I agree with your sentiments regard Lao Airlines. I flew them 2 segments last year and it was very much on par with the rest of the worlds airlines. The flights were onetime, planes clean and I felt safe.
On a side note... a firm landing doesn't necessarily mean it was unsafe. Many times firm is better. Also, you'd be surprised how many flights are landed by "eye sight" and not the instruments. Everything from the turbo prop to the big heavies, it happens way more than you think and is certainly not unsafe.