Nong Khiaw (Nong Kiau or Nong Kiew) is a beautiful rustic little town on the bank of the Ou River in Laos. It is squeezed in between some of the most fantastic limestone mountains north of Vang Vieng.Many travellers pass through on the way up river to the even more isolated Muang Ngoi, but Nong Khiaw has a plenty of charm, a decent range of accommodation, plus conveniences such as 24 hour electricity and a connection to the road network for those interested in exploring the surrounding area.

Laos Culture

In this very poor country, one of the things you notice, is that nobody dies of hunger. Most families manage, not only to meet their needs, but even to put an important part of their small earnings to one side so as to participate in the small futile pleasures that make life enjoyable. Laos is a country of smiles, where composure and serenity reign and from where a sort of karma and an invigorating energy exude. Laotians say that this special karma, was born with Laos, many centuries ago.

Laos was born at the being of the XIVth century of our era, with the “Realm of a million elephants and a white parasol” of Fa Ngum, and gained its independence in 1954. They only found their political stability some 30 years later by adopting the communist regimen, especially under the pressure of Viet-Nam.

Head of a realm (or even several realms, as was finally the case for most of Laos’s history), Laos managed to develop commerce and crafts. They initiated an extension of Buddhism in its most primitive form, that of Theravada or Small Vehicle, under Khmer influence. Even today, it still conserves a large influence in Laotian everyday life even if we still find strong allusions to animism and the cults of their ancestors.

Laotians generally have an easy, smiling and pleasant character; generally preferring to take their time, the same as in their way of life, they savour each moment and don’t try to think too much into the future. Overall, Laotians have a definite tendency to put everything off until the next day as much as they possibly can without having too many inconveniences. This is one of the things that decidedly give this country its exceptional charm, completely the opposite to the Vietnamese or even Thai restlessness.

The years of French protectorate finished in the middle of the 1950’s. Laotians sustained heavy bombings during the next few years from the Vietnamese war. In spite of this and the intrigues put into motion by Occidental Powers and of which their country was a victim; Laotians didn’t hold any animosity towards the farangs (European foreigners).

The country opened up to tourism quite a few years ago, but it wasn’t until the years 2000 that a tourist could move about freely in all areas, even the most remote (at their own risk). Its a magnificent country by its wide open spaces with dense vegetation and many animals (you can still find tigers and wild elephants). Many ethnical groups continue to live according to their ancestral traditions.

Its also an authentic country due to development which is controlled by the communists, and whose authority, has not allowed the country to grow just any old way, as had been the case over the years with certain newly emerging Asian countries.

Laos religion

Buddhism is the main religion, which was introduced in this country around 2000 years ago. Today, roughly up to 60% of the citizens are following Theravada Buddhism. It is the form of Buddhism that is based on the Buddha’s earlier teaching, opposite to Mahayana Buddhism. This religion has been so deeply rooted in the society of Laos that the Government even uses many of its teachings to go along with the politics. 

The people of Laos uses the Buddhism Calendar, hence, various rituals or main ceremonies of Laos are based on this calendar. Especially, the New Year Festival (as known as Pi Mai) in Laos is different from other New Year Celebrations throughout the world; because it happens 3 days in April, the hottest month of the year. During this liveliest occasion, you will have a chance to take part in the unique Water Splash and nonstop dance and music from local people everywhere. 

Buddhism also affects the society of Laos in their way of thinking and acting. Buddha teaches not to steal, lie, commit adultery, etc. As a matter of fact, Laos has a low rate of theft. When it comes to money and property of other’s, Laos people are considered the most trustworthy. The divorce rate in this country has never been a pain in the neck issue. 

Clothes

In its customary form, Lao’s traditional clothing consists of dresses original to the Hmong community of Laos. With the influence of the outside world wearing of traditional clothing is increasingly for special occasions only. The traditional clothing of Laos is different for men and women. While men’s clothing is more simple, the clothing of the women is elaborate and decorated with embroidery and designs.

Sinh – The Traditional Costume of Lao Women

Because in the Lao people thinkings women are considered as the mother of the nation, Laos women are expected to look gorgeous. Visiting Laos, you will run into Laos women wearing simple Sinhs with a little decoration in daily life from working in the fields to selling agricultural products. However, if you soak into an important Lao ceremony, you will see many Lao women coiling their hair and wearing colorful scarves, blouse, silk skirts and sparkling pieces of jewelry. The traditional Sinh set of Laos women often consists of three main parts including a sinh, a suea pat, and pha biang. Worn by Laos women in specific events, Laos Sinh or phaa sin is a wraparound skirt made of silk and cotton woven and decorated with exquisite patterns. It includes three parts Hua sinh, Phuen sinh, and Tin sinh. Suea pat is a long-sleeved shirt with no buttons which is used to wrap right side of the front panel of the shirt over the left side of the front panel and tie two panels together by strings. Pha Biang is a shawl-like garment worn by both men and women. It is a long piece of silk about a foot wide, draped diagonally around the chest cover one shoulder which its end drops behind the back.

Salong – The Traditional Costumes of Lao Men

Unlike Sinh of Lao women, the traditional costume of Lao men is Salong which are big pants in various colors. Laos men often wear these special pants in important events, ceremonies and even in contests. Salong is often combined with a shirt, knee-length white socks and a pha biang. Lao men often wear “yao”or “hang” – a wrapped around skirt which is designed with two ends twisted together, pulled between the legs and fixed into the waistband at the back. However, it takes a lot of time and effort to make yao or hang because it is made of heavy plied silk and delicate embroidered.

Family structure

Hierarchical inter-dependence is the central value instilled in Lao children. Parents raise and support their children and the children reciprocate as soon as they can, thus creating strong family bonds. Kinship amongst the Lao is reckoned through males and females in general with little genealogical consciousness beyond two past generations, except among the former aristocracy. Male-lineage inheritance clans can be found among the Hmong, Iu Mien, Khmu, and others. With babies and children, separation is avoided and crying is actively discouraged. Babies are constantly in the care of the mother and are fed on demand. Older children are responsible for the care of younger children. Usually the whole family sleeps together until the children reach puberty. Even in modern homes where children may have a separate room, they all sleep together.

Everyday life in Laos

Laos is a country of contrasts. Contrasts between town life and rural life. Contrasts between ethnic groups and people of different religions. Most people in Laos work in agriculture and there life is in small villages with little infrastructure and little involvement with the wider country. Other Laos people are more involved with a wider community, better educated and more prosperous. Life in the hills farming is radically different to life working in factory or market near Vientiane.

Laos Wedding

Today, most people split their wedding into two parts, one is a traditional Laos wedding ceremony and the other is a modern wedding reception. Some have the traditional Laos wedding ceremony at home in the morning, when Baci ceremony takes place, and some do it in the afternoon. Only close friends and relatives are invited to join the Baci part. Whether the Baci takes place in the morning or afternoon, food and drinks are served to the guests at the end of the ceremony. The reception is then held in the evening, when more guests are invited, at a hotel, a restaurant, a hall specially caters for weddings or somewhere that could hold more people. This practice is more common among city people.

The traditional Laos wedding is usually held at the bride’s family home. In the past the Laos wedding was always in the morning which was believed to be convenient and best time for a joyful celebration such as wedding ceremony to take place, whereas the afternoon is considered the time for sad ceremonies like cremations. However, with modern lifestyles convenience has become more important so the time doesn’t really matter any more.

Generally, 10:00am and 4:00pm are usually considered the best times because guests are invited to have lunch or dinner after the official ceremony is finished.

Bride Price

The wedding preparations start with the Sou Khor (bride-price negotiation) procession.

The bride-price is usually money and gold, but it can be anything valuable. Traditionally this is asked by the bride’s parents as a refund for the breast milk that has been fed to the bride since she was born (literally translated from Lao). How much? depends on the family social status of both sides. Nowadays many parents don’t ask for anything so long that their daughter is happy.

When both sides negotiate and agree on the bride-price and all other details then they set the wedding date.

Engagement is not that common in Laos. Some couples get engaged before their wedding while many others don’t bother with the engagement at all. There are no set rules really, especially nowadays when life style of many Lao has changed.

The Best Day for Laos Wedding Procession

Traditionally, the wedding date has to be on a good day in lunar calendar, so parents of either or both sides usually consult elders or senior ex-monks, who have good knowledge of Lao custom and tradition, before the wedding date is set. One thing most Lao knows is that the wedding is not supposed to take place during the three months Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent, late July – late October).

Today this procession has been slightly changed to suit modern lifestyles and sometimes the couple agrees on most of the details (including the bride-price) and they set the date to suit their busy lives. When it comes close to the wedding day, this Sou Khor procession is organised just for the sake of Lao custom or tradition.

Laos Wedding Preparation

The night before the Laos wedding takes place, an informal ceremony is held at the bride-to-be’s home, and sometimes the groom holds the same ceremony at his place as well. This is called Oun Dong (literally translated: wedding or marriage warming) and it only involves close friends and relatives who come to help with wedding preparations as well as to eat and drink. The things to prepare include Pha Khuan (handmade marigold pyramid made of banana leaves and flowers), food for the big day and the new couple’s bedroom. In this room tradition demands the bed must be made by the mother of the bride or an older female who has a good family (with a good husband and good children and who is not divorced, or a widow).

The Big Day

On the big day, the bride is dressed with a traditional Lao silk Sinh (Lao skirt), and silk blouse, and has her hair tied up in a special way with gold decoration. This ensemble is finished off with a gold necklace, bracelets, earrings and a bell.

The groom also gets dressed up usually with white or cream colored silk shirt and a traditional silk Salong (a pair of baggy pants). Sometimes grooms wear normal pants and suits as some find Salongs uncomfortable. 

Traditionally, on the wedding day a small Baci (also spelt Basi or Sou Khuan), a spirit enhancing, ceremony is held concurrently in both the bride’s house and the groom’s prior to the formal wedding. Now many omit this custom, especially in urban areas where Lao customs and traditions are fading.

Bride Price Giving Procession

Once the small Baci is finished, a convoy of the groom is sent ahead to give the bride-price to the bride’s parents. The bride-price could be gold or money. The convoy usually consists of few older men and women, who could be the groom’s parents and relatives who are good and know a lot about Lao customs and traditions. The leader of the convoy would politely say something like “we come with horses, buffaloes, cows, a pile of silver and gold to give to you in exchange for our son to come and live your daughter” or something similar. While this exchange is taking place the groom’s group is formed and waits somewhere nearby.

Hae Keuy (Groom Parade)

When the bride price giving procession is finished, the groom’s group is informed and they begin to walk to the bride’s home, playing musical instruments, singing and dancing along the way (there is a song, specially composed for this procession, that sang in every groom parade) . Everybody is laughing, cheering and smiling in the most joyful way. The groom walks under an umbrella carried by his friend. This part of the Laos wedding is supposed to be really fun to join. This procession is called hae keuy (meaning groom parade).

When they arrive at the bride’s house, the groom and his party are met by the bride’s relatives where a silver door and a gold door are set up and closed. These doors are just lines of silver and gold bells stretched across the door way (known as Golden and Silver Gates) to prevent the groom entering before he is granted permission. To be granted a permission the groom has to pay his way through.

The groom will be allowed to go inside only after he drinks with the bride’s party and pays them to open the doors and after their customary questions such as: “Where did you come from? What did you come here for? What did you bring with you?” etc. are answered. So… extensive bargaining, questioning and drinking takes place here which is another fun part of the Laos wedding.

