The culture of Laos, where ancient traditions and modern influences intertwine to create a truly unique country! At its core, Lao culture is heavily influenced by Theravada Buddhism, which has shaped everything from its art and architecture to its music and cuisine. The Lao are known for their warm hospitality and their love of nature, which is reflected in their customs and traditions.
If you’re planning a trip to Laos, be sure to check out my comprehensive Laos travel guide, which includes everything you need to know about the country’s top attractions & activities. But for now, let’s dive right in!
Cultural Concepts in Laos
Face
In Lao culture, there is a concept that is deeply ingrained in their way of life: “Face.” Face is not just about having a pretty or handsome appearance; it is a complex social concept that affects how people interact with one another.
In Lao society, “Face” is the idea of maintaining one’s reputation, dignity, and honor. It is about upholding a certain image, status, and respectability in the eyes of others. This is why in Lao culture, losing face is considered a significant shame and dishonor.
To maintain face, Lao people are mindful of their actions and words in public settings. It is customary to be polite, respectful, and non-confrontational in social situations to avoid causing embarrassment or shame to oneself or others.
Baci Ceremony
The Baci Ceremony, also known as Sou Khouan or the Spirit Calling Ceremony, is a traditional Lao ritual that has been passed down through generations. This ceremony is an important part of Lao culture and is performed to bring good luck and prosperity to people’s lives.
The ceremony involves the tying of cotton strings, known as sou khuan, around the wrists of participants, and a blessing is given by a senior member of the community, often a monk or an elder. The strings are believed to have the power to trap positive energy, also known as khwan, within a person’s body, while also warding off any negative energy or illness.
The Baci Ceremony is usually performed during important life events such as birthdays, weddings, and entering into monkhood. You can join a cooking class with a Baci ceremony in Luang Prabang through here!
What is the Religion in Laos?
Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion, with over 60% of the population being Buddhist. Religion plays a significant role in the daily lives of the people of Laos.
Buddhism was introduced to Laos around the 14th century, and it has since become deeply ingrained in Lao society. The country’s temples, or wats, are not only religious centers but also cultural and social hubs, where people come to pray, meditate, socialize, and learn. They are often adorned with intricate carvings, murals, and sculptures, and are considered to be some of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia.
One of my favorite things to do while I was in Vientiane is to just sit and observe the happenings inside the temple, you can really feel a sense of peace just by being with the people as they pray even though the language is different, the energy is really there.
You can see Buddhist influences everywhere in Laos, even inside the caves of Vang Vieng!
If you want to learn more about Theravada Buddhism, it’s core principles and what makes it different from Mahayana Buddhism you can just scoot right on over here.
What are the Traditions in Laos?
Spirit Houses
In Laos, spirituality is deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life. Traditional animist beliefs play an important role and you’ll see evidence of this all around as you walk the streets of Vientiane. From the countless temples and shrines to the ubiquitous spirit houses found in every village, town, and city.
The spirit house is a miniature shrine dedicated to the local spirits, or phi fa, who are believed to inhabit the land and influence daily life. You’ll find them in front of homes, businesses, and even on the grounds of luxury hotels. It’s customary to leave offerings of flowers, incense, and other items to appease the spirits and seek their blessings.
Lao Folklore
Aside from spirit houses, you’ll also encounter a host of other spiritual practices in Laos, including fortune-telling, amulet-wearing, and the use of protective tattoos. The country’s rich folklore and mythology are also steeped in spiritual beliefs, with tales of dragons, giants, and other mythical creatures such as the Naga which you will see quite often in temples (Look for the serpent-like creatures!)
Lao Traditional Music
Music and dance are integral parts of Lao culture, and are often associated with religious festivals and ceremonies. Traditional Lao music is characterized by the use of a variety of instruments, including the khaen (a bamboo mouth organ), the saw (a bowed string instrument), and the khong wong yai (a set of gongs). The melodies are often repetitive and soothing, meant to induce a state of meditation.
Lao Traditional Dance
On the other hand, traditional Lao dance is known for its grace and elegance, with movements that are slow and deliberate. The most famous form of Lao dance is the lamvong, a circle dance that is performed at weddings and other celebrations.
