Contemporary Lao culture blends centuries-old traditions and influences from surrounding countries. Buddhist and Hindu lore from India have shaped both Laos’ religious practices and the country’s most celebrated literature, visual, and performing arts.

Religion is an especially important part of daily life in Laos, and many local traditions originate from religious practices. Theravada Buddhism is the country’s dominant faith, but portions of the population also follow aspects of folk religions. Moreover, respect deeply roots almost every aspect of Lao culture, and this is best seen in the kindness and care put into the smallest tasks and interactions. Lao families also take time during the year to remember their ancestors on special days and festivals, and like many other Asian countries, Laos places great emphasis on respecting elders.

Laos is famous for warm hospitality, and you’re likely to see many locals wearing bright smiles. A wonderful way to return this kindness is to try a traditional Lao greeting. In Laos, people typically greet each other with a nop -- where you hold your palms in prayer position at chest level and bow. This gesture may also be used to express thank you, regret, or to say good-bye. Today, many Lao people also choose to shake hands with Westerners. In addition, if you give an object to someone, you should use both hands or your right hand, since the left hand is associated with using the toilet.

When visiting temples in Laos, like in much of Southeast Asia, please make sure to follow the dress code. You’ll want to dress conservatively (for example, avoiding shorts, short skirts, sheer fabrics, etc.) and fully cover your shoulders, arms, torso, and legs. Before you enter a sacred site, please make sure to remove your shoes. In Laos, Buddhist traditions also dictate that the head is the holiest part of the body and the soles of the feet are the dirtiest. Therefore, make sure to never touch someone’s head. Also avoid displaying the soles of your feet, or touching or pointing at something or someone with your foot.

In Laos, a calm and reserved demeanor is always best. Extreme displays of emotion -- including public displays of affection -- should be avoided. Lastly, Lao people consider books and writing extremely important, and these objects must be handled with great care. You’ll want to avoid putting a book on the floor or sliding it across a desk or tabletop.

Laos boasts delicious culinary traditions. Even though Lao food is not as widely known as Thai, Vietnamese, or Indian cuisines, it is equally delicious. Laos has also borrowed dishes from neighboring countries. For example, even though pho noodle soup originated in Vietnam, it is also quite popular (and easy to find) in Laos.

Everything you sample in Laos will be full of flavor and fresh. Like many Southeast Asian meals, Lao dishes make use of fresh vegetables, herbs, and sticky rice. Typically, sticky rice is served in a small bamboo basket, and you eat it with your fingers! Most dishes also include portions of grilled or steamed meat and fish, and many ingredients are cooked in coconut oil. In remote villages, families typically sit on the floor and enjoy several proteins including buffalo, poultry, pork, and fish.

Savor some of the best Lao food in the street. Many locals eat khao piak sen on the way to work. This delicious comfort food features an aromatic broth, slices of pork or chicken, and heaps of sticky rice noodles. If you’re looking for a snack, try a khao jee sandwich -- a holdover from Laos’ French-colonial days. Typically, these baguettes are stuffed with lettuce, tomato, onion, carrot, pork, ham, cheese, or even pâté. Many locals also enjoy khao jee with a piping cup of strong, black coffee.

Or lam is a traditional Luang Prabang dish but enjoyed throughout Laos. While or lam can be served with buffalo meat, this rich and largely vegetable-based stew has beans, eggplant, green onion, and mushrooms. Lemongrass, basil, and chilies also provide delicious flavor (and a mild touch of spice). Enjoy!

Domestic and International Flights
Laos has three international airports: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Pakse. Each of these airports is also linked by domestic flights. In addition, Lao Airlines and other major Asian airlines operate out of Luang Prabang and Vientiane, connecting you to major destinations in Asia.

Buses and Taxis
In recent years, Laos’ road system has improved and expanded. Many locals travel by bus, and the routes link major towns and provinces. There are VIP buses that offer air-conditioning on some of the busier routes. Typically, however, many buses are pretty old and road conditions are fairly poor. Only a few local bus accidents are reported annually.

Metered taxis and tuk-tuks are available in Laos’ major cities. Laos also uses LOCA -- a ride-sharing app similar to Uber.

Boats and Cruises
Transportation in Laos can become challenging, especially when heavy monsoon rains flood the roads. During this season, boats are often a good alternative. Laos waterways stretch almost 2,860 miles (4,600 km), and there are plenty of local boats, river ferries, and river taxis (longtail boats). A Mekong route goes from the Laos/Thailand border town of Houay Xai to Luang Prabang. There’s also a route from Pakse to Wat Phu and Khon Island -- found in the scenic region of Southern Laos.

