ETL Laos 3G

ETL Laos 3G with real usage experience at Huayxai, Bokeo Province

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today I want to share my firsthand experience with Laos' 3G internet, especially ETL's 3G in Bokeo Province, Huayxai city, which I had the chance to revisit in April 2013. Previously, I tried Unitel's 3G, a Vietnamese telecom provider investing in Laos. At first, the speed was quite good, but now I find Unitel's 3G speed has clearly dropped and is too slow to use properly.

So, when I returned to Huayxai, I decided to try ETL's 3G, a genuine Lao provider. The speed was quite good, and the price was cheaper than Unitel's 3G. Another highlight I liked is that ETL's 3G signal covers the Huayxai area and even crosses over to Chiang Khong, the Thai border district. This means you can use Laos' 3G on the Thai side without worrying about signal drops or frustratingly slow speeds.

Origins of Laos 3G: How ETL and Unitel differ

For those unfamiliar with ETL and Unitel, briefly, Unitel is a Vietnamese telecom company investing in Laos, while ETL is Laos' own telecom provider. Initially, Unitel performed well with various promotions and decent speeds, but over time, their speed and service quality declined, prompting users to look for other networks.

ETL has become an attractive alternative because it is a local provider offering cheaper 3G service and reliable speeds in Bokeo Province, especially in Huayxai city where I experienced smooth internet use. Whether browsing websites, checking maps, or using essential travel apps, the connection was quite stable.

Huayxai: A small riverside town perfectly connected to Thailand

Huayxai is a town in Bokeo Province, located opposite Chiang Khong district, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. This town is peaceful with a simple lifestyle. I have shared storiesHuayxai locals' morning and evening marketsbefore, where visiting the fresh market is a must-do activity to truly experience local life and culture. Additionally, Huayxai is an important border crossing with a bridge over the Mekong connecting to Chiang Khong and serves as a gateway to other Lao towns like Luang Namtha.

Getting around Huayxai is convenient. The Huayxai bus station is about 3 kilometers from the town center, which is common in many Lao towns where bus stations are slightly outside the main area. To get to the bus station, you take a tuk-tuk costing a standard 10,000 kip, approximately 40 baht (simply multiply kip by 0.004 to get baht).

ETL 3G real usage in Huayxai

I tested ETL's 3G at various spots in Huayxai, including while traveling to nearby places like Wat Chom Khao Mani Rat, an ancient temple on a hill with clear views of Huayxai and Chiang Khong (read aboutWat Chom Khao Mani Rat). Using ETL's 3G allowed me to search for information, get directions, and upload photos smoothly without interruption.

I also used this 3G while riding a tuk-tuk to the morning and evening markets, which are local gathering points and important community news exchange centers. I could easily check restaurant info or product prices without worrying about signal loss.

Advantages and tips for travelers

For travelers planning to visit Huayxai or nearby areas in Bokeo Province, I recommend trying ETL's 3G. It offers cheaper prices, suitable speeds, and better coverage, especially in border zones where the signal extends into Chiang Khong, Thailand. This is a great benefit that ensures reliable internet connection while traveling in this area.

Also, if anyone plans to continue to other towns in Bokeo Province like Luang Namtha, you can use information fromHuayxai Bus Stationto conveniently plan and check bus schedules, as good 3G internet provides the latest and accurate transport service information.

Summary of impressions from mr.hotsia

As a traveler who enjoys exploring and experiencing local lifestyles, I am pleased to find that ETL's 3G in Laos meets internet connectivity needs in Huayxai satisfactorily and affordably. The signal coverage reaching the Thai side at Chiang Khong also opens opportunities for Thai travelers like me to use the internet conveniently.

If you have a chance to visit this part of Laos, I recommend trying ETL's 3G service. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. As for me, mr.hotsia, I will continue to gather experiences and useful information to share with friends next time. Goodbye!