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General Advice
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Welcome toLaos!
We hope your visit is enjoyable and request that you respect the Lao
law,
culture and customs. Please read on to
find out more about the Do’s and Don’ts for culturally sensitive travel
in the
Lao PDR.
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Greeting |
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The Lao word for Hello is ‘Sa
Bai Dee’, usually said with a smile. Touching
or showing affection in public will embarrass your hosts.
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Welcome
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Lao people traditionally greet
each other by pressing their palms together to ‘Nop’, although
it is acceptable for men to shake hands. |
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Manner
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In Laos your head is ‘high’,
your feet is ‘low’. Using your feet for
anything other than walking or playing sport is generally considered
rude.
Touching someone’s head is very,
very impolite.
Lao people appreciate clean and
neatly dressed visitors.
Bathing nude in public is
impolite.
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Good visitors
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Try
eating delicious Lao food
whenever you can, it helps local business and Lao farmers.
Laos loses a
little of its heritage every time an antique is taken out of the
country. Please do not buy antique Buddha
or other sacred items. Instead, support
local craftsmen by purchasing new, quality handicrafts.
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In a Lao House
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Please remember to take your
shoes off before you enter a Lao person’s home.
Remember,
your head is ‘high’, your feet ‘low’. It
is polite to gently crouch down when passing someone who is seated. Never, ever step over someone in your path. |
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Religion
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Please
show respect and dress neatly while in temples and when taking photos.
There are many sacred items and
sites in Laos. Please do not touch or enter these places
without permission.
Monks are revered and respected
in Laos;
however women should not touch a monk or a monk’s robes.
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Environment
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Please
help to keep Laos
clean and beautiful by not leaving litter. Picking
up rubbish sets a good example for Lao youth.
The
illegal sale of wildlife and wildlife products endangers many
species native to Laos. Help protect Lao wildlife by refusing to buy
wildlife products.
Please
help preventing forest fires. |
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Drugs
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The
use of drugs is illegal in Laos. The
consequences may be severe for you and Lao society.
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SERVICES
