Generally its easy to get to know people as they are easy-going and unless they hate you they will nearly always include you in their circle.
Also many Lao people love gambling, many different cardgames are played all the time. I play (small stakes) variations of chinese poker and Big 2 almost everyday with local people.. The money is always kept in the pockets or under the table though, in case any wandering officials should feel like claiming their share.
Anyway, I was just gonna give u guys some links since it can be a pain to find good internet resources on Lao.
Also. maybe I can answer some things. ive spent altogether maybe 6-8 months here. But im a heavy weedsmoker so details may be hazy.
Btw, about internet, right now im in my new apartment and surfing through GPRS,EDGE on my mobile phone, with a prepaid sim card. Im soon gonna get a wireless connection, they have a huge antenna on top of a big hotel here, that transmits wireless broadband in vientiane. its like 50 bucks a month.
http://www.retire-asia.com/ - Alot of nice info, i like these especially>
http://www.retire-asia.com/laovientiane.shtml
http://www.retire-asia.com/lao-heart-culture.shtml
http://www.retire-asia.com/culturechange.shtml
www.laohub.com ,
www.laosmile.com - communities for lao youth, mainly in english language. also laoconnection.com.
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/lao/LaoLa...anguage_fp.htm
//excellent and comprehensive free lao language course. check it.