As with all cultures everywhere in the world, there are some general rules of conduct that a traveler in Laos should follow. It is best to avoid the time round 11 a.m. when visiting a wat, as this is when monks usually take their last meal of the day. Women should not attempt to shake the hand of a monk, hand anything to him or sit beside him, since monks are not allowed to touch women. When talking to a monk, try to keep your head lower than his.
 When sitting down, feet should point away from the altar and main image. Arms and legs should be fully covered when visiting wats and shoes should be taken off before entering. A small donation is advisable, and it is appropriate to kneel down when giving it.
In general, pointing with the index finger is considered rude. Patting children on the head should be avoided, as it is the most sacred part of the body. The traditional form of greeting is with hands together, prayer-like, and with head bowed, as in most parts of Asia, but handshaking is done more frequently today.
Laos's people are modest in their dress, so shorts or revealing clothing should be avoided. In conversation, political topics should be discussed with sensitivity to avoid offence.
Sensitivity also pays when taking photographs. Be very wary in areas that have (or could have) military importance such as airports, where all photography is prohibited. Also be careful when photographing official functions and parades without permission. Always ask permission before photographing a person or in a temple.
Tipping is practiced in hotels and restaurants, though not extravagantly.
Economy : Laos is a poor country with a still undeveloped economic infrastructure, and a largely uneducated workforce. Agri-culture, mostly subsistence rice farming, dominates the economy employing 54 percent of the population and providing 52 percent of the national income.
Since 1998 lourism has become the biggest export earner for Laos. Second is the garment industry, and third hydro- power exports. Logging used to be the biggest contributor, but with the new stricter bans on logging this activity has dropped dramatically in the official statistics. In reality it might still be number one owing to the voracious activities of illegal loggers. |
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The predominant religion is Theravada Buddhism, Animism is common particularly among the mountain tribes. Buddhism and spirit worship coexist easily, even though phi worship is officially banned. The clearest example of this is the baci ceremony which all Buddhist lowland Lao practice regularly at every major life event such as birth, marriage and death. The ceremony calls all the good spirits together to ward off the evil spirits and to get strength for these important moments in life.
