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Referred to as the “Country of a Million Elephants,” Laos is a Southeast Asian country with a rich culture that boasts traditions rooted back to ancient times. If you’re a cultural enthusiast and curious about the customs of this country, let’s visit Laos to see how fascinating and surprising Laos’ customs are to you. Don’t hesitate to join Asia King Travel to discover 10 unique Laos customs that will surprise first-time visitors.
Unique Laos Customs That Will Surprise First-Time Visitors. Source: Unsplash
Unquestionably, the Laotian Baci ceremony is considered one of the most significant customs of Laotian culture, and it is also known as “kwan,” which means “calling of the soul.” To those who don’t know about it, this ceremony is the origin of the spirit-calling ritual, and it is rooted in the belief that 32 organs in the human body are connected with 32 of their guardian spirits, known as kwan. The soul is definitely a union of these kwan as a constant protection.
This ritual first involves a small table arrangement prepared by an elderly woman, known as the Pa Kwan. Symbolic food offerings line the outer edge of the arrangement, while at the center is a cone-shaped tree made of banana leaf and adorned with flowers. The ceremony’s honoured guests kneel in front of this tree, which acts as a centerpiece for the ritual.
The ceremony of the calling of the soul. Source: LaosNews
An elderly man (the mor phon, often a Buddhist monk) chants prayers in the religious Pali language while the other attendees observe in silence. After invoking both Buddhist and animist deities to return spirits back to the body, a white cotton string is tied around the wrist of the honoured guests to hold the kwan in place and preserve their good luck. Upon conclusion of the ceremony, the guests shower each other with milled rice for good fortune and partake in a feast of food and rice wine along with Laotian song and dance.
Read more: Classic Highlights Laos
Laos is a country that discourages wearing shoes indoors. If you enter a temple or somebody’s home, you should remove your shoes at the entrance. In fact, sometimes even business establishments may require people to take off their shoes before stepping inside, although this is not as common, and usually only for special situations.
Not wearing shoes indoors. Source: Shutterstock
It is also important not to show people the bottoms of your feet for any reason, even unintentionally. So, for example, you should not sit in a chair and then prop them up on a table. A person across from you might think you are doing it “at” them, and take it as a rude gesture.
In Laos, greetings are usually accompanied by the gesture known as a ‘nop,’ which is the placing of two hands together in a prayer position at chest level. A nop indicates the level of respect for another person and is an acknowledgment of seniority. A nop may also be used as an expression of thanks or regard. Sometimes the nop is accompanied by a slight bow. Here are some tips on how to correctly perform a nop.
Nop greeting in Laos. Source: Pinterest
Known as “Tak Bat” or “Sai Bat,” almsgiving is a longstanding tradition in Laos Buddhist culture that people will give alms or donations. It dates all the way back to the 14th century, around the time when Theravada Buddhism was chosen as the official religion by Laotian kings. It is still daily practiced by thousands of Buddhist monks across Laos today.
Buddhist monks and almsgiving. Source: Freepik
The ceremony usually takes place at dawn. In summer, this will usually be around 5:30 am. In winter, it tends to be later as the sun rises around 6:30 am. Monks and novices will begin their progress from their wats along the main streets and be joined by others from surrounding wats. So, you can witness the ceremony on any side street in town.
What clothes should wear when traveling to Laos is a question many tourists ask. Located in a tropical monsoon zone, Laos has a hot and humid climate year-round. Therefore, preparing the right clothes to wear in Laos will help you acclimate better to the weather conditions and fully enjoy your vacation while exploring various destinations.
What to wear in Laos for women is basically a T-shirt and shorts in case you plan to walk a lot. Otherwise, long or short dresses will allow you to take beautiful photos at tourist sites, especially while strolling through Luang Prabang ancient town.
Dressing modestly for visitors coming to Laos. Source: LaosNews
For men, packing for a trip to Laos is more simple. Here’s a list of items to prepare for your journey:
Lao people eat with a fork in the left hand and a spoon in the right hand. When eating sticky rice, Laotians often eat with the fingers of the right hand. Unlike people in many Asian countries such as Vietnam or China, Laotians don’t eat with chopsticks. They often eat with their hands, so they always wash their hands before eating.
Eating customs in Laos. Source: Unsplash
Eating at home, the Lao gives the impression of being completely relaxed; hospitable, informal, and free of any feelings of hurry, anxiety, or ostentation. Such, at least, is the impression that an occidental visitor will receive. However, the relaxed atmosphere invests surprisingly in formal procedures.
Saving face is very important in Laos, and the following result is that they often don’t raise their voice under unnecessary circumstances. They will not shout, yell, or argue roughly with each other. So in your Laos tour, you should keep a positive attitude in most cases.
Don’t bargain so harshly, as the salesperson might end up selling the item to you at a loss rather than losing face. Service is slow in shops and restaurants, and the quality of service varies greatly.
Keep a positive attitude in most cases to save face others. Source: Istock
Practice patience, and don’t expect anyone to rush because you’re in a hurry. Take it easy, bite your tongue, and enjoy the unhurried, unstressed Lao lifestyle. You come to this wonderful land to enjoy the totally, perfectly laid-back lifestyle.
Once you visit Laos, you will realize that they have a lot of respect for their elders. Generally speaking, a younger person is always expected to greet an older adult with more care than the amount used when greeting someone of their age.
Do respect the elders. Source: Unsplash
Always bow your head and say “sa-bai-dee” as you join your hands in a prayer position. It is better not to shake hands and stick to greeting them through a nop.
The traditional Lao calendar is a mixed solar-lunar. The year itself is rocketed by solar phases while the months are divided according to lunar phases. The Lao Buddhist Era (BE) calendar started in 638 BC.
The roles of festivals in Laos customs. Source: Shutterstock
Festivals in Laos are largely linked to agricultural seasons or historical Buddhist holidays, and the general word for festival in Lao is "BOUN." In general, Lao people like to party, and they enjoy festivals as long as possible. Some of the festivals, like the New Year, unofficially start a few days earlier and go on for about a week.
Public displays of affection are another mistake to avoid in Laos. It is okay to be publicly affectionate with a platonic friend of the same sex (i.e., you can hold their hand). But it is not acceptable to show physical affection of any kind to someone of the opposite sex.
Not showing affection in public. Source: Pinterest
Even a quick peck on the lips or cheek may be considered too much. It is wiser to avoid physical contact altogether until you are back at the resort.
Lao customs are some peculiarities that give a mirror to the rich cultural heritage and way of life. Being recognized and respected, such customs contribute not just to your enrichment during travels but also to meaningful contacts with the local population. Sharing a Baci ceremony, taking part in a vivid festival, or simply eating sticky rice with locals are the customs of Laos that will be remembered for a long time. Observe customs in Laos and discover the warmth and beauty of this very special country.
Read more: Center of Laos Tours
