Lao Aviation have two Aerospatiale ATR-72 74-seat turboprops (same as American Eagle) which do all international and the bulk of the main domestic runs. They also have two Y-7s, which is a Chinese-built version of the Russian Antonov 24 52-seat turboprop, and four Y-12s, which is a Chinese variant on the DeHavilland 17-seat Twin Otter, with Pratt & Whitney turboprops. These two types are used on up-country runs to remote areas. Lao Aviation have operated them for many years.

I am always somewhat disappointed by those who seek to travel to remote and interesting countries, but then give emphasis to any aspects of aviation (and other features of life) that are not the same as home. If you don't like the idea of Chinese aircraft (and I'm quite OK with them), don't travel to remote Laos. As you probably won't get Starwood points either, this sort of trip is not for you.

I wonder if the Australian consular advice (link above) against the Y-7/Y-12 would have been the same if Lao Aviation had bought the GAF Nomad, a comparable Australian aircraft, instead?