The groom doesn’t have to answer the questions because the elder relatives will do all the talking and answering for him. The elders from both sides talk in a customary, polite and friendly way which doesn’t have to be real. All the groom has to do is to drink his way through and give some money to the door attendants. This is like an entry fee but it doesn’t have to be much and the money would already have been prepared in advance by himself or his party. When he has paid and they are satisfied with the small money gift they will allow him to step through.

However, it’s not finished yet. Before he can enter the house he has to have his feet washed by the bride’s younger sister, relative, or anyone chosen by the bride, but this person has to be female and had to be younger than the bride. The groom has to give a money gift to the person and then he can enter the house.

Baci or Sou Khuan Ceremony

The groom is met at the door and led by a female relative of the bride to the Pha Khoun, where the Baci ceremony will be taking place. Once he is settled in, the bride is led to the Pha Khoun from her room by another elder female relative. She is seated on the left side of the groom with the parents and relatives of both sides sitting nearby. During the seating process the bride’s relatives and friends will give her a slight push to make her to lean on the groom unintentionally, and the other party will try to push the groom the same way. It is believed that the first to touch the other one in this ceremony will have more power over the other party in their married lives.

After everyone is settled in, the Baci or Sou Khuan ceremony begins. This involves the chanting by the master of ceremony (Mor Phon), the egg feeding (the bride and the groom feed each other an egg) and the tying of white strings on wrists of the couple. 

The Mor Phon is the first to tie white thread around the wrists of the bride and the groom. Next are the parents, and relatives of both sides. After that other guests take turns to tie the white thread on the wrists of the bride and the groom. While tying the thread everyone chants their well wishes. Some also roll a bank not or two and tied by the thread before tying on the wrists of the couple.

Somma Procession (a customary asking for forgiveness and thanking and elder relatives of both parties)

At the end of the Baci ceremony, the elder relatives lead the couple to Somma (a customary asking for forgiveness and thanking the parents and elder relatives of both parties). This process involves the giving of small money gifts (wrapped inside banana leaves, together with flowers and a pair of candles). During this ceremony, the elders, including the parents and relatives of both parties, give the couple good wishes.

Procession of Sending the Newly Wed to Room 

The Laos wedding ceremony (the Baci or  Sou Khuan ceremony part) ends with the sending of the couple to their room. An elder female relative will lead the groom to the room and the bride follows behind.  In the bedroom, the elderly person lead the couple to customary pay their respects to the bed and the pillows. After the procession is finished close friends and families of both sides take turns to have photo sessions with the newlywed couple in their bedroom. 

Traditionally, after the procession of sending of the couple to their room, they are supposed to stay in the room until the next morning. However, this is no longer practical as the order of this ceremony has changed over time. Most have Baci or Sou Khuan ceremony in the morning and a reception in the evening. This procession (sending of the couple to their room) takes place in the morning right after the Baci ceremony, so….

Lao Wedding Reception

After the baci is over, it is time for the party to begin when the guests are invited to eat, drink and dance.

The groom and bride will open the dance floor in Lao style dancing (called Lum Vong in Lao language) and then others will join in. Lao style dancing is a much different style, with pairs and line dancing going in circle. The party could go until late with foods and drinks (usually serve with whiskey and/or Lao Beer).

Laos festivals

Pi Mai

Pi Mai Lao, otherwise known as Lao New Year, is a festival celebrated at the hottest time of the year – which is just as well, because most people remain drenched with water for the majority of the event. It’s known as the festival of water fights but there are lots of other cultural activities that run over the week and there are many reasons why it’s a festival ‘not to be missed’!

Water pistols, water tanks, hoses, buckets, pots and pans…whatever it is, if it can carry water it will be used as a friendly weapon during Pi Mai. Expect to get wet…whether you want to join in the fun or not! It’s a wonderful excuse to become a child again and have a blast with the locals. There are water guns for sale as well as sealable plastic pouches for mobile phones and wallets in order to keep them dry. Most of the splashing takes place in the heat of the day between midday and 6pm…and nobody is safe from saturation so get ready to get wet!

One of the most amazing sights during Pi Mai is the elephant procession which happens a few days before the main parade. It involves up to six elephants (and sometimes baby elephants), decorated with colourful headpieces and garments, being ridden down the main street by mahouts in traditional Lao costumes. It’s not every day that such magnificent beasts are seen strolling past the National Museum or Wat Mai…it’s a sight worth seeing. Have your cameras ready!

During Pi Mai, Lao people build sand stupas – with colourful banners and offerings – in order to ensure that evil spirits don’t pass from one year to the next. The banks of the Mekong, particularly across on the Chomphet side, are covered with hundreds these interesting structures during the festival.

The Pi Mai parade is the most colourful of all the events that occur during the festival. It involves thousands of locals – dressed in all kinds of outfits, from colourful Hmong hand-embroidered dresses to monkey-masked dancers. There are many floats that take part in the procession including one that has the winner of Miss Lao New Year – a beauty pageant that takes place every year during Pi Mai. Inevitably, the parade turns into one big water fight but it’s also a chance to see Lao culture at its finest and specifically the culture and costumes of Luang Prabang.

Boun Bung Fai

In Laos, you don’t have to be a scientist to build a rocket. Even more, you won’t even need metal nor fuel to make it fly! Every year before the rain season, the Lao people celebrate Boun Bang Fai ​or the Rocket Festival. This event takes place on the outskirts of Vientiane and the surrounding villages of Nason, Nathan, Kern, and some others.​

Traditionally the purpose of sending rockets into the sky was to ask the god of rain “Hang” to help nature by giving it enough rain and save it from flood and drought. At the same time this was a festival of fertility, so rockets are made in phallic symbols in a humorous way. Additionally, some men may dress in women’s clothes to add more fun and drama to the celebration.

Earlier rockets were made of bamboo and gunpowder, but today other materials are also used: glass, metal pipes, and modern lighting effects are added. On the day of the festival, ​the rocket competition is held. Teams usually represent different villages which are invited to the celebration. Rockets are scored for the height of the fly, its decoration, and the entertaining performance from the team. The event is always inspected for security measures and, of course, accompanied with a fair selling traditional food and crafts.

Boun Khao Phan Sa

Buddhist Lent is a period of three lunar months during the rainy season when monks are required to remain in one particular place or wat (temple). Monks and novices have to swear themselves to live in the same place. They can’t stay in the other places over night. During this period, monks are practicing meditation more than usual. Every full moon day, monks have to gather in one temple to recite “Phadhimoka” or 227 rules of monk. Khao Phansa Day is on the first day after the full moon of the eighth lunar month and marks the beginning of the three-month rainy season. The tradition of Buddhist Lent or the annual three-month rains retreat known in Lao as “Phansa”. Khao Phansa means to remain in one place during the rainy season. There are two words “Khao and Phansa” Khao denotes “enter” Phansa represents a time of renewed spiritual vigor and Khao Phansa festival is a major Buddhism merit-making festival.

The day before Khao Phansa Day is Asalha Puja Day. The day falls on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. This day is also very important in Buddhism as the day of the Triple Gems happened such as: Buddha, Dhamma, and Shangha, which the day of the Lord Buddha preached his first sermon to the five disciples such as: Anyakondanya, Padhiya, Vabbha, Mahanama, and Atsasi. The Sermon is “Dhammachakkabbhavattana sutta or (The wheels of life). The main sermon is to refrain sexual pleasure (kammasuka), and mortification (Atta kilanuyoka), and practice in the middle way (Makkamakka padhipadha), the day is usually celebrated by merit making, listening to a monk’s sermon, and joining a candle light procession during the night.

During Khao Phunsa period monks should not venture out or spend the night in any other places except in cases of extreme emergency and, even then, their time away must not exceed seven consecutive nights. The Buddha prohibited monks to travel this period because it is rainy season and hard for monks to travel in wet season and it is period of plant fertilizing. There is a story of monks travel in this period and damaged local’s plantation, so this event reached to the Buddha therefore, the Buddha didn’t allow monks to wonder to other places during the rainy season. They have to find a proper place or temple to stay and this is a time for contemplation and meditation. The monk meditates more, studies more and teaches more. For Buddhist Phansa is also customarily the season for temporary ordinations. Young men enter the monkhood for spiritual training, to gain merit for themselves and their parents, it is believed that a man who has been a monk will lead their parents to the heaven because monk is a sign of purify and happiness. For this reason, most of them are prefer to become a monk in this season. They have to spend most of their time to learn, and practicing and train themselves under guidance a venerable. Different places have different tradition and custom, according to my tradition, a boy should volunteer to stay at the temple to learn Dhamma, chant with the monks, and help work at the temple such as: clean monastery area, wash dishes, and serve monk. During the middle of Buddhist Lent of full moon of September, some province in Laos especially in Luangprabang is celebration of Boat Racing festival. The celebration starts afternoon at 1pm to 5pm. First round of the racing is women which dressed black and white to open the competition. After that the game begins to compete. The people stand alongside the River to cheer their fan of boat and there is also music near River. Every one enjoyed and spent money for drinks. The festival is hosted every year in Luangprabang. It was took place of “Nam Khan River” to race the boat which the period of higher River but in dry season the River is lower.

Pha That Luang

The That Luang Festival is a public holiday in Lao, observed on the full moon in the twelfth lunar month (usually November).

Pha That Luang (the Golden Stupa) is a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa located in the centre of Vientiane, the capital of Lao.

The first stupa was established in the third century, and is a sacred site as the tip is believed to house a relic of Buddha. It has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current incarnation dates from 1566.

It is the most important religious building in the country and a national symbol that features on the country’s emblem.

Dating back to the 16th century, the That Luang Buddhist festival is held over three-seven days during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (November).

Before dawn, thousands join in a ceremonial offering and group prayer, followed by a procession. For days afterward, a combined trade fair and carnival offers handicrafts, flowers, games, concerts, and dance shows.

The festival is one of the most popular national holidays in Lao and attracts pilgrims from all over the country and from other countries such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It is also the date of an international trade fair promoting tourism in the region.

Lao National Day

December 2, 1975, the Pathet Lao (literally “the Lao people,” the name of the Communist Party) announces the abolition of the monarchy (as of 29 November, the King and Queen Savang Vatthana Khamphoui are forced to abdicate), and proclaims the democratic Republic of Laos. Prince Souphanouvong Thao is then sworn in President.

The new flag is introduced: blue, white and red … the color red represents the blood shed for independence, and the blue represents the Mekong, or health of the country. The white disc symbolizes the moon over the Mekong, or the unity of the country under the Communist government.

Each year takes place on this occasion a rally at the first light of day. Village by village, under large banners glorified this day, people gather. In Luang Prabang, this is the new stadium that converges all formations, silently, almost reverently. Some ethnic groups have donned their costumes and parade proudly.

It’s very surprising to find that peace reigns in the city on that day. Most people celebrate the anniversary at home with friends.

Boat racing festival, Vientiane

The biggest and the most significant boat racing festival (Boun Xuang Heua) in Laos is held at the end of Buddhist lent (Awk Phansa) in Vientiane, on the Mekong River. This is known as Vientiane Boat Racing Festival and it is more or less a national festival.

The Vientiane Boat Racing Festival is held every year, starting from the 15^th day in the 11^th month in lunar calendar.

The actual race is held on the 16^th day, with heats starting early in the morning. Over 20 dragon boats and rower/paddler teams line up for the race on the Mekong River. The entrants come from all around Laos to compete in this significant festival.

There are usually three categories of boats: sport for men; traditional for men; and traditional for women. Teams of rowers are usually sponsored either by big name companies, such as Beer Lao, and telecom companies or by ministries or organisations in Vientiane.

