health care and good opportunity for the children.