Sabaidee -
I'm not in Laos now but lived in Vientiane before. Now in Vietnam but always thinking of Laos. I might move back to Laos when it becomes possible but not Vientiane.
Vientiane is a real rat race now. I prefer Pakse or Luang Prabang.
Yes, that was partly the reason I left 5 years ago. I guess I got too old to deal with cities. Here in Vietnam, it's the same; the big cities are not an option for me and a live in a medium-size provincial town.
Yes, Pakse is my first choice for a return to living in Laos. I have visited there the last two times I have traveled to Laos and spent 2 weeks each time to see how it might feel to live there. I enjoyed it both times. Laos is a wonderful place to be.