Fa Ngum road, the road along the Mekong River bank, and other streets leading to the river are lined with stalls days before the actual festival starts. These sell all kind of clothes, food (especially grilled chicken and sticky rice cooked in bamboo pipes), fruits, and drinks. There are also sideshows, such as pop-the-balloons, where small prizes can be won all over the place.

On the race day, the town comes alive with noise and festivity as the teams make their way to the river either by truck or walking, banging drums and singing. The streets to and along the Mekong River bank are very crowded as thousands of spectators cram along to cheer their teams.

Lovers of this sport (yes, boat racing is a sport) make sure they get the best spot on the river bank. When the boats are racing down the river, you will hear people cheering, yelling, and banging drums along the river.

It is fun to observe and even more fun if you dare getting on the boat and be part of the rowing team.

Usually the races start with the women’s teams, followed by the men’s teams. The final round happens in the afternoon and sometimes it carries on until late in the afternoon. The winner in each category receives prize money and a trophy. After the races finish, the prizes are presented to the winners by high ranking officials.

The races and the prize presentation are forecasted live on the Lao national TV channel.

The most important secular celebrations are:
 Army Day on 20 January
 Pathet Lao Day on 6 January
 People’s Party Day 22 March
 Women’s Day 8 March
 Labour Day on 1 May
 Children’s Day on 1 June
 Free Lao Day on 13 August
 Liberation Day on 23 August
 Freedom from the French Day on 12 October
 National Day on 2 December

 LAOTIAN FUNERAL TRADITIONS

Laotian Religious Beliefs

Buddhism is the most common religion in Laos with 66% of the population identifying as Buddhist, as of 2010. Theravada Buddhism is the most common branch of Buddhism practiced in Laos. Buddhists believe in reincarnation — the cycle of death and rebirth. The goal is to escape the cycle and reach Nirvana, the end of suffering.

Death Superstitions

Laotians have several superstitions surrounding death and the deceased, including:

• Not killing any animals for meals during the funeral time.

• Not taking home any food from the funeral.

• Avoiding making noodle dishes until after the funeral. They consider noodles as strings that could tie the deceased to their former life instead of moving on.

• Besides the music and rituals associated with the funeral service, not playing music, singing, or dancing during the funeral.

• Washing their hands with blessed water before leaving the funeral home and entering their home.

Preparation of the Body

When someone is dying, their family members encourage them to recite Buddhist scripture or repeat Buddha’s name. If they’re unable to speak, one of their family members will whisper it in their ear.

After someone dies, they wash the body in a ritual bathing ceremony and pour water over one of the deceased’s hands. Then, they place the body in the casket for the wake.

The Wake

At the wake, mourners can come to pay their respects to the deceased and support the grieving family. The body may be kept at home for one to three days before the funeral. However, they don’t keep the body at home if the person died unexpectedly or in an accident.

Funeral Procession

There is a funeral procession to the crematory or burial location for the Laotian funeral ceremony. Cremation is more common than burial, and both embalming and cremation are acceptable funeral practices for Buddhists.

A typical funeral procession is led by Buddhist monks, followed by nuns in white robes holding the ceremonial white cloth, family members, the hearse with the casket, and friends. For the procession, male mourners shave their heads and wear Buddhist monks’ robes.

Laotian Funeral Service

A Laotian funeral service is typically led by Buddhist monks. They lead everyone in songs and prayers. Depending on the family’s preferences, the funeral can be extravagant or a fairly simple service.

For cremation, they place the casket on a pyre. There’s also usually a funeral tower placed over the casket with the ceremonial white cloth hung on it. The monks, family, and other mourners offer candles and flowers to the deceased. After the monks lead the prayers, the female family members light the pyre. Afterward, they gather the ashes and bones to put in a small stupa.

Memorialization

After the funeral, the deceased’s family has several memorial services to honor their memory, especially 100 days and one year after the death. The mourning period varies from person to person and how well they knew the deceased.

Sport in Laos

Laos is a landlocked country in the Southeast Asian region. As with most of the region, Laos loves sports and football is by far the most popular in the country.

Their national sport is called Sepak Takraw. It is a mixture of volleyball and football. Volleyball because there is a net between the two competing teams that they have to volley the ball over and football because the players are not allowed using their hands. They make contact with the ball using their feet, chest, head and knees.

Sports play a crucial role in the society of Laos and they are one of the founding countries of the Southeast Asian Games in 1959. They have never competed in the Winter Olympics but has been in the Summer Olympic Games since 1980 but are yet to grab their first medal.

The common sports in Laos are football, volleyball, Sepak Takraw (locally known as Te Ka Tor), boxing, Petanque, shooting, and golf. Today, however, many young men are more interested in participating in various fashionable games such as billiards and snooker, badminton, cycling, tennis, table tennis and team games like basketball while others are becoming professionals in athletics, archery, judo, karate, taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling and wushu.

For the average Laotian, however, football, boxing and Muay Lao, are easily the most admired sports in the country. Muay Lao is a martial art, a form of kickboxing similar to others in Southeast Asia, such as Thai Boxing (Muay Thai), Burmese Lethwei, Malaysian Tomoi and Cambodian Pradal Serey. Ball Toss, foremost played in tribal areas is a well-liked courtship game.

Literature in Laos

Traditional Lao literatures consists of Buddhist sutras, jatakas (stories connected with the past lives of the Buddha), poems and epics. Many works have been lost because they were originally written in form of palm-leaf books, which perish quickly. Other were recorded and passed down orally in the form of songs and recitations. For English speakers, the pickings are even slimmer as very few works of Lao literature have been translated to English.

The most famous piece of classical Lao literature is the Pha Lak Pha Lam , an epic based on the Hindu Ramayana . Hindu literature is believed to have been introduced to Laos via the Angor civilization in Cambodia around one thousand years ago. The Lao version of the story has uniquely Lao elements. There are even some tribal versions of the Ramayana.

Art in Laos

One of the trademarks of Laos is the diversity of its people and cultures. There are a number of traditional arts and crafts that represent their way of life. Lao has a rich cultural heritage with religious art and architecture forming the cornerstone of artistic traditions.

In his book The Art of Southeast Asia , art historian Philip Rawson dismissed Laotian art as “a provincial version of the art of Siam.”

Most of the art produced in Laos is linked with Buddhism and is usually represented in the form of sculptures and to a lesser extent frescoes and mosaics of scenes from Buddha’s life Two types of figures that are unique to Laos are “Calling of Rain” and the “Contemplating the Bodhi Tree” standing Buddha poses.

Crafts of Laos

 Traditional crafts associated with Laos include wood carving, silver smithing (particularly among the Hmong), mat and basket making, and weaving. Lao has 49 officially recognized ethnic groups. Each group has its own unique craft styles and traditions, particularly noticeable through their distinctive traditional clothing.

 The Akha ethnic group (also known as Ikor) make their own traditional clothing. The women grow and spin cotton or hemp to make cloth. They then use natural indigo dye, before weaving the thread into cloth and decorating it with colourful embroidery. To top it all off, women wear beautiful ornate headdresses.

 Each year, over 200 artists from around the country travel to Vientiane to participate in the Lao Handicraft Festival and sell an extensive variety of products including textiles, jewellery, non-timber and recycled products, pottery and many other cultural items. Beautiful handmade pieces are on sale to suit all budgets, from inexpensive souvenirs to exquisite high-end collectables. Food products such as coffee, tea, oils and spices produced in Lao are also a key feature of the event.

 Some villagers produce their own incense. These sticks and produced form materials obtained from incense is three species of trees: 1) the coconut tree leaflet is used for the stick itself; 2) Crushed bark from the wild forest tree called yarng bong (Nothaphoebe umbelliflora) is used as a sticking agent.; 3) Crushed bark from another wild forest tree called mai niem, which emits fragrance as it burns.

 Many villages here in Khammouane maintain their tradition of textile weaving. The patterns are often a mark of their cultural identity. Not only do the village women spin, dye and weave these textiles by themselves, but they usually grow the cotton too. Some individuals maintain the use of natural dyes collected from plants around their village. It you plan to purchase a textile, remember that buying naturally dyed pieces promotes the preservation of indigenous. Knowledge about the collection and extraction of natural dyes and their use in the weaving process.

 Basket weaving is usually practiced by the men of the village during the dry season. Almost all fish traps are woven from bamboo or rattan, as are sticky rice baskets, furniture and other containers. Many of a family’s daily utensils in a village are made from raw materials gathered from nature. A good example of this is khisee resin from trees is the Dipterocarpaceae family. The resin from these trees is collected, then crushed and mixed with yang oil from another tree in the same family and used to seal wooden boats and bamboo woven buckets. Next time you ride in a long-tailed boat, notice the resin filled joints many other “non-timber forest products” are used in the daily lives and economy of villages. Ask you guide or a local villager to identify and explain how non-timber forest products are used in the villages you visit.

Crafts from Savannakhet Province in Laos

 After working in the rice fields and during the agricultural off-season, locals make bamboo, straw and wood products for daily use and for sale. Items include spoons, bowls, tables, coasters and bamboo baskets for steaming sticky rice. They also create wickerwork fishing gear, wicker mats, straw hats and caps, brooms and traditional musical instruments.

 In Phouthai villages south of Savannakhet Town such as Ban Lahanam Thong, locals practice traditional cotton weaving using only natural dyes. Their products are sent to markets and shops in Savannakhet City and Vientiane, or they can be purchased in the villages of origin. In Eastern Savannakhet’s Vilabouly district, the Lane Xang Minerals Group mining operation has helped establish the Lao Silk-Cotton Weaving Center to encourage villagers to improve their traditional skills and generate income for women living near the mine. In the mountainous areas around Nong and Dong Phou Vieng NPA, the Mankhong and other ethnic groups produce distinct cotton textiles and basketry.

 Lao people have been carving wood and working metals for centuries, and the skills have been passed down from generation to generation. Artisans beautify the doors and windows of Buddhist temples with wood carvings and cast Buddha statues from copper, bronze, gold and silver. Savanxay Market and souvenir shops in Savannakhet Town sell miniature wood carvings, and Turtle Lake villagers carve and sell turtle-shaped figures. Savannakhet Art School north of the city teaches wood carving and other skills. It’s worth a visit to the school if you are interested in seeing how the next generation of Lao artisans is being trained.

Ceramics in Laos

 Lao ceramics were first uncovered in 1970 at a construction site at kilometer 3, Thadeua Road in the Vientiane area, Mekong Valley, Laos. Construction was halted only temporarily, and the kiln was hastily and unprofessionally excavated over a one-month period. At least four more kilns have been identified since then, and surface evidence and topography indicate at least one hundred more in the Ban Tao Hai (Village of the Jar Kilns) vicinity. Archaeologists have labeled the area Sisattanak Kiln Site.

 According to Honda and Shimozu , the Lao kilns are similar to the Siamese types found at Suphanburi and Si Satchanalai. But Hein, Barbetti and Sayavongkhamdy say that the Lao kilns, which are of a cross-draft clay-slab type, differ substantially not only from the Siamese types but all other types in Southeast Asia.

