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Laos Local Customs

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Laos Local Customs

by Kartann

Learn the local customs of Laos. Tips and photos posted by real travelers and Laos locals.

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Laos Local Customs

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	monks are not common but a common sight Tip Rating:

By richiecdisc on November 26, 2004

Laos Page by richiecdisc

monks are a common sight

by richiecdisc

One of the more interesting sights of Laos are the saffron robed monks that you will undoubtedly encounter on your travels there. They walk around the various cities looking for alms. This tradition benefits both monks and those who give them sustenance. The idea is that by waking up each morning with the thought of giving, one is more at ease with the world through their generosity. So, you will see monks making their rounds each morning and countless shop owners waiting to give them some offering.

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	The local plonk Tip Rating:

By richiecdisc on November 27, 2004

Laos Page by richiecdisc

looking good, Beer Lao

by richiecdisc

I must have been away too long. Luckily Jen (Craic) reminded me of my original claim to fame on VT, beer. Well, despite what Paolo (uttz) informed me, I was not overly impressed with the local brew of Laos, Beer Lao. That said, I cannot say I was not fond of it, nor did it decrease my consumption. It is easy to drink and cheap. And with D giving it her best plug here, it sure looks pretty. ;=>

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	How and What Do The Locals Eat Tip Rating:

By bkoon on May 9, 2005

Laos Page by bkoon

The Sticky Rice

by bkoon

Like most Asian countries, the Lao people eat various dishes accompanied with rice, not normal plain rice but GLUTINIOUS / STICKY RICE.

The rice is normally served in basket-like container and you are supposed to use your right hand to pick up some rice and squeeze it with your fingers and put it into your mouth with the dishes. You can use utensils like fork and spoon for the dishes though.

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	Handling Cash Tip Rating:

Updated By bkoon on May 9, 2005

Laos Page by bkoon

The Lao People usually hold stacks of notes with them. When I first changed my USD into KIP, I had to carry with me a stack of notes (1 inch thick). Denominations (10,000 for instance!!!) are small and hence ...

I was once a millionaire in Laos....

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	Rules Tip Rating:

Updated By xaver on October 9, 2003

Laos Page by xaver

hotel rules

by xaver

I have never seen as many hotel rules as in Laos, they start with forbidding drug, then guests, then alcohl exc.
Most guests houses will ask you to leave your shoes outside, you may read it as: leave the floor cleaned, or, as I read it, do not be noisy, come, sleep, use the bathroom, but do not disturb our silences!
May be I used my fantasy, but this is the way I love to see Laos.

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	Living temples Tip Rating:

By SirRichard on September 5, 2003

Laos Page by SirRichard

Inside a temple

by SirRichard

In Laos temples are not just tourist highlights but living places, around which you will often see monks coming and going.
Inside the temples you have to take off your shoes. In most of them is forbidden to take pictures. But if you go to rural or small ones, you can seat discreetly at a corner and watch people come to pray, monks arranging things, sticks being burnt... a lot of daily activity!
You are allowed to take photos in these small ones, but try not to disturb, be silent...

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	decidedly Buddhist Tip Rating:

By richiecdisc on November 26, 2004

Laos Page by richiecdisc

an elegant Lao Buddha

by richiecdisc

With over 58% of the population considering themselves Buddhist, Laos has been highly influenced by the neighboring Thai and Khymer societies. I found the Buddha images in Cambodia the most appealing but those in Laos were also a sight to behold.

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	make sure to have deep pockets Tip Rating:

By ellielou on May 9, 2006

Laos Page by ellielou

less than 100 USD

by ellielou

It's not that Laos is expensive, but, the kip only comes in relatively small denominatons. If you change a moderate amount of USD, Euros, or even Baht, you come away with fistfulls of bills. Everything starts sounding really expensive......there are just too many damned zeros!

And, there are no coins....thankfully!

In the more touristy areas, they take USD and baht, in the far north, only kip.

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	still some french touches. Tip Rating:

By cachaseiro on December 11, 2008

Laos Page by cachaseiro

Laotian kids playing the
french game boule.

by cachaseiro

Laos used to be a part on french indochine and eventhough the french colonial rulers are long gone you still see the influences there.
both in the food and in various cultural aspects.
You will also find that many laotians, especially the older generation still speaks french.

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	Kissing in public, Showing affection Tip Rating:

By Fudge on October 23, 2002

Laos Page by Fudge

All intimate activity-- in
private please :)

by Fudge

Again something I learnt from the 2 university students here in Singapore on exchange. They commented on how common it is to see young people in Singapore openly kissing, hugging, being intimate on the trains, buses here. And how it is considered rude in their society as it is still conservative in these matters. They advised our youth to refrain from holding hands, kissing in public places. It would attract the 'wrong' kind of attention.

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