Bilingual Schools in Vientiane: A 2026 Guide for Expat Families

Quick answer: Are there bilingual schools in Vientiane for expat families? Very few in the strict sense. Of the three schools in our directory, International School of Laos teaches in English and Lao, Vientiane International School is English-medium with the full IB, and Briston covers early years in English. Expect fees of roughly USD 4,000 to 25,000 a year, usually quoted in dollars rather than kip.

Last reviewed: October 2026 by David from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Families moving to Laos often begin by searching for a bilingual school in Vientiane, hoping to find a classroom where their children will become fluent in Lao and English at the same time. The honest answer is that true dual-language schools, where teaching time is split evenly and both languages are assessed to the same standard, are scarce in the capital. What exists instead is a small group of English-medium schools, one of which also lists Lao as a teaching language, plus a French-curriculum option and the national system.

That is not necessarily a problem. For most expat children on a two to four year posting, a strong English-medium school with some Lao language and culture is the practical choice. This guide explains what "bilingual" means in Vientiane, describes the three schools in our directory and their language profiles, and gives you questions to ask so you can judge the language offer yourself.

Vientiane: a small capital with a short school run

Vientiane sits on a bend of the Mekong, facing Thailand across the river, and the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge connects the city with Nong Khai. Families come mainly through embassies, United Nations agencies, development organisations, NGOs, mining and energy companies, and a growing number of regional businesses. The city is compact and relaxed by Southeast Asian standards, and most expat households live in the central and eastern districts such as Sisattanak, Saysettha and Chanthabouly.

Commutes are short compared with Bangkok or Hanoi. Vientiane International School is in Saphanthong Tai village in Sisattanak District, and International School of Laos is on Singha Road in Nongbone village, Saysettha District, so many families are within 15 to 25 minutes of either campus by car. Traffic has grown in recent years, and the rainy season from roughly May to October can flood low roads and slow the morning run. Most families drive or use a driver, as tuk-tuks and motorbikes are less practical for young children.

What "bilingual" means in Vientiane

When you hear the word in Vientiane, it usually means one of these:

English-medium international schools: English is the main language of teaching, with Lao language and culture taught as a subject or through activities. Vientiane International School follows this model with the International Baccalaureate.
English and Lao instruction: International School of Laos lists both English and Lao as teaching languages in its profile, which places it closest to a bilingual model among the schools we cover.
English-medium early years: nurseries and kindergartens such as Briston, where English is the working language and Lao is often heard among staff and children.
French-curriculum and national schools: Vientiane has a French lycée in the French overseas schools network, which suits French-speaking families, and Lao public and private schools teach in Lao and follow the national curriculum.

English carries extra weight here for a regional reason. Laos joined ASEAN in 1997, and the ASEAN Charter (in force since 2008) makes English the working language of ASEAN, one reason English-medium schooling is valued in Vientiane alongside Lao. Many Lao families choose English-medium schools for exactly this reason, so classes often mix expat and local children, which helps young learners pick up everyday Lao in the playground.

The three schools in our directory

International School of Laos

International School of Laos is a private, secular, co-educational school at 23 Singha Road, Nongbone village, in Saysettha District. Its profile lists both English and Lao as languages of instruction, the strongest bilingual signal among the schools we cover. The school describes a programme built around inter and intra-school competitions in academics, performing arts, fine arts, literature and sport. Our tip: ask exactly how the two languages are split by year group, and whether students follow an international programme, a Lao programme or both, because that will decide which qualification your child leaves with and how easily it transfers abroad.

Vientiane International School (VIS)

VIS is an independent, not-for-profit day school on Phonesavanh Road in Saphanthong Tai village, Sisattanak District, teaching in English from age 3 upwards. Its profile states that it offers all three IB programmes and that it is accredited by both the Council of International Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Facilities include a swimming pool, gym, football pitch, laboratory, library, music and art rooms. This is the natural choice for families who expect to move on to another international school, since the IB transfers well. Ask how Lao language and culture are taught and what support exists for children still learning English.

Briston International Nursery and Kindergarten

Briston is an early years setting covering nursery and kindergarten, with English listed as its language of instruction. It is private, secular and co-educational, and describes its aim as bringing international early childhood education to families in Laos. For toddlers and pre-schoolers, a setting like this is a gentle start in English, and young children usually absorb Lao naturally from staff and classmates. Our tip: before enrolling, plan the move into primary, since you will need a place at a school such as VIS or International School of Laos at age 5 or 6.

Fees and what the language offer costs

International schools in Vientiane usually quote fees in US dollars, although daily life runs in Lao kip. Published fees are not available for all three schools, so treat these as rough guides. At roughly 21,000 to 22,000 kip to the dollar, early years places cost roughly USD 4,000 to 10,000 a year (about LAK 85 million to 220 million), primary roughly USD 10,000 to 20,000 (about LAK 210 million to 440 million) and secondary roughly USD 15,000 to 25,000 (about LAK 320 million to 550 million). Full IB schools sit at the top of these ranges. There is rarely a separate charge for Lao or English as a language; it is built into the main fee.

Application fee: usually a modest, non-refundable sum, roughly USD 100 to 300.
Registration or enrolment fee and deposit: often charged once on acceptance; ask whether the deposit is refundable when you leave.
Capital or development levy: some schools charge an annual or one-off contribution towards buildings.
English as an additional language support: can carry an extra charge for children who need intensive help.
Transport, lunches, uniforms and devices: buses are limited, so many families budget for a driver instead.
Exam fees: IB Diploma registration and subject fees in the final two years.

Currency matters: if your salary is paid in kip, dollar-denominated fees can rise sharply in local terms when the kip weakens, as it did in recent years. Check whether your employer pays fees directly.

Practical advice on languages in Vientiane

Decide what fluency you really need. For a short posting, a solid English-medium education with some Lao is realistic and useful. If your family is Lao, part-Lao or staying for many years, look closely at schools where Lao is a teaching language, and ask to see lessons in both languages during your visit.

Ask for evidence, not labels. Request a sample weekly timetable showing hours in English, Lao and any other language. Ask who teaches Lao, whether it is taught as a first or second language, and how beginners are grouped. Schools that can answer these questions clearly usually run the stronger programmes.

Keep the home language going. French, Japanese, Korean and other families often find that English takes over within a year. Arrange weekend classes, online tutoring or community groups early, and ask the school whether it supports mother-tongue study in the IB Diploma.

Compare schools across Laos

For a broader comparison of curricula, facilities and standing, see our ranking of the Best international schools in Laos.

More guides to schools in Vientiane

Frequently asked questions

Is there a school in Vientiane that teaches in both English and Lao?

Yes. International School of Laos, on Singha Road in Saysettha District, lists both English and Lao as languages of instruction in its profile. Ask how the hours are split in each year group and which qualification students finish with, since that affects how easily your child can move to a school abroad later.

Will my child learn Lao at an English-medium school in Vientiane?

Usually some, but not to full fluency. English-medium schools such as Vientiane International School teach mostly in English, and Lao is typically offered as a language and culture subject. Children pick up everyday Lao from local classmates, but families wanting reading and writing skills often add private lessons outside school.

Is there a French school in Vientiane?

Yes, Vientiane has a French lycée that belongs to the French overseas schools network and follows the French national curriculum. It suits French-speaking families and those planning a return to a French system. It is not among the schools profiled in our directory, so contact it directly for current fees and availability.