 Because only one kiln, VS8, has been excavated, almost no questions regarding Lao ceramic tradition have been answered. The VS8 kiln though showed no evidence of brick construction. It had square chimney foundations, a narrow firebox, and was built partly above ground. +

 The Sisattanak Kiln Site lies just outside Vientiane’s first city walls, which are dated to the 15th century. Radiocarbon dating of the kiln gives a 15th-17th century timeframe, with an earlier period of that range most likely. This is supported by the evidence of surface finds, which suggest that area kilns at higher elevations show a greater ratio of glazed to unglazed wares. The theory is that the kilns were moved up over time and that more glazed wares were fired over time. This is supported by the ceramics uncovered at VS8, a lower-elevation site, which were all of a utilitarian and domestic nature. They included pipes, domestic wares and architectural fittings. The VS8 excavation uncovered both unglazed and glazed wares. Most of the glazed wares were pipes; 1,500 pipe fragments and complete pieces were collected. Their quality indicates a well-developed tradition, and their motifs suggest the possibility that they were export wares.

 From the examples collected to date, it can be said that Lao ceramics used one kind of clay, with 5 percent quartz added as a temper. Both the clay and the quartz were finely crushed. The glazed wares were a light, translucent green (like celadon) or various shades of brown. There have also been shards showing an olive-colored glaze, not unlike the type found in Thailand.

 Many of the glazed wares have ribbed or fluted exteriors, similar to that of the silver bowls ubiquitous in Laos, both the regular silver bowls (“oh tum”) and the silver stem bowls (“khan”). Glazed ceramic stem bowls have been collected as surface finds at the Sisattanak Kiln Site. Decorations to glazed wares show a great measure of restraint, with simple incisions, stamps and fluting. Unglazed wares are similarly austere. They are generally not decorated with incisions or stamps, which are common in other Southeast Asian wares. The VS8 excavation in 1989 added to an ever-increasing body of evidence that Lao ceramic tradition is significant. Future excavations are expected to prove that Lao ceramic production was comparable to that of other countries in the region.

Traditional Textiles in Laos

 Laos is famous for silk and cotton garments and garments which feature weaving techniques, weaving styles and loom designs that are unique to Laos. Textiles from the north feature a complex array of geometric patterns and animal and plant shapes mix with solid colors while southern textiles feature unique weaving styles and “tie-died” designs. The hill tribes also have their own unique styles.

 Traditional Laotian textiles was decorated with long-nosed lion-elephants, Naga serpents, mountains and magical Mon birds. Buddhist and animist beliefs make their way into the diamond patterns characteristic of Lao weaving. In some places helicopters are featured motifs. The images and patterns have traditionally been painted first and then copied, which partly explains why Lao textiles are so colorful.

 Made from silk or cotton, Laotian fabrics are breathable and died using vegetables and plants to give them their characteristic bright colors. The art of making Laotian silk nearly died during the period of wars that lasted form the 1950s to the 1970s. The art form has been encouraged in recent years as a source of income for the poor. Tourism has been great for business.

 The traditional phaa sin — a wraparound skirt— is worn by school and university students and government office workers. A vast choice of phaa sin, shawls, bags and jewelry can be found in the morning market and around Vientiane. As well as traditional Lao weavings, you will find hill-tribe embroidery, wall hangings and quilts. The inherent art-form of weaving has been practiced in Laos since the 14th century; subsequently it has attracted the attention of affluent and educated western based weavers who have descended on Laos to re-establish the trade that dwindled under the Communist regime. Many operate on a fair trade basis, working to increase sustainable development within the country.

Weaving in Laos

 The Lao people and other ethnic groups form Laos are famous for their weaving. They have traditionally used natural fibers, cotton and silk and natural dyes like blue from indigo, red from lac (a laquer made from beetle shells), pink from sappanwood and yellow from jackfruit and breadfruit wood; and have traditionally recorded events and told stories with the textiles they produced.

 Weaving has traditionally been women’s work performed at home. Looms have traditionally been kept under stilted bamboo houses of Laos and unraveling silk threads and spinning cotton yarns were main the daily chores and activities performed by women. The advantage with working at home is that women could can and care for their children at the same time.

 On the skill of Laotian women weavers. Carol Cassidy, the American owner of a weaving business, said, weaving skills “can’t be taught. It simply exists. Weavers come to me with skills in their hands that have been cultivated over centuries of grandmothers teaching granddaughters. My best weavers represent generations of skill.”

WOODCARVING

At one time forests covered much of Laos, providing the raw materials for the emergence of woodcarving as a major craft.

Woodcarving traditionally served as a sculptural art, and with the spread of Buddhism it assumed an increasingly important role in the production of Buddha images and the carving of temple and palace door frames, pillars, roofs, lintels and decorative friezes. During the Lane Xang era skilled carpenters were also employed to produce royal thrones, ornate wooden furniture, royal barges and other forms of regal and aristocratic transportation such as palanquins and elephant howdahs. By the early 20th century their work had expanded to include the production of high-quality tables, chairs and cabinets for a growing urban middle class.

The decline in traditional Buddhist practices during the 1970s resulted in the loss of many traditional woodcarving skills within the monkhood which the UNESCO Cultural Survival and Revival in the Buddhist Sangha Project in Luang Prabang, is currently seeking to revive. In the meantime, despite restrictions on woodcutting designed to halt the country’s already serious environmental degradation, demand for domestic furniture shows no sign of abating.

Laotian Traditional Music

Laotian music is often compared with Cambodia and Thailand’s music since they have the same Siamese origin. Above all, Laos’ music also has its own characteristics and features. It has been divided into two categories: classical and folk music. With the support of a traditional instrument: Khene, Wot, and Laos’ Dance, they have made up a Laotian combination of unique and fascination. 

Origin of Laos Music

Laotian music is under the influence of many kinds of music coming from China and Thailand. Since the immigration of Tai people from Southern China to Laos and Thailand nowadays, we see Laos and Thailand share some similar features in music: they both use “Wot” as their traditional instrument in Laos and Northern Thailand. Another reason adding to the similarity of Laos and Thailand music is that the Siamese conquered Laos around the 19th century from Thailand. If the north of Laos is affected by Chinese and Thai culture, Southern part of Laos is under the influence of Mon-Khmer’s culture; therefore, Laos’ music also contains Mon-Khmer Soul in it.

Laos Khene

Khene is the identification of Laotian traditional music since every traditional song or dance, there’s always the presence of Khene. This instrument is a mouth organ made of 7-8 pairs of bamboo pipes which connect with a small, hollowed-out hardwood reservoir. That is where the air coming in and creating the sound like the violin. There is a Laotian sentence meaning: If a person lives in a stilted house, eats sticky rice, listen to Mor Lam or Lam Lao (Laos’music) and plays Khene, that person must be a Laotian or has some relation to Laos. Khene can be considered as the national music instrument in Laos. Its usage is also variable and simple, we can choose to play it alone and enjoy the sound or use to support singer or regards it as instrument ensembles.

Additionally, a Laotian traditional storytelling show Garavek featuring Khene has been very popular in Luang Prabang is an example of Laotian folk music. In the show, you will have a chance to hear about the legendary story about Luang Prabang which explains names of many famous sites in Luang Prabang, which is another way to enjoy the show and gain more knowledge about this unique land, Laos.

Laos Classical Music

Laotian classical music closely relates to the same kind of music from Siam (Siam can partly be understood as Thailand). The classical genre is divided into two types of music: Sep Nyai and Sep Noi. Sep Nyai is usually used as formal music in ceremonies and important occasions, meanwhile, Sep Noi allows you to play popular tones.

Laos Folk music

The most important feature to distinguish between Laotian classical music and Laotian Folk Music is their instruments. Laotian folk music is one kind of extemporaneous singing with the companion of “Khene (Khane)” which is Laos’ most popular traditional instrument. Folk music is called “Lam” and Mor Lam is another version of Lam including two singers: one male and one female with a khene player and another instrument player. In another way, Mor Lam is also understood as a group of folk music singers and players.

Laos Folk Dance

Lao folk dances are numerous and varied, much like lam Laos. In fact, most lam also has an associated folk dance. And other popular dances include the southern Lam Tang Vai and Lam Saravane

The most popular folk dance, however, is the lam vong. It is the national dance of Laos, and versions of it exist throughout the Lao-speaking region and even Cambodia, where it is known as ramvon. A slow and graceful couples dance, the men form an inner circle and the women an outer circle, with couples dancing around each other while moving in their respective circles. It is a common feature of weddings, celebrations, and other social events.

Bamboo Dance

Bamboo Dance is the most exciting dance in Laos’ mountainous area. This kind of dancing requires your flexibility and skillful feet in each move. Your job is to listen to the music and try your best to move with the rhythm while two other persons tap and switch the bamboo poles on the ground and against each other. The pleasure and enjoyment of the dance are created in order to celebrate a special occasion or festival.

Lao Traditional Houses

The architecture of the house is really rich and varied, although all are built on the foundation of traditional houses, we always encounter a combination of different architectural styles. Most of the buildings were built between 1910 and 1925. This type of home is probably still popular because it has the appropriate techniques to be climatic lands such as the roof system, cargo the spacious terrace, ventilation system and so on. Especially, it also combines the traditional architecture of Laos: the form of roofs, decorative details.

The Lao people often live along rivers and streams. In the architecture of the Lao people, the house is usually made of wood, the way along the rivers or streams and always towards one direction. Like the Southeast Asian countries, house building is considered a serious business and every custom strictly adhere. According to Lao people, the house is regarded as a refuge throughout life. And all joys or sorrows take place under this house takes place in their own home.

How to Build Lao Traditional Houses

To build a wooden house even it is large or small, Lao people follow these steps:

First, they will find a huge pillar, then prepare enough number of bamboo sticks to build a house, the next step will bury the columns and wall around, and the last step is to make the roof, the roof is typical of Lao people.

According to the Lao people, the determinant of sustainability in the house of the Lao people is the column. Because the pole is buried underground, it is very easy to cause moisture, so this wood must be good wood. The good trees must be straight, to be selected. If unfortunately choose to make a bad wood home, Lao people think that it will cause damage to the health of homeowners. After picking up the favorite tree, before cutting it, the host must go around three circles from left to right, knocking on the trunk and reading pleas for good things. When cutting, the owner must choose the direction of the tree to the ground immediately. The column is moved to the village, using fire to peel and hole. The calculation of the size of the house is done by a master. For Lao people, numbers 6, 8, 9 are considered lucky numbers.

After preparing all the materials, the elders will choose a good day, and the landlord will inform everyone in the village of the house. According to Laotian custom, every household has someone to help. And all the work on the pillar must be completed in one day.

Laotians usually build their houses in the north, with their back facing south. If you turn to another direction or the house crossing east-west is taboo. According to the Lao custom, a house must have eight columns. When building houses, people also have to build 2 columns south and east first. Before putting up the column, add fresh banana leaf or gravel beforehand. At the top of the column tied fresh leaves with thread or silkworm. By the rituals and the processes, Lao people believe that happiness will come to the owner, labor life will be lucky.

After completing the house, before moving to the new house, Participants in the village include members of the village and the elderly. Previously, the ceremony was held solemnly and carefully, but today it has been simplified.

Structure of the Lao Traditional Houses

The house of the Lao people is divided into two main parts: the outside is the dining, cooking, and living of the whole family. Inside is a suite of closets, where parents and children stay. If it is the home of their chief, there will be a chamber to worship. In particular, children, women, strangers are not allowed to enter the door. The house of the Lao often has a short roof and a long roof, so the house is not bright. It may be south-west wind architecture in the rainy season and the East-North wind in the dry season.

Today, Lao people tend to build bigger houses than before with higher roofs and more windows. Under the house, there are only looms and tools. At the foot of the stairs, the Lao people often plant marigold flowers. A special feature in the design of the Lao people, they do not build toilets. In the north, in some villages, they often stool into rivers or streams. In some places, bowing to the river is a taboo. When using a spade to dig holes for defecation, the Lao people think that if the ghost eats his feces, he will die of the intestinal disease.

