• By Thanh Tuyen

1. Gestures

“Sabaidee” means hello in Lao. Please accompany it with a smile and the local will answer back with an equally bright one and a friendly eagerness.

For greeting, a handshake is the maximum for greeting. Hug or cheek kissing are considered impolite and a bit embarrassing to the local resident. When it comes to greeting Buddhist monks, only say hello to them and do a little nod or bow and avoid any physical touch.

Cup your hands together and make a little bow is a highly respecful form of greeting

In the country culture, the head is considered “high” while the feet are “low”. Therefore, aside from walking and playing sport, do not use them for any other activity. No pointing with your toe and never prop your feet up on tables or raise them too high in regular activities.

Children enjoying a match of soccer on the school ground

Do not touch anyone head, even children. It is polite to crouch down a bit when passing someone who is seated. Do not step over someone when you walk.

The people are very soft-spoken and hate argument. Please do not raise your voice or shout unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.

2. Clothing

It is polite to dress neatly and appropriately in the country. When visiting temples or monasteries, do not wear shorts or tank tops or any kind of clothing that reveals your shoulders, chests and knees. Always take off your shoes when you enter a Lao home.

Always be barefoot when you walk inside a Buddhist establishment

Laos people are very modest and shy. Therefore, bathing nude is very rude in public space. Public affections are highly discouraged because it is not considered respectful to the surrounding people.

3. Contribution to the community

Trying local cuisine instead of Western food in the country. This will help local businesses and farmers more because they still need to import ingredients from foreign countries to create Western dishes.

A traditional dish in Laos

Don’t give away money and treats to children freely. This encourages them to beg and creates a bad habit. Always donate to an established organization or village elderly instead.

Throughout your trip, you will encounter countless scared items and sites in Laos. Please don’t touch or go in without permission.

When it comes to antique buying, please consider that every time someone makes a purchase Laos lost a part of its cultural heritage. Therefore we highly discourage buying antique Buddhist and cultural items. However, buying new and high quality handicrafts from local workmen is highly recommended.

Night market in Luang Prabang is a good place to buy souvenirs and handicrafts

Avoid any purchase related to the wildlife or endangered species since many of these are from illegal sources. Not buying them will be a great support in the effort of protecting the wilderness.

Effort to protect elephants in Laos has been increased greatly in the recent years

As per common sense, please do not litter and setting good role model to the local by picking up trash along your trip.

 Do not use or look for drugs. First of all, this may lead to legal issue with the authority and secondly it indirectly fuels the complicated illegal trade and production of addictive substances in the border areas of Laos.

Drug control is a prevalent issue in Laos

Other than those mentioned above, common polite actions still very much applies in the country. With an open mind and a courteous attitude, you will have a great time in Laos.