CULTURAL AWARENESS
As with travel in any country there are ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’. In general if you follow the following suggestions then you will get the most out of your trip and experience amazing exposure to the Laos people and their culture.
+ A polite “nop” (putting hands together in a praying gesture) and the greeting “sa bai dee” with a smile will always be appreciated when you meet or speak to a local. Touching or showing affection towards locals will embarrass them. Men can shake hands
+ Head High, Feet low. Don’t expose soles at dinner or meetings (sport and walking is ok)
+ Touching of heads is very impolite
+ Wear clean and tidy dress where possible (most western attire is ok), when in temples or at the alms ceremony legs and shoulders should be covered
+ Don’t shout in temples
+ No skinny dipping, women are encouraged to swim in a sarong while swimming in remote villages.
+ In general take shoes off when entering homes, some shops, and offices.
+ Be as discrete as possible with affection towards other foreigners, it is considered improper to show public affection in Lao society.
+ Always ask before taking photos
+ Don’t give gifts to kids as it encourages the begging snowball, if you want to donate it is encouraged to take notebooks and pens to the village schools or give money directly to the abbots of the temples.
+ Do not touch sacred items; they are often all over the show
+ Women, please do not touch monks
+ Please don’t litter
+ Don’t purchase wildlife or ancient relics as it is illegal.
+ Do not use illegal drugs. Be aware of locals that offer it to you, there are times when the police will do it or ask the locals to do it on their behalf. There can be severe consequences.
+ And we are sorry we have to say this but sex tourism is rife. It is very frowned upon for a ‘falang’ (westerner) to be with a local, and illegal for a local to stay in your hotel room.
And most of all, don’t hurry, stress or rush, you’re on Laos time: it’s nice and laidback.
World Nomads has a cool language app that you can download the Lao language on to help you communicate with the locals a bit more - click here for more info!