Laos National Flower – Dok Champa

Whenever you travel to Laos, it is easy to encounter this typical flower everywhere. The scientific name of this kind of flower is Plumeria Rubra Flower which belongs to the genus Plumeria and the more well-known name is Frangipani. If you intend to ask locals about Plumeria Rubra or Frangipani, they absolutely don’t have any idea about it, instead, Plumeria is known under the name Dok Champa by Laotian. Dok Champa consists of two parts Dok and Champa. Dok means flower and Champa is the name of frangipani in Laotian.

Dok Champa has a pure color and an elegant scent, making it the perfect symbol of sincerity and joy in life. It also represents immortality according to Buddhism. As a result, Dok Champa is very easy to come across near temples and monasteries around Laos. Dok Champa has a lot of meanings depending on which cultures we are talking about. In some places, it is believed that Dok Champa is the perfect gift as it is the symbol of luck and a new beginning. If someone gives you Dok Champa as presents, it means that the person wants to cheer you up and hope that you would leave negative things behind and move forward to a brighter future.

To Laotians, in particular, this national flower shows the gentle and sweet nature of the people whose mellowness is forged mostly by Buddhism.
Although Laos has tens of thousands of beautiful flowers and most of which are eye-catching and have rich scents, Dok Champa still holds a special place in the heart of Laotians and is an irreplaceable part of this lovely country’s culture. It showcases the profound meanings hidden behind it and the perfect way in which it describes the characteristics of Lao people – gentle, kind, not too passionate but undoubtedly good-natured.

Dok Champa Flower in Daily Life

Given its association with Buddhism, Dok Champa is planted everywhere in Laos and it’s especially easy to be found in monasteries and temples. In fact, Lao people plant so much Dok Champa to the point that the country is sometimes referred to as the “Kingdom of Champa.” If you have the chance to go to Laos and participate in any festivals of this beautiful country, you will see how much Laotians adore their national flower. As Dok Champa blooms during April and May, just in the time for the traditional Laos New Year, it has become an important part of the festival itself.

Before the festival actually arrives, Laotians collect a lot of Champa flowers and store them in their houses. They put some into jars and pour alcohol diluted with distilled water to get Champa fragrant water. This kind of fragrant water is then poured into a silver bowl and placed in the living room on New Year’s Day. People then dip Dok Champa into this kind of water and flick it on the shoulders of the visitors that come to their houses during New Year to send their best regards.

Lao nobles used to use Dok Champa water to bathe and the flowers to decorate their hair during the New Year. Couples often use Dok Champa as gifts to express their earnest and loyal love. Dok Champa is also used on the hair of the girls that perform Lam vong, the traditional and most popular dance of Laos. It can be said the Dok Champa has become so much more than just a beloved type of flower, it represents the characteristics of Lao people and has penetrated deep into the daily life of locals to the point that it can express the identity of the whole nation.

Laos national animal

The national animal of Laos is an Indian Elephant. Many different species of elephants are found in Laos, and that is why it is called as Land of Million Elephants. It is also a symbol of prosperity and strength for people of Laos.

Laos Food

In Laos, food is the most important activity throughout the day. In the local language, it is quite common for people to greet each other by immediately asking, “Have you eaten food?” (“Kin khao laeo bor?”). Food is often the topic of many conversations, especially when eating and sharing dishes between friends and family. Additionally, Lao people take great passion in sharing traditional dishes with curious travelers.

Lao people were originally migrants from Southern China, composing of many different ethnic groups with distinct languages and cultures. As they moved further South, they brought their traditions along with them. Due to historical Lao migration from the Lao PDR into Thailand and neighbouring countries, Lao cuisine has a much broader recognition in the world. According to Arne Kislenko, there are more ethnic Lao living in Northern Thailand than Lao itself, leading to certain Lao dishes being found far beyond the borders of the Lao PDR. In fact, much of the food in Thailand that is called Isan is traditionally Lao rather than Thai. However, we believe that the best way to try Lao food is by exploring the diversity of cuisines found inside the borders of Laos.

Landlocked, mountainous in the north and bordered by the Mekong River on its western border with Thailand, the land and waters of Laos yield fresh dishes that vary wildly across regions and seasons. Water buffalo, wild boar, and river fish—the Lao peoples’ main sources of protein—betray close access to rice fields, jungles, and rivers.

While Lao food bears some resemblance to Thai cuisine, the differences are deeper than they appear at first glance. Unlike Thais, the Lao also cook with dill and mint, with a preference for fresh greens.

The Lao disdain sweet food, preferring bitter and herbal flavors in their meals. And the Lao predilection for eating with their hands dictates the form and temperature of their foods (the Lao never serve food piping-hot!).

Key ingredients in Lao cuisine

Padaek, made with fermented fresh water fish, is the Lao equivalent of fish sauce but is more pungent and has chunks of fish in it. It’s essential flavouring that imparts the umami flavours found in most South East Asian dishes. This sauce is the key to Lao cuisine and is used in cooking and in dipping sauces. Insects like grasshoppers and crickets feature a lot in original Lao dishes too. The most popular are ant larvae, bamboo caterpillar, grasshoppers and crickets.

Much of the local cuisine in Laos is from foraged vegetables like bamboo and mushrooms.

Eating customs

The traditional manner of eating was communal, with diners sitting on a reed mat on the wooden floor around a raised platform woven out of rattan called a ka toke.

Dishes are arranged on the ka toke, which is of a standard size. Where there are many diners, multiple ka tokes will be prepared. Each ka toke will have one or more baskets of sticky rice, which is shared by all the diners at the ka toke.

In recent times, eating at a ka toke is the exception rather than the rule. The custom is maintained, however, at temples, where each monk is served his meal on a ka toke.

Once food is placed on the ka toke it becomes a pha kao. In modern homes, the term for preparing the table for a meal is still taeng pha kao, or prepare the phah kao.

Traditionally, spoons were used only for soups and white rice, and chopsticks (ໄມ້ທູ່,mai thu) were used only for noodles. Most food was handled by hand. The reason this custom evolved is probably due to the fact that sticky rice can only be easily handled by hand.

Lao meals typically consist of a soup dish, a grilled dish, a sauce, greens, and a stew or mixed dish (koy or laap).

The greens are usually fresh raw greens, herbs and other vegetables, though depending on the dish they accompany, they could also be steamed or more typically, parboiled.

Dishes are not eaten in sequence; the soup is sipped throughout the meal. Beverages, including water, are not typically a part of the meal.

When guests are present, the meal is always a feast, with food made in quantities sufficient for twice the number of diners. For a host, not having enough food for guests would be humiliating.

The custom is to close the rice basket, when one is finished eating.

Tradition Dishes

STICKY RICE (KHAO NIAW)

Khao niao, meaning sticky rice, is immensely popular in Laos and Northern Thailand as part of the everyday food combinations. Making the dish involves letting the rice soak in water overnight, then steaming it over a charcoal fire the next morning and putting it in little baskets after it cools down. It is eaten by hand without utensils, either by itself or as a part of a more substantial meal.

MINCED MEAT SALAD

Laarb is the quintessential Laotian dish, often made with raw meat or fish.

GREEN PAPAYA SALAD (TAM MAK HOONG)

Green papaya salad is claimed as an innovation of the Lao people, which was introduced to central Thailand and the rest of the world by the Lao/Isan migrants moving to Bangkok to seek work.

The main ingredients are thin and crunchy papaya strips, which can be complemented with a variety of other vegetables such as long beans or green mangoes.

The salad is often topped with preserved or fresh crab meat, peanuts, or dried shrimps. Besides green papaya, the crucial element is a slightly sweet and spicy sauce that is generously poured over the salad. It employs classic Thai ingredients such as spicy chilis, garlic, lime juice, palm sugar, roasted ground peanuts, and tomatoes, all combined and ground into a paste.

The sauce can also appear in many other combinations, and can greatly vary in sweetness and spiciness. Numerous restaurants and street stalls allow the customers to choose the variety which they prefer and to adjust the ingredients to their preference.

STEAMED FISH (MOK PA)

Mok pa – fish steamed with herbs steamed in banana leaves. You get hints of umami with the fish sauce, earthiness from the herbs, a little brightness with the lemongrass and a little heat with the chili. The recipe is typically made with a mild white fish like tilapia, but catfish is also commonly used.The herbs in the dish adds flavor pockets in every bite. The best part is that it’s steamed fish! No guilty feelings whatsoever. You wouldn’t believe steamed fish can taste this good.

BAGUETTE PATÉ (KHAO JII PATÉ)

 It is a famous street food in Laos. This kind of baguette is split in half and filled with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, carrot, onion and optional cheese, moo yor (pork lunchmeat), chopped ham and topped with pâté or chili sauce.

It is great to taste Khao Jee sandwich in the morning with a cup of strong filtered coffee.

WET NOODLES (KHAO PIAK SEN)

Khao piak sén is a rice noodle soup that is a part of traditional Laotian cuisine. It literally translates to wet rice strands. It is a common comfort food that’s great for a cold day.

The broth for Khao piak sen is usually made from chicken. The broth is simmered with galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. In addition, some also simmer the broth with garlic cooked in oil.

The noodles in Khao piak sen are chewy fresh noodles that add a lot of starch to the overall dish. The noodles are made of rice flour, tapioca starch, and water. The noodles cook directly in the broth, releasing starches that give khao piak sen its distinct consistency.

When served, the noodle soup is garnished with shredded chicken, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, cabbage, fried garlic, fried shallots, lime, fried garlic chili and/or fish sauce. Bean sprouts are sometimes added.

CRISPY RICE SALAD (NAEM KHAO TOD)

Nam khao (Lao: ແໝມເຂົ້າ) also known as Lao crispy rice salad, Lao fried rice ball salad, nam kao tod, naem khao thawt, nem khao, “nam khun” or naem khao is a salad from Laos and is made with deep-fried rice balls, chunks of Lao-style fermented pork sausage called som moo, chopped peanuts, grated coconut, sliced scallions or shallots, mint, cilantro, lime juice, fish sauce, and other ingredients. Nam khao is traditionally eaten as a wrap by filling individual leaves (i.e. lettuce) with a spoonful of the tangy Nam khao mixture and then topping it with fresh herbs and dried chili peppers. The traditional Lao method of making Nam khao involves seasoning a batch of cooked rice with red curry paste, sugar, salt, and grated coconut, and then forming the mixture into tightly packed large rice ball.

LAO SAUSAGES (SAI UAH, SAI GOK)

Lao sausages are an herb-infused meat that are unlike any other sausage you have ever enjoyed before. These pork sausages are mixed with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir leaves, shallots, cilantro, chili, and fish sauce. Sausages are essential to many dishes, and it must be eaten with sticky rice.

NOODLE SOUP (PHOR)

Noodle soup is made with a beef broth rich with ginger, fish sauce, star anise, and onions. Into that go rice noodles, sirloin, scallions, bean sprouts.

Or Lam

This Laotian dish is popular in the mountainous region of Luang Prabang, the magical city in the northern part of Central Laos.

It is a complex and mildly spicy stew, multi layered with flavors and textures, creating a unique, nutritious and delicious dish. It possesses a subtle harmony within a charismatic orchestra of flavors and textures; the taste of meat coupled with the sweetness of vegetables, opposing the bitterness of the greens and willingly surrendering to the aroma of fresh dill and fragrant lemon basil… but it’s not all yet….