What to Eat in Laos?
Lao cuisine is a vibrant and flavorful cuisine that reflects the country’s unique cultural and geographical influences. From the fragrant herbs and spices to the abundance of fresh produce, Lao cuisine is a feast for the senses. Here are some of the must-try dishes while you’re in Laos:
- Larb: A savory and spicy meat salad made with ground or minced meat, lime juice, fish sauce, and fresh herbs like mint and cilantro. Often said to be the national dish of Laos
- Khao Niew: Also known as sticky rice, is a staple in Lao cuisine, served with almost every meal.
- Tam Mak Hoong: Papaya salad, is a refreshing and spicy salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chili peppers, and lime juice.
What is Lao Language like?
Useful Lao Phrases for Travel
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Lao
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English
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Sabaidee
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Hello
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Khop jai
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Thank you
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Sabai dee mai
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How are you?
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Khop chai lai lai
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Please
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Kho thot
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Sorry
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Tao dai?
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How much?
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Hong nam yu sai?
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Where is the restroom?
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Baw pen nyang mai?
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Can you help me?
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Khoy hao jai baw
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I don't understand
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Jao
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Yes
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Baw
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No
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La kon
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Goodbye
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Sok dee!
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Cheers!
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Traditional Festivals in Laos
Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year)
This festival is one of the most important holidays in Laos, and it’s celebrated for three days in mid-April. Traditionally, people visit temples to make offerings and participate in religious ceremonies. However, the highlight of the festival is the water throwing, where people splash water on each other as a symbol of cleansing and renewal. The streets are filled with people dancing, singing, and throwing water at each other so make sure to join in for an unforgettable experience!
Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
This festival is held in May in various parts of the country, and it’s known for its spectacular homemade rockets that are launched into the sky. The festival is a way for farmers to pray for rain for the upcoming rice season, and the rockets are seen as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. The festival also includes music, dancing, and lots of food and drink!
That Luang Festival
This festival celebrates the famous Pha That Luang, which is a national symbol of Laos. The festival is held in November and lasts for three days, and it includes parades, religious ceremonies, and a fairground with lots of food and games. The highlight of the festival is the candlelit procession, where thousands of people carry candles around the stupa at night, creating a magical and spiritual atmosphere.
Boun Xuang Heua (Boat Racing Festival)
This festival is also held in November along the Mekong River in Vientiane so you might be able to catch both festivals if you’re there around that time. It celebrates the end of the Buddhist Lent, and it includes longboat races, traditional games, and music performances. The boat racing competition is the main event, with teams from different villages competing to win the title of the fastest boat!
Customs in Laos
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When meeting someone for the first time, it’s customary to bow your head slightly and place your palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as a “nop”. This is a sign of respect and acknowledgment.
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In Lao culture, food is often served family-style, with a variety of dishes shared among the table. It’s polite to wait for the host to begin eating before starting yourself.
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If you’re offered food or drinks, it’s polite to accept at least once before declining. Refusing outright can be seen as impolite or disrespectful.
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If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift as a token of appreciation. Gifts such as fruit or flowers are appropriate, but avoid giving anything in multiples of four, as the number is considered unlucky.
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Avoid touching someone’s head, as it’s considered the most sacred part of the body.
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Pointing your feet towards someone, especially elders or authority figures, is considered disrespectful, this goes doubly so towards the Buddha.
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Dress conservatively when visiting temples or other sacred sites. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and legs.
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Monks are highly respected in Lao culture, and it is important to show proper etiquette when interacting with them. When in the presence of a monk, it is customary to lower your head as a sign of respect. It is also important to refrain from offering them food after noon, as they follow strict dietary rules.
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It’s considered disrespectful to sit higher than a monk, as it is believed that monks are closer to enlightenment and therefore deserve a higher level of respect. In temples and other sacred sites, you may notice that there are specific areas designated for monks to sit, and it’s important to avoid sitting in those areas unless you are a monk yourself.
Plan Your Trip to Laos | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
