Before we set out for the trip, we had taken time to learn basic Laotian words to get directions and order food from restaurants. However, we found this to be completely unnecessary because most people who we came across had a working understanding of English. We learned afterward that the popularity of Facebook and other social media tools in Laos has caused many Laotians to learn English. Since Laos used to be a French colony, almost all the locals also seem to know French very well. The bilingual nature of Laos is surprising considering how closed off the country is from the rest of the world.