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Laos
Traversed by the Mekong River, Laos is known for mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries.
It’s a land of pristine jungles and waterfalls, ancient cultures, vast temples and amazing wildlife.
You'll be getting up close to majestic elephants in their natural environment and learning about a new era of elephant conservation.
Fun facts about Laos
- Laos and Thailand have the same language
- The country boasts a 'magical lake' - Non Fa Lake - with legends of a man-eating monster
- Laos is Southeast Asia's only landlocked country with one of its fastest growing economies
- Most women wear a sinh every day - a traditional long skirt made of beautifully embroidered silk
- Not a fun fact, but Laos has been described as the 'the most bombed country in the world' - around 2 million bombs dropped here in the 1960's and 1970's
- The ancient people of Laos used to bury their dead in huge stone jars at the Plain of Jars
Your Explore Laos trip is fully catered for with three meals a day. A typical day's menu includes:
Breakfast: Sticky rice, which is served with most meals, soups, baguettes (filled or served with condensed milk!)
Lunch: Sandwiches, soups, broths, sticky rice, fish, noodles, vegetables or salad
Dinner: Rice, noodles, fish, meat, soups, vegetables or salad
Laos cuisine is heavily influenced by Thai and Vietnamese flavours.
Here are a few of the most popular dishes;
- Khao Niew - sticky rice
- Khao Piak Sen - chicken noodle soup
- Laab Moo - minced pork salad
- Kaipen - a snack made with fresh water green algae, garlic, vegetables, and sesame seeds
- Khao Jee Sandwich - a filled baguette style sandwich, popular as a street food snack
- Yall Dib - fresh spring rolls
- Sien Savanh - Laos beef jerky
Check out the Culture Trip website for more information on traditional dishes.
Bear in mind that the customs in Laos may vary quite largely from our own so it's always a good idea to read up on their culture before you travel. Here are some useful tips to get you started.
- Laos is easy-going, family orientated and relatively conservative
- Swearing is not tolerated in Laos, however it is quite common to discuss the appearance of others, so don't take offence! Public displays of affection should be avoided
- Be careful to avoid the topic of bureaucracy whilst travelling as criticism is not tolerated
- It is customary to take off your shoes prior to entering someone's home and leave them outside
- Your head is considered 'superior' and your feet 'inferior'. Never touch someone's head, don't touch them with your feet and don't walk directly across someone in front of your or over the top of food (walk around it).
- Cleanliness is important to the people of Laos. Try to keep yourself clean and smelling fresh!
- If someone gives you something, accept it with either both hands or with your right hand. Your left hand is associated with toilet duties
- Driving in Laos can be chaotic so pay particular attention when crossing the road
- People see happiness as more important than work. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, laughing, eating and drinking. High levels of stress are avoided!
- Handshakes are commonly used in Laos amongst tourists and males in particular. 'Nop' is the formal greeting which involves a prayer gesture at chin level. You can also use 'Sabaidee' to greet someone
Language
Laos or Laotian is the language most commonly spoken.
Various ethnic groups speak a further 86 different languages including English and French
Try and learn a few Laotian words and phrases before you go. Here are a few to get you started - please note you'll probably find numerous spellings for a few of these words.
| English | Laotian/Laos | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Sa bai dee | Sabye deeee |
| Goodbye | La khãwn | La kon |
| Yes | Jâo | Jow |
| No | Baw | Boa |
| Thank you | Khàwp jai | Kop chai |
| Excuse me | Khãw thôht | Kaw toat |
| My name is | Kháwy seu | Koy sue |
| Do you speak English? | Jâo wâo pasa angkit dai baw? | Jow wow pasa ankeet dai boa |
Useful Resources
If you're keen to learn more about Laos before you go, there's plenty of information to be found online, in travel magazines and in guide books. Here are a few recommendations;