The stew’s base is a mild peppery broth prepared by slowly simmering lemongrass, chili and pepper wood (sakhaan) with the preferred meat, depends on the type of meat, it can be used fresh, dried, salted or grilled.

The meat of choice is usually dried and salted buffalo meat, but really, any meat can be used – game meat (usually roasted first), quails, small jungle birds, deer, beef and even the common chicken will make a great Or Lam.

Tam Lao

Tam Lao is a version of spicy young papaya salad that has black crab, dried shrimp, tomatoes and the pungent Lao fish sauce, padek. This dish is served spicy with a generous portion of dried red chilies. The funky spicy flavour is cut with a bit of sugar and citrus.

Jaew Bong (Hot Pepper Dip)

A favorite of both Lao natives and visitors alike, jaew bong is a spicy variety of a traditional dipping sauce (jaew) that accompanies most Lao dishes. 

Jaew bong is a sticky mass of fish sauce, palm sugar, dried chili, garlic, shallots, and tamarind. The mixture is fried in oil, then cooked at a low temperature to meld the flavors and thicken it up, resulting in a funky, slightly sweet spread with a low-intensity spicy burn.

Muu Haeng (Sun-Dried Pork) and Siin Haeng (Sun-Dried Beef)

Muu Haeng or Siin Haeng are dried foods made from thin slices of pork or beef are marinated and then sun-dried. The marinade is a mixture of fish sauce, black soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chopped cilantro, garlic, galangal, lemongrass, and ginger.

Piing Hua Jai Kai (Grilled Chicken Hearts)

Piing hua jai kai are a snack commonly found in street markets, threaded on a stick along with other tasty bits of offal. The chicken hearts, which are about the size of a quarter, get trimmed of fat and butterflied down the center before being marinated overnight in a host of ingredients, including ground lemongrass, galangal, ginger, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and palm sugar.

Coconut Sweets

One of the Laos dessert is the most are small round coconut rice pancakes cooked in a mold griddle. Called Khanom Nom Kok, these small pancakes are slightly chewy, made with rice and coconut and with a mild sweet flavor. There are easy to share and eat as a snack.

Lao dessert

Kanom Khai Nok Khata

Kanom khai nok khata (ຂະນົມ ໄຂ່ນົກກະທາ) are small fried sweet potato balls. They are crispy on the outside, but soft and creamy because of the sweet potato and coconut milk that have been incorporated into the dough.

Kanom Kai Hong

It’s glazed donuts meets sesame balls with this recipe featuring a glutinous rice dough filled mung beans and coated in a sugar glaze. Chewy outside and soft mung bean center. 

Khao Thom Pad

Khao thom pad is a classic Lao dessert consisting of a coconut sweet rice with banana wrapped in a parcel and steamed in banana leaves. 

Salee Haw Kaab

Salee haw kaab, which literally translate to corn wrapped in husk is a lesser known Lao dessert made of sticky rice, coconut and corn. The ingredients are traditionally pounded together in a mortar and pestle, sweetened and then steamed. 

Drinks in Laos

Laos has all the international favorites available when it comes to drinks, but the local juices, including sugar cane juice and coconut milk are among the more authentic locals. Tea is also very popular in Laos and it is generally served with sweetened condensed milk over ice. Coffee, milk, and soft drinks are also readily available in Laos.

If you want some alcohol in Laos try the local beers, starting with “Beerlao,” which is highly regarding by locals and foreigners alike. For a more authentic local taste, try the lao hai, which is similar to sake or lao lao, which is similar to whiskey. Lao lao is a popular drink in Laos and well patronized because of its local origin. Moreover, Lao Lao is very cheap and easily affordable by all class of people. This implies Lao Lao is a poor man’s drink in Laos. Lao hai is the Laotian wine and drunk by all. This Laotian drink is made of rice. Since the rice wine is brewed in an earthen pot (hai), it is known as Lao Hai. Other whiskeys also exist as whiskey is oddly popular in Laos, but still takes a back seat to beer.

The tap water in Laos should not be consumed. Be sure to also avoid anything with ice as it may have been made from the tap water. Salads and fruits could have also been washed in the tap water so be careful with those foods as well.

Som moo

Som moo, literally “sour pork”, is a type of fermented or soured Laotian pork sausage that is a very popular staple. It is made from raw pork consisting of rump and it typically is made with pork skin.

In Laos, it is sometimes wrapped in star gooseberry leaves (“bai ma yom”) or banana leaves for additional flavoring. Som moo may be eaten raw or cooked using common methods such as grilling. It is similar to the Vietnamese nem or nem chua and Thai naem.

Khanom Mo Kaeng

Khanom mo keang is a traditional Thai dessert that is bit of a cross between custard, a flan, and a cake. It is very sweet and soft, and is so good that you can easily eat multiple portions in one sitting!

Grilled fish

One of the specialties that tourists cannot ignore is the seafood that is the product of the river. Grilled fish is mainly the fish of the Mekong River with a simple processing, but always considered the best dish among the dishes. Fish to make grilled fish is about a half of kg, must be fresh, usually the fish from rivers and streams like carp and amur.

After initial processing, people clean, remove the intestines of fish, then add salt in about 10-15 minutes, then grill fish to the fresh bamboo bar to grill directly on charcoal. The fish is cooked and fragrant, people use claw stripe along the fish, the fish is removed intact, not broken. Since the fish was salted before baking, so when cooked, baked fish skin is not covered with a layer of salt, fish does not stick to the skin and fish is very fragrant. Grilled fish served with vegetables and can be added with fish sauce or salt. Beside the vegetables, you can eat fish with grilled rice, sticky rice to feel the full sweetness of fish, the piquancy of chili, and the aroma of spices.

Do and Don’t in Laos

Foreigners can sometimes find it difficult to navigate the cultural norms of Lao culture, especially first time visitors. Knowing what might be considered offensive to the Lao people can help avoiding embarrassment and possible trouble.

Laotians are hospitable, friendly and soft people. They have a very relaxed attitude to life. You should have no troubles navigating Lao culture and interacting with locals as long as you use your head, eyes and your common sense.

To make your travel experience more enjoyable in Laos, There are some
simple but important Do’s and Don’ts you should remember throughout
your stay.
By respecting Laos customs and culture you will get so much more from
your experience in Laos, earning the respect from the local people makes
for far more interesting and successful local interactions, and best of all, it
will aid you getting those good prices in the local markets!
Take a look at the list below.

The Lao language is quite direct and does not encompass many polite phrases. While ‘thank you’, kop chai, is widely used in interactions, the word for ‘please’ is so rare, it’s only ever used in customer service recordings or when speaking to high-ranking government officials. The phrase ‘excuse me’, koh toht, is rarely uttered. People often bump into each other in crowded spaces like markets or tuk tuks, but usually don’t feel a need to excuse themselves and instead consider it a natural part of being in close proximity to others.

Possibly the most important phrase to remember is the standard Lao greeting of sabai dee, literally meaning ‘it goes well’. It can be hollered across the street at someone, but when being introduced it is accompanied by a formal gesture called the nop — press your hands together as if praying and bow your head slightly. This is somewhat the equivalent of shaking hands, so it’s not always necessary.

If you’re being introduced to someone new, do use the nop. A handshake is not traditional, but often also acceptable, especially in Vientiane. Kissing someone’s cheek or hand will certainly overstep a Lao person’s boundaries and especially make women very embarrassed.

The Lao word for “hello” is “Sabai Dee”, say it with smile and you’ll be well received. 

The head is considered high. It is not acceptable to touch Lao people’s heads, so bear that in mind.Feet are low. Placing them on furniture or pointing at things or people with your feet is not acceptable.

 Feet are low. Placing them on furniture or pointing at things or people with your feet is not acceptable.

In offices, never place your feet on a desk while sitting on a chair, that’s very impolite. Some foreign specialists/advisors have been thrown out doing this, so be especially careful if you come to work here.

Kissing in public is frowned upon, and holding hands is the most intimate level of romantic interest that is acceptable to express in public. Overt sexual behavior is not welcomed and neither is showing too much skin.

It’s not accepted when tourists wear their swimwear walking around the streets, although for a while it was fairly popular in places like Vang Vieng. If you walk into a shop or a restaurant in your swim trunks or a bikini, the staff probably won’t say anything, but they’ll consider this behavior to be vulgar; they’d much prefer that men kept their shirts on and women covered up their curvy bits.

Most Lao people swim in rivers or waterfalls with at least shorts and a T-shirt. It is more polite to do this rather than walk around in swimsuits or bikinis. Also if you are in the country and have to bathe in the river, women should wear a sarong.

Don’t argue with police

Should you be stopped by the police for any minor offence, it’s inadvisable to put up a fight or go to the police station. Often the underpaid police force is simply looking to extort money from tourists. Just pay the bribe and be on your way – however, be warned that it is a serious offence to pay bribe money in many countries, so don’t go boasting about it when you get back home. It’s no use making rational arguments about the dozens of Lao people you’ve seen doing the same thing that you allegedly got stopped for. The justice system is not the same in Laos as other countries, and the best thing for everyone is to comply, save face and move on.

Before entering a Lao person’s home, take your shoes off and leave them outside the house or on stairs.

In Lao homes, if the host (especially elderly person) sits on the floor you should sit there as well, don’t sit anywhere higher if you want to be seen as a respectful person.

It is polite to gently crouch down when walking past someone who is seated, especially older people

Stepping over someone on your path is very impolite, similarly stepping over food is disgusting and some Lao won’t eat the food that has been stepped over.

Lao people usually serve water to guests arriving at their home, it is polite to accept it even if you don’t want to drink (you don’t have to drink it).

In a Lao gathering, keep a low profile and you’ll maximize your chances of social success in Laos.

When you visit temples (call “Wat”) avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and short skirts/pants.

It is also forbidden for a woman to touch a Buddhist monk.

Some other carefully observed Buddhist customs relate to the belief that the head is the most sacred part of the body and the feet the most impure; touching the top of someone’s head is therefore a strong personal violation, as it is the crown of their spiritual body.

Dress neatly when visiting religious shrines or temples.

At some temples, women in shorts or short skirts are required to put on a Lao skirt as a top layer before entering the place. Lao skirts are available for rent or lend on spot.

Accept any water that Lao people serve you even if you don’t want to drink.

It is OK to wear shoes if you just walk around a temple compound, but don’t forget to remove them before entering the chapel.

Don’t use plastic bags and return rubbish to towns or villages.

Don’t shout, argue or rush

Lao people want to save face at all costs; they do not shout or argue loudly. There is not a strong bargaining culture in Laos, so if a price has already been lowered slightly, don’t argue the price down further; the salesperson might end up selling the item to you at a loss rather than losing face. Service is slow in shops and restaurant and the quality of service varies greatly. 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.

Don’t buy antiques or wildlife products

Weak laws and lax enforcement of those that do exist has led to illegal poaching of the wild animals that were once prevalent in Laos. It’s illegal to take ivory, or animal pelts or products out of Laos. They will be confiscated and you will be fined. It’s also illegal to take antique Buddha sculptures out of the county, as many have been stolen from temples, which deplete cultural heritage.

Protect the environment and respect cultural resources. Be mindful of where you walk to avoid disturbing the natural ecosystem – stay on trekking paths or in designated areas. Help preserve Laos’ centuries-old architecture and archeological treasures by avoiding, climbing on or touching them. Purchase local handicrafts and products to support the local economy. Plus, they make unique souvenirs!

Do not engage in child sex exploitation, or exploitation of any kind.