Health
In Laos, the quality of healthcare and medical facilities varies significantly from region to region, with rural areas being less equipped than larger towns. It is rare to contract diseases, but be cautious of infections and pre- existing medical conditions. It is always a good idea to bring a medical kit from home with basic items such as insect repellent, painkillers, and medications to safeguard against common ailments like mosquito bites, colds, and diarrhea. Proper precautions are critical for preventing serious illnesses.

Travel Insurance
At AAT, we always recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Unfortunately, travel accidents can happen anywhere and without warning. Worst case, you may need to be flown to nearby Bangkok for emergency medical assistance. Please make sure that your travel insurance is complete and comprehensive, covering emergency medical flights, evacuations, and major health-related expenses.

Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccines include routine vaccines (MMR, diptheria, chicken-pox, etc.), meningitis, hepatitis A & B, typhoid, malaria, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Please also be advised that certain vaccinations and special prescription medications can take time to be fully effective. We strongly encourage you to check in with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip.

Laos requires the yellow fever vaccine if you’re traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of vaccination is mandatory if you are coming from or have recently visited a yellow fever zone -- this is an international regulation.

While Traveling...
Safe travel often starts with common sense and careful precautions. Make sure to avoid eating raw or partially cooked fish and meat. When you eat in a local restaurant or at street food stall, chose a busy one with plenty of customers to avoid eating dishes that have been sitting out (even for a little while). Drink bottled water only and use bottled water to brush your teeth. You’ll want to avoid drinks served with ice, especially from food vendors -- the ice could contain contaminated water. In Laos, milk isn’t always pasteurized, so exercise caution. Avoid mosquito and insect bites by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks. Mosquitos are especially active in the early morning and evening, so make sure to take extra preventative measures at these times.

Safety
While Laos is quite safe for travelers, make sure to ensure your personal safety by exercising common sense and good judgment at all times. Best practices include traveling with a group during the daytime and avoiding poorly lit areas and/or areas far from the beaten track. Petty crimes and scams do happen in Laos, so make sure to purchase travel insurance to cover theft, loss, and medical problems.

Petty Crime
Rates of theft in Laos tend to be lower than most regions of Southeast Asia, but you’ll want to take a few simple precautions to ensure your belongings don’t get stolen. Make sure to secure valuables when leaving your hotel room, and avoid displaying expensive items (such as smartphones) and cash in public. You’ll want to watch your luggage, keep bags or purses close to you, and avoid leaving costly sunglasses, jewelry, and/or cameras hanging around your neck. It's also best to avoid keeping cash in pants pockets; secure your money in a concealed money belt instead. Always lock up your bike or motorbike.

Road and Transportation Safety
In Laos, traffic is lighter, and accidents are less common compared to neighboring countries. Still, you should keep highly vigilant when you’re on the roads -- many drivers do not pay close attention to traffic rules, and some lanes are unmarked. Be extra cautious if you’re traveling with children.

Official Language: Lao
A Lao phrasebook will make travel through the ‘Land of a Million Elephants’ easier and more convenient. Here are some common words and phrases you can use:

'Saibaidee' (Suh-bye-dee) = Hello
'La gon' (La gon) = Goodbye
'Khop jai' (Khop chai) = Thank you
'Khaw toot' (Khaw toot) = Excuse me

Currency: Kip (LAK)
If you're visiting rural areas, make sure to bring some kip. Many establishments in Laos' major cities and towns also accept Thai baht and U.S. dollars. Please note that kip is non-convertible. Once you’ve left Laos, you cannot exchange your leftover kip for other types of currency.

Time Zone: GMT+7h
Laos follows Indochina Time (ICT) all year long (no Daylight-Saving Time).

During Daylight Saving Time, if it is noon (PST) in the United States, then it is 2 AM in Laos. When Daylight Saving Time ends, noon (PST) is 1 AM in Laos.

Internet Access:
Free Wi-Fi is fairly widespread through Laos’ major tourist areas. Most hotels provide Wi-Fi access, although internet speeds might be slow and/or unstable. Laos used to have internet cafes, but they are becoming increasingly rare these days.

Electricity:
Voltage: 230V
Frequency: 50hz

Common Plug Types: A, B, C, E and F
Laos uses a variety of plug types, so we highly recommend that you bring universal plug adapters.

Lao New Year and Public Holidays:
Laos’ holidays follow the lunar and solar calendars. Laos celebrates the International New Year on January 1st. The Lao New Year (Pi Mai) takes place each year in mid-April and lasts for three days. Pi Mai is the most important and exciting holiday of the year, where locals throw water on each other for blessings. Each month (with the exception of September), Laos holds a significant festival and/or celebration. Travel can be more complicated during holidays, and some restaurants, offices, and stores may be closed. We strongly recommend that you arrange your trip well in advance during these periods.

At All Asia Tours, we are always happy to provide you with the extensive advice and information you need as you prepare for your journey. Please never hesitate to ask.