Hi,
I'm going to Vieng Xai (eastern Laos) in a couple of days (on the 20th) but before i go I need to know if there is a somewhat decent internet connection in that town? I am expecting important news from back home and the Lonely Planet travel guide does not mention this.
Has anyone been there and know about this?
Thank you very much.


If you were to need it just the once, am sure that the very pleasant people in the visiting-caves - office would help out - they helped me briefly.
I dont know your itinerary, but if you are going to and from Sam Neua, you wont be out of contact for long.

I was in Vieng Xay last year and there was no regular internet cafe there then. But Sam Neua has at least 2 good places. If in Vieng Xay maybe ask at the restaurant by the bus station and central market as the Indian owner who is there at night probably has a connection for his personal use and he's a nice guy who might help.

The Chittivahn Restaurant/Hotel and the Xam Neua Hotel both have wi-fi. The Chittivanh also the most trustworthy restaurant in XN. Sweet, hard-working family - the elder mom runs that place like a top!

Just to clarify #3 post, I think the Wi-Fi places he's referring to are in Sam Neua and not in Vieng Xay.

Yes, thanks #4. Those internet cpnnections are in Xam Neua. There is also an internet/computer service in Xam Neua, across the bridge (toewrds Vieng Xai) about 100 m on the left (after passing the school).
That's as close as you'll get to internet unless you have (or you find someone who has) the cell phone thingy-ma-jig that plugs into your laptop's USB. that you can use wherever there is cell reception, which is most everywhere.
Too late for you OP, but for future reference to others......
No internet shops in Vieng Xai. However - if you get a lao SIM card for your mobile you can access internet anywhere in Laos where there is a signal by activating the "packet data" option on your phone (all assuming you have a mobile that can use internet of course - if you dont, and you really need to be in touch, you can get a chinese one for $30 from Sam Neua market).
To get internet set up in the first instance you just call the helpline number on the card that comes with your SIM and they do it for you.
It is very cheap for checking/sending email etc