Laos Vacations

Laos' culture and traditions are similar to most East Asian cultures. One commonality among Laos and most East Asian countries is the way they greet. Laos locals greet each other with their hands put together in a prayer-like position called Nop. Though this gesture is widely used, the Western handshake is also a common form of greeting. What's not common is backslapping, public display of affection, and shouting, all considered impolite among the locals.

Travellers wanting to get into the hearts of the locals can make it possible by learning their local language. Learning even a few words and phrases can go a long way. The dominant language spoken in Laos is Lao. About 70% of the population speaks this language. When you are at a local restaurant or a grocery shop, greet them with words like Sabaidee (Hello). Such small gestures will put a smile on the locals. In addition to this, learning important phrases and words can help in navigating through the country.  

Buddhism plays an important role in Laos culture. Most of their daily lives are influenced by Buddhism, such as social norms, festivals, and customs. Monks are revered in this part of the region. So, when you see a monk at a temple, make sure to indulge yourself in the practice of selfless service by offering alms to the monk.

Any culture is incomplete without traditional attire. The Laon women wear Sinh, a tube-like skirt. The men wear Salong, which is a big pants. These pants are worn for important events and ceremonies. When you are in Laos, try their traditional attire to experience the soul of their culture.

The best time to visit Laos is in the dry season, from November to March. This period is conducive to outdoor exploration and travel. The temperatures are milder with clear skies, making the dry season the perfect time to visit temples, trekking, and enjoying other adventure activities.

The summer season (April to May) is hot and humid. During the day, the temperatures rise, making it somewhat difficult to explore. You can plan for outdoor activities in the early morning or the evening.

In the rainy season (June to October), it pours heavily, making it difficult to travel because of muddy roads and landslides. However, the landscapes bloom during this period, giving you a stunning view. Plus, the prices are low, and there are fewer travellers, making it a perfect time for relaxation.

Overall, if you want to experience trekking and outdoor activities, the dry season is preferable. To experience Laos' natural beauty and lush green landscapes, visit during the rainy season.

Here are some of the most important things to know before travelling to Laos:

Keep a lot of cash with you. Laos is predominantly a cash-based economy, and its local currency is Lao Kip (LAK). The number of zeros on the notes can confuse travellers, so before handing over the cash, double-check the notes. Besides Lao Kip, the Thai baht and US dollars are also widely accepted.

Respect local customs. Laos is a Buddhist nation. There are many sacred places signifying the Buddhist culture and traditions. While visiting these places, make sure to respect the local practices. Dress modestly and remove your shoes before you enter the temples.

Explore places in a local taxi. Laos' transportation is not as developed as its neighbouring countries. Some places don't even have paved roads. Keeping all this in mind, rent a car and explore with a local who is familiar with Laotian roads.

Respect the nature. Laos has diverse natural landscapes and wildlife. Be mindful of the local rules regarding environment and wildlife conservation. Failing to follow the rules may attract punishment.

Laos cuisine is packed with flavours and aromas influenced by Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese. The morning and evening markets are the best time to enjoy street food, and the upscale restaurants are for experiencing high-end traditional recipes. While exploring restaurants and markets, you'll come across the Laotian signature dish — Larb. It is a salad of thinly sliced meat flavoured with greens, herbs, and various spices.

Sai oua is another popular dish, which is a pork sausage that compliments well with Khao jee — a crunchy baguette sandwich stuffed with flavoury paste. If you are vegetarian, you must try spring rolls made with rice paper.

Speaking of beverages, Laos has a variety of drinks on offer - from beer and coffee to juices. Beer Lao is popular among locals and comes in various types, like Gold and Lager. Laotian coffee is made from the French press. The coffee is slightly strong, sweet, and served with condensed milk, giving coffee enthusiasts an unforgettable experience.