A quirky difference in gestures is that it’s rude to point your fingers upward. While waving hello is fine, people will beckon you with their hand pointing down. The Lao only point their fingers upward when calling their pets or motioning to someone with the intention of insulting them.

You might find it hard to communicate with locals if you don’t speak Lao especially in the countryside where not many people speak English. If things don’t quite work the way you expect, remember to keep cool, don’t loose your temper or raise your voice. It won’t help, it will only make you look bad.

Always carry your passport if you’re a tourist or an ID card if you’re living here in Laos. Tourists are seldom checked, but you never know when the police will approach you. If you fail to provide your identification you risk running into troubles.

Carry your driving licence if you drive.

Always wear helmets when riding motorcycles or bikes, traffic sense is not that great in this country and there are a lot of accidents.

Avoid traveling on the roads during holiday periods such as Lao New Year.

The Lao concept of personal space is far more lax than in the West. Being intimately wedged against a stranger in public spaces is of little concern, and taking the liberty to pinch a child’s cheek or absent-mindedly stroke someone’s arm while talking to them is a common sight between people whether they’re old friends or it’s their first encounter. Some people may even pat a particularly rotund belly, as joking about weight is entirely acceptable. Yet commenting on someone’s dark skin will be considered an insult and girls will find it just as upsetting as if you called someone fat in the West.

The use of drugs is illegal in Laos. 

Don’t give gifts or money to children, or a poor novice in the temple as it encourages begging. Instead, it is wise to give to an established organization or village elders.

These are just some basic tips, but they should be sufficient to help ease your stay in Laos.

Si Phan Don  is a group of islands in the Mekong River in Southern Laos. Si Phan Don literally means “4,000 Islands” in the Lao language. Located on the border with Cambodia, these islands are a welcome surprise in a landlocked country. Some of them are no bigger than a boulder, others offer a paradise getaway in the Mekong River.

The Four Thousand Islands have three main destinations for travellers：Don （Island) Khong is the biggest, but apart from the usual chill & look, a museum and some temples there’s nothing great to do there. Most people head to Don Det or Don Khon, where most accommodation is cheaper, you can walk to one of the big Mekong-Falls by yourself, and biking and walking and swimming in the river is just the same as in Don Khong. Don Som has a guesthouse now as well located in the village Ban Thamakheb and this islands sees very few tourists.

Don Khong History Museum

 Khong History Museum is an ideal place to gain more knowledge about the islands. It is two-storey house which was built in French colonial style by the local government Kou Abhay in 1935. It is called as the Brick House or Sathanavoudthi which means Garden of Eden by some villagers. The first floor is the place where you can get the information about the history of the island, houses and families and see the tradition instruments. The upper one is used to display the original furniture. It’s really interesting and worth your time. 

 Khone Phapheng Waterfall

The Khone Phapheng is one of the Si Phan Don Islands’ largest waterfalls, and its surrounding pool is frequented by fishermen. It’s fascinating to watch fishermen competing to obtain the biggest catch of some of the gigantic and rare species of fish. The force exerted by this waterfall on the Mekong River is immense, hindering boats from traveling to China. Regardless, the Khone Phapheng waterfall offers an unforgettable view. However, access to this waterfall isn’t free. Thankfully, there is a shuttle in the surrounding area, making it easier to reach the waterfall.

The highest fall in Khone Phapheng Falls is just 21 meters, but what makes it largest is the succession of rapids which stretches 9.7km of the river’s length.

Surprisingly, Khone Phapheng Falls is a very popular attraction for foreigners, especially the locals, Thais, and Vietnamese.

You’re not going to find large Korean and Chinese tourist groups here. It’s not a very popular destination for them, yet.

Facilities are very well-maintained, the whole area was clean and neat, and there are free buggy cars to bring you around.

There are English languages on all the information boards and signboards so you’ll not have any problems navigating around.

Pay the entrance fee of 60,000 Kip per person at the counter and you’ll get a sticker for admission.

Yes, it’s probably the most expensive attraction in Laos.

Wat Khon Tai

Don Khon’s main Buddhist temple was built on the site of an ancient Khmer shrine. Hidden behind the old ordination hall, which is itself tucked away behind a modern building, is an old, beautifully decrepit stupa and a Khmer-era shiva lingam. Other ancient stone blocks lie scattered around the grounds. Also take a look at the long racing boats stored nearby.

Xai Kong Nyai Beach

Xai Kong Nyai Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Don Khon and this is the perfect place to spend some time if you want to relax on the Si Phan Don Islands.

You can also swim in the waters off the coast of the beach although you need to be aware that the currents are changeable here and can be strong in places.

Another highlight of the beach is that you will also find a few simple restaurants here which are the ideal spot to grab a drink and some food as you make a day of it at the beach.

There are also a number of traditional long tail boats here that you can hire if you want to take to the waters and explore the area around the beach.

Wat Phu Khao Kaew

About 6.5km northeast of Muang Saen, Wat Phu Khao Kaew was built on the site of some presumed pre-Khmer ruins, making it a holy spot for locals. Nothing of that era is visible; now there is a bright red and gold modern stupa and a large reclining Buddha in the arm-down, ‘Entering Nirvana’ posture. It sits atop some exposed bedrock and the beautiful Mekong-side perch is more of a reason to stop than any of the structures.

Luang Namtha  is a province of Laos in the country’s north. From 1966 to 1976 it formed, together with Bokeo, the province of Houakhong. Luang Namtha Province covers an area of 9,325 square kilometres (3,600 sq mi). Its provincial capital is Luang Namtha. The province borders Yunnan, China to the north, Oudomxai Province to the east and southeast, Bokeo Province to the southwest, and Shan State, Burma to the northwest.

There are some 20 temples in Muang Sing, including Wat Sing Jai and Wat Namkeo. The anthropological Luang Namtha Museum is in Luang Namtha.

The largest settlement in the northwest of Laos, Luang Namtha is an ideal launching point for excursions to visit the various hill tribes, or ethnic minorities who dress distinctly, practice different customs, and go about the same, day-to-day lives, as they have for centuries. The town suffered extensive damage during the Vietnam War; today, however, Luang Namtha has rebuilt, and positioned itself as the gateway to Laos’ northwest.

Luang Namtha Museum

The provincial museum has a variety of artifacts made by Luang Namtha’s multi-ethnic communities. Of particular interest is the extensive collection of indigenous clothing , as well as agricultural tools and household equipment. There is an excellent collection of Buddha images, bronze drums, ceramics and textiles. Also of interest are the traditional hand made weapons that were once used for hunting and national defense.

That Xieng Tung

That Xieng Tung is the most important religious monument in Muang Sing. It is believed locally that the stupa contains the Adam\’s-apple of the Lord Buddha. When the stupa was first constructed is still a mystery. To the left of the stupa is a stone stairway that leads to a sacred fountain and a sacred stone. If you follow the path to the right of the stupa heading downhill you might be able to find the old moat and wall that used to surround the site. The biggest festival of the year, Boun That Xieng Tung, is held here every year during the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually November) and attracts a large crowd of people from around the province as well as Tai Lue Buddhists from as far top of a hill 5.5 km from the center of town on the road to Luang Namtha.

Opening hours: from 8:00 to 17:00.

 Kao Rao Cave

Vieng Phoukha District is surrounded by karst Limestone Mountains that have many interesting and beautiful caves. Formed by centuries of weathering that has gradually carved huge caverns out of the porous limestone, Vieng Phoukha’s caves have some of the most beautiful underground formations in northern Laos. During prehistoric times many of the caves might have been inhabited by people, but today they primarily support nesting swifts and thousands of roosting bats of over a dozen species. Some of the most accessible are the caves near Nam Eng Village (Tham Kao Rao) and the network of caverns at the base of the Phou Prasat limestone formation near Tha Luang Village.

Nam Ha National Protected Area-Luang Namtha-Laos

Nam Dee Waterfall

About 6 km northeast of the town centre, the Lao Huay (Lenten) village of Ban Nam Dee (Good water) is a good place to observe the progress of bamboo papermaking. Behind the village you will see the entrance to the Nam Dee Waterfall.

The area around the waterfall offers good facilities, like a small handicraft shop managed by the villagers; toilets and a house for picnics, etc.

Tad Pha Yeung Waterfall 

Tad Pha Yeung presents the perfect stop for travellers and cyclers on the road between Luang Namtha and Muang Sing. A 20-minute walk along a river on an easy trail leads to the falls and a pool for a cool swim. The grounds also offer a place to picnic. Tad Pha Yeung is located about 40 km from Luang Namtha Town and 17 km from Sing Town.

Nam Keo Waterfall

Enjoy a traditional forest picnic prepared by Akha villagers next to the Nam Keo Waterfall, located deep inside the forests of Muang Sing district and 2 kilometer from That Xieng Tung stupa.

Muang Sing Museum

The most significant building is the Muang Sing Museum with it’s unique Tai Leu design. Once the residence of Jao Fa (Prince) Phanya Sekong, more of an economically powerful figure in the area than a prince, now it is privately owned. The collection presents local culture and history.

Open 9-11.30am and 1.30-3.30pm Mondays to Fridays. 5,000kip entrance fee.  5,000kip extra if you would like to watch the Akha film.

Samakkhixay Stupa

Also known as the Golden Stupa, it is the Luang Namtha’s iconic landmark. It is located on a hill and can be seen from many places around town. The Stupa is a marvellous piece of religious architecture that is both significant and aesthetically beautiful. 

Poumpouk Stupa

A little way northeast of the valley is the Poumpouk Stupa by Nam Ngaen Village. A stupa was rebuilt in 2003 after the original was destroyed by American war planes. You can still see the ruin of the old stupa by the new one and it dated back to the 17th century.

Phieng Ngam Handicraft Center

Phieng Ngam Handicraft Center in Luang Namtha Province. The Tai Daeng people of Phieng Ngam Village are renowned for their intricate supplementary weaving and natural dyes. The Center is just on the edge of Luang Namtha town and easily accessible by vehicle or bicycle. It is also part of the Luang Namtha Valley Route, a self-guided route for bicycle or motorbike around Luang Namtha. A great way to see experience Lao culture and meet locals. Come to the Handicraft Centre for shopping, a refreshment or a textile workshop.

Huay Xai is the capital of the Lao province of Bokèo, on the border with Thailand. The town lies on the Mekong River opposite Chiang Khong in Thailand. This town has a beautiful landscape where you can enjoy outdoor fun such as hiking, kayaking, and biking. Its laidback setting appeals to those who want to try some local beer, relax on the banks of Mekong, and enjoy authentic Laotian dishes. The population is about 17, 687.

Fort Carnot

Fort Carnot is a large fort originally built during the French colonial period at Huay Xai. It is located on a beautiful hillside near Bokeo’s main office and you will find two large towers placed here that are the main part of the fortress remaining. In recent years the fortress has fallen into disrepair and closed down although it has reopened and is cleaned up a bit.

Daauw Village

Visit Daauw Village, located right at the city center next to the Temple.

If you’re looking for a taste of the local life a little away from town then consider visiting Daauw village where you will find ethnic communities that have lived and worked here for centuries. The village is involved in several community-based tourism projects such as homestays and creation and sale of local products that empower women. Other projects include shetler for women and children, cultural exchanges and volunteerism. It’s a perfect place to visit if you are a responsible traveler and prefer community-based tourism.

What can you find there?

• Beautiful handmade products like rugs, bags, skirts, and belts.
• Daauw Restaurant
• Kajsiab Creations – local handmade products
• Daauw Home Guesthouse

Wat Keophone Savanthanaram

Wat Keophone Savanthanaram features murals of gruesome torture scenes on the sǐm ‘s north wall while on the slope above, a long Buddha reclines behind chicken wire.

