Laos

Laos is a country of peace which is blessed with great natural beauty. Largely unspoiled, devotedly Buddhist and possessing an ethnically diverse culture that has not much changed over the centuries, this country will leave a lasting impression on all visitors. Laotians are hospitable, friendly and kind people. They have a very relaxed attitude to life. When you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. Compiled here are some tips that might be useful when you travel in the country. Please, help to protect the traditional values of Laos and its environment.

Do's

A formal greeting for most Lao people is the “Nop” (joining one’s hands together in a praying gesture at chin level). Handshakes are also commonly used among male friends and with foreign visitors.
Learn some basic Lao phases and practice them with the locals you meet, they will be impressed and you will be well received. The Lao word for “hello” is “sabai dee”, say it with smile and you’ll be warmly welcomed.
Before entering a local home, take off your shoes and leave them outside the house or on stairs. Do the same when you enter a temple or pagoda.
It is polite to gently crouch down when walking past someone who is seated, especially older people.
In a Lao gathering, keep a low profile and you’ll maximize your chances of social success in Laos.
Laotians dress conservatively. Modest dress and discreet behaviour will ensure you don't attract unwanted attention or embarrass others. Show respect and dress neatly.
Dress neatly and show respect when entering religious grounds. Cover yourself from shoulders to knees, and take off hats and shoes when entering buildings.
Before taking a photo of someone, ask if it is OK.
Be clean and neat in appearance whenever possible. Personal hygiene and cleanliness are the highly valued in Laos and a visitor's failure to meet these standards is not well received.
Do consider leaving a small donation when visiting temples.
Support local economy. Use and enjoy small family businesses, purchasing handicrafts in markets or villages directly to support local artisans and their traditional crafts.
Do respect the Lao concept of personal space - there is little physical contact or closeness between individuals who are not family.
Most Lao people swim in rivers or waterfalls with at least shorts and a T-shirt. It is more polite to do this rather than walk around in swimsuits or bikinis. Also if you are in a rural area and have to bathe in the river in the evening, women should wear a sarong.

Don'ts

Don't, if you are a woman, touch monks, hand them objects, sit with or talk to them outside of temples. Any offerings need to pass through the hands of a man first.
Do not take pictures or disturb monks during praying times.
Don't touch, climb or sit on statue nor take pictures posing with Buddha images.
Don't point your feet toward Buddha images or people. When sitting in a temple, keep your legs together and to the side in a mermaid position.
Never raise your voice to Lao people as they never react well to this. Even shouting to friends or for taxis will cause distress. Laos is a land of calm and patience, and shattering the peace will do you no favours.
The head is considered holy. It is not acceptable to touch Lao people’s heads, so bear that in mind.
Raising your feet to head height, pointing at people with your feet or putting your feet on a chair or table while seated is not acceptable and is taken as a deliberate insult or sign of barbarism.
Never ever step over someone in your path.
In Lao homes, don’t sit anywhere higher than the host. If the host sits on the floor you should sit there as well.
Do not show affection in public.
Do not distribute gifts such as candy to children as it encourages begging, but give to an established organization like a school, monastary/temple/kyaung or village elder instead.
Do not get involve in any thing illegal like prostitution or drug dealing, nor buy products made from endangered species. Also never buy antiques or other sacred items.

Laos

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