Lao culture is unique and distinctive. Over 90% of the population in Laos is Buddhist. Lao culture can been seen from its plethora of wats, temples and monuments all over the country. Lao religious images and art are very distinct and set the country apart from its Buddhist neighbors like Thailand and Myanmar. An excellent example of the richness in Lao culture can be heard in its folk music, which is very popular throughout the country. The people of Laos are very friendly and courteous to foreigners; however they are still conservative in their beliefs and traditions and tourists should remember to dress modestly. It is considered impolite to visit any religious monuments in shorts, miniskirts or sleeveless clothing. Shoes should be removed before entering any religious area or someone’s house. The head is considered the highest part of the body, so touching someone's head or pointing (at anyone) is considered extremely rude. Additionally your feet should always remain tucked under or behind you when seated and should not point at anyone. It is also considered rude to stand over a person’s head.
Laos Weather
Laos’ climate is subtropical and is subject to monsoons. The monsoon season lasts from May to November, and it remains dry from December to April. The yearly average temperature is 25 C° (77° F) and can rise to 40° C (104° F) in April and May. The minimum temperature here is 10° C (50° F) which can be felt mainly in the northern, mountainous areas of the country.
Laos Shopping
There is not a great deal of shopping to be done in Laos, but it is an ideal place for buying Buddhist handicrafts and South East Asian souvenirs. Vientiane has the best and widest variety of shopping opportunities in the country. A variety of handmade products such as wood, gold and silver are sold in department stores such as Talat Sao as well as in many of the local shops and street markets. Some good places to shop include the morning markets around Vientiane, Camacrafts (Phon Tong Village, Vientiane), the Hand Made Studio (73/3 Nokeokoumane Rd, Vientiane), Maevan Handicraft Shop (103/3 Samsenthai Rd, Vientiane) and Tip Top Boutique (Ban Mixay, Vientiane).
All major provinces have a variety of shopping outlets but they are quite limited. It is important to remember that it is forbidden to take any antiques or Buddha images which are more than 50 years old out of the country. If travelers want to purchase any antiques, they have to clear it with the government first.
What to Wear in Laos
As Laos is a rather conservative country so both men and women should dress modestly here. Jeans and tee-shirts are ideal for a vacation, as are dresses as long as they are long and have sleeves. Avoid shorts, short skirts and tight clothing. It is considered disrespectful to bare your shoulders, thighs or chest.
Travel Around Laos
The most convenient way to travel around Laos is by air. Lao Aviation flies daily from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Pakse and Oudomsay. There are several flights a week to Luang Namtha, Sayaboury, Houeixay, Sam Neua, Saravane, Lak Xao, Muangkhong and Attapeu. For information about inland air travel, contact the Lao Aviation Head Office at 2 Pangkham Road, Vientiane.
Traveling by road in Laos can be bumpy as not all roads are in good condition. The most important road in the country is Route No. 13, which runs north to south from China to Cambodia. It links Pak Mong in the north with Khong Island in the south and passes through all major urban areas of Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Savannakhet and Champasak. Road No.1 links Laos to Thailand and Vietnam.
Another way to tour the country is by boat along the Mekong River. Though it is not possible to navigate the entirety of the river, it is a great way to see the beautiful countryside. Additionally many tributaries of the Mekong such as the Nam Ou, Nam Ngum and Se Don are used for transportation.
Health Services in Laos
The health services in Laos are very limited and most do not meet western standards. The best hospitals in the country are Clinique Internationale (Luang Prabang), Centre de Traumatologie et d’Orthopédie de Vientiane (North Vientiane) and Nong Khai Watttana Hospital (1159/4 Prachak Road, Nong Khai, Thailand – near Vientiane, close to the Thai-Laos border).
Laos Nightlife
The nightlife is Laos is limited to a few bars and discos in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Some bars and clubs in Vientiane include:
KhopCaiDeu, on the southwest corner of the Nam Phu Fountain
Le Cave de Châteaux, on Fountain Circle
Lao Plaza Hotel Bar and Disco
Bamboo Bar
Mayleck Pub In Luang Prabang
Dining Out in Laos
Lao food is spicy and delicious. Rice is eaten with every meal and is often is served with a side dish of meat, fish, chicken or vegetables. The best place to taste the flavor of Laos is at the food stalls set up on the streets. In the major cities, Continental, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes are served in many restaurants.
-In Vientiane, the Golden Fish Garden Restaurant, the Mekong Restaurant and the Soukvimane Restaurant are well known.
-In Luang Prabang, the Bane Lao Restaurant and the Duang Champa are highly recommended.
-In Savannakhet, the Daoheung Restaurant and the Daoleuang Restaurant are very popular.
-In Champasak the No. 9 Restaurant is a great place to have a good meal.
Laos Business
Most people in Laos are involved in the textile industry, the timber and wood industry and the handicrafts industry. Not many people depend on tourism for a living, as there are not many tourists who visit Laos.