Wat Jom Khao Manilat

Wat Jom Khao Manilat was built by teaks in the Shan style in 1880 and situated at the top of the small hill in the centre of Huay Xai. Tourists have to climb the naga flanked stairs to move up to the awesome temple. Through a large number of colourful stairs, from the wat, visitors will have a fascinating overlooking the whole town, the Mekong River below. There is a reputation that the monks here is young and quite enthusiastic. If travelers want to hear chanting, they should move up to here at 6 pm. 

Gibbon Experience

The Gibbon Experience was created in 2004 to protect the jungle surrounding Huay Xai from poaching, logging and burning agriculture. Going zipline is one of the most popular activities here and brings an amazing experience for travelers. The zipline is through the rivers, the jungle with large trees and thickets of bamboo, massive valleys. In addition, trekking and staying in magic tree houses also are great options when going to the Gibbon Experience. You can get up early to view a picturesque image of the misty jungle in the morning. If visitors are lucky enough, they can check out some wildlife animals living in this area. Moreover, hiking deep into the park, there is a very cold waterfall for a swim. 

Xieng Khouang

Xieng Khouang is located in the Xieng Khouang Plateau in the north-east of Laos. Xieng Khouang in Laos language means ‘Horizontal city’. It is quite small province with the total area of 15,880 square kilometers and population of about 230,000 people. Mountains make up largely part of the total area, however, Xieng Khouang is still one of the main producing areas of Laos thanks to the fertile floodplain.

Xieng Khouang includes seven districts: Paek, Phaxay, Phoukoot, Kham, Nong Hét, Khoun and Mokmai.

It is set at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters above sea level and enjoys mild temperatures for most of the year, although winters can be surprisingly cold.

Xieng Khouang is home to the Plain of Jars the World Heritage site, the prehistoric stone megaliths which attract more than a hundred thousand of tourists to the province each year. The area is of significant archaeological importance on account also of the standing stones in nearby Huaphan province.

A total of 149 tourist sites were recorded in Xieng Khouang in 2019, and 42 tourist sites were official open, consisting of 12 natural sites, 18 cultural sites and 12 historical sites.

The Plain of Jars

The Plain of Jars in the Xieng Khouang plain of Laos is one of the most enigmatic sights on Earth. The unusual scattering of thousands of megalithic jars across nearly one hundred sites deep in the mountains of northern Laos has fascinated archaeologists and scientists ever since their discovery in the 1930s.

The unusual site known as the Plain of Jars is dated to the Iron Age (500 BC to 500 AD) and is made up of at least 3,000 giant stone jars up to three meters (9.8 feet) tall. Most are made of sandstone but there are others carved out of much harder granite and limestone. One of the big mysteries about the site is how the massive jars, some weighing up to 10 metric tons, were dragged from the quarry to be placed in groupings 10 km (6.2 miles) away.

Because most of the jars have lip rims, it is presumed that all of them were originally covered with lids. And although a few stone lids have been recorded it is more likely that the main material used for the coverings was wood or rattan .

The jars appear to have been manufactured with a degree of knowledge of what materials and techniques were suitable. It is assumed that Plain of Jars’ people used iron chisels to manufacture them, although no conclusive evidence for this exists. Little is known of the people who carved the huge containers and the jars themselves give little clue as to their origins or purpose.

According to local legend, the jars were created by a race of giants , whose king needed somewhere to store his rice wine. The wine was to be consumed at a great feast to celebrate an illustrious military victory thousands of years ago.

Legend tells of an evil king, named Chao Angka, who oppressed his people so terribly that they appealed to a good king to the north, named Khun Jeuam, to liberate them. Khun Jeuam and his army came, and after waging a huge battle on the plain, defeated Chao Angka.

Opening hours: daily from 9 am until 5 pm.

Entrance feeis 30,000 Kip (US$ 1.30) per person

Muang Khoun: The Old Phuan Kingdom

The region’s ancient capital, Muang Khoun was ravaged in the 19th century by Chinese and Vietnamese invaders, then so heavily bombarded during the Second Indochina War that by 1975 it was almost completely abandoned.

However, a handful of aged monuments survived as ruins and the town slowly redeveloped, although it is very much a village in comparison to the new capital Phonsavan. It’s certainly not a must-see but might be worth the detour for those staying a few days in the region.

What is now referred to as Wat Phia Wat is the compound enclosing both the new temple and the remains of the old one. The new temple is a modern run-of-the-mill Lao temple, and not much of the old temple has stood the test of time, with the notable exception of a Buddha statue. Of the old temple building, only the brick foundation and some pillars remain standing.

This may not be the most beautiful Buddha statue in the country, and the bombing certainly did not help; the right cheek and lips are scarred, and one eye is missing. Yet, this statue mirrors the resilience that the local people demonstrated in the face of almost complete annihilation. Perhaps this is the reason why it is revered by worshippers, that can often be seen praying at the feet of the statue, burning incense and making offerings. A ceremonial sash drapes from the Buddha’s left shoulder to the opposing hip, and in its lap are several Buddha statuettes.

Mulberries Organic Silk Farm

Mulberries Organic Silk Farm, in the Phonsavan District of Xieng Khouang Province, is an establishment that aims to promote silk production as a way to generate income to families in surrounding areas while preserving the vanishing art of Laotian weaving. This non-profit company, certified both by Fairtrade and Lao Organic Department, grows their own chemical-free mulberry trees. Mulberry leaves are the staple diet of silk worms, which are raised here for four months, after which their silk cocoon is collected and reeled. The dyeing process that follows makes use of indigenous plants (such as indigo, jackfruit, and tamarind), which produce deep and rich colours. Once the thread is spun, it is given to village women who take them home to weave in their spare time. The silk farm then buys back the finished products to sell in their gift shops here and in Vientiane. Prior to that, the women attend workshops and learn how to make and use natural dyes, and the complex art of incorporating traditional designs into their creations. Visitors can view all the silk making process right here in the house. There are guided tours in English. If you are lucky enough, you may catch a glimpse of Miss Kommaly, who will tell you how she started this environmental-friendly cooperative 20 years ago. Her tireless work to empower local women and ethnic minority groups by raising their incomes through weaving earned her the 2005 nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Mulberries gift shop features beautiful plain silk scarves in a variety of rich colours, patterned throws and cushion covers and fabrics by the metre. Some patterns and home furnishing fabrics can be ordered. Mulberries Silk Farm in Xieng Khouang Province can be reached by plane from Vientiane. Lao Airlines operates three flights a week from Vientiane to Xieng Khouang. There is also a bus service from Vientiane that takes about 10 hours. If you can’t travel to Xieng Khouang, there is a Mulberries shop in Vientiane selling the same products.

Muang Sui 

Muang Sui was once a town famed for its Buddhist temples, historic architecture and beautiful countryside. However, it was subject to intense bombing raids during the Secret War and as a result, much of the landscape was ruined.

There are many ruins found throughout this Lao town, mainly of ancient temples, but also of houses and other historic buildings. The town is home to a beautiful lake known as Nong Tang, which is overlooked by tall limestone cliffs. This is a popular spot for picnics and water sports. The local caves can be found nearby and are a must-visit if you are in the area.

Other popular attractions include the surrounding countryside, which is complete with hiking trails and 15th century ruins; most notably the ruin of a stupa called That Banmang. Despite its small size and laid back nature, Muang Sui is actually a fascinating town to visit due to its interesting history and ancient sites.

XIENG KHOUANG CAVES

Tham Piu (Coffin Cave): Experience a wide range of emotions – sadness, curiosity, introspection, resignation, and hope – at Tham Piu (Coffin Cave). The sad hillside hole and its rocky rubble floor reminds visitors of that catastrophic day, when an American bomb found its target. Though accounts of the fateful day differ, one fact goes undisputed: the explosion on 24 November 1968, killed hundreds of innocent villagers.  

Before the ascent to Tam Piu, go to the visitor centre and contemplate the display of photographs and history behind the bombings. You’ll read about the single shell that hit the core of the cave, and claimed a reported 374 lives of locals seeking shelter from the daily bombings. Pictures of victims horrify, while the snapshot of Officer Thidbounkon, who allegedly downed an F4 fighter jet with three rifle shots, raises an eyebrow.

Start your climb to the cave on the upper staircase, which passes a golden Buddha, grave markers, and bomb craters set in an eerie park-like scene. Practical yet peculiar, a series of narrow concrete channels crisscross the walkway. They feed mountain water to diversion dams rerouting the flow to irrigate nearby village fields. Inside Coffin Cave, locals light incense to pay tribute to those who died.

Outside the cave, the statue of a man, straining to hold his anger, carries the body of a lifeless child. This solemn monument to those who died, calls for an “Annual Day of Remembrance” for the 1968 massacre. The stairs head downhill to a stream you can cross on a short but challenging bamboo bridge, or play it safe and simply wade through the creek. Refreshment stands and small restaurants offer a respite for reflection on the other side.  

To reach Tham Piu, take Lao Route 5 north from Kham Town for 3 km to Ban Bouam, turn left (west), and follow the road to the end and the cave’s parking lot.

Tham Xang: According to locals, during the Indochina War, no villages existed where Ban Ta now stands. Only Xang Tham (Cave for Care) in a cone-shaped peak and a great view of the karst landscape and valleys with chirping birds occupied this patch of Xieng Khouang.

Today, terraced rice fields and forested mountaintops stand atop the stairs leading 400 metres down to the cave entrance, which is maintained by the Hmong villagers in Ban Ta. You can still envision the well-lit cavern’s war-time setup, though it competes with the natural rock formations for attention.

When the war hit, Pathet Lao soldiers capitalized on the cave complex, changing its rocky chambers into a hospital, pharmaceutical warehouse, and arms depot. Peek inside with a Hmong guide and see evidence of its wartime role.

Besides its war history, the cave is worth visiting to see its gorgeous features. Inside, you can inspect dripstone forms called “speleothems”, caused by water flowing down the walls and over the cave floor. This creates flowstone or rim stone deposits around pools of water that are tiered like rice paddies. Tham Xang’s other familiar formations are its stalactites and stalagmite growths.

To visit Tham Xang, travel 15 km west of Kham Town on Lao Route 7 to Ban Ta. Turn right at the sign for the cave near the market, and follow the road for about 5 km to the parking area and stairs. Ban Ta is 35 km north of Phonsavanh.

The Secret Tunnel: Scale more than 1,000 steps up the Phu Kheng Jar Quarry Site to the hidden mountain passageway drilled through its rocky summit. As you’ll see, this tunnel played a strategic role for Lao revolutionary forces during the Indochina War.

The hardy climb begins after about a 30-minute drive from Phonsavanh, and passes a scattering of unfinished, flawed, and broken jars once destined for Jar Site 1. Alongside this prehistoric workshop, craters from the 1964-1973 American bombing campaign pock the forested terrain, though singing birds have replaced explosive blasts.

The stairs get steeper towards the end of the 1,200-metre ascent, but there are plenty of places to take a break and enjoy the view of the Paxay Plain and tiered rice paddies stepping down the foothills. The climb ends at a fork in the trail, and a left turn takes you on an easy 200metre path to the “Secret Tunnel”. You can enter the concealed cave, built into the mountain, after stepping down into a concrete bunker. 

The narrow 70-metre channel, chiselled through rock, with a ceiling around 1.6-metres high, winds past a few reinforced concrete ammo depots and sleeping quarters before exiting to a panorama of the mountains around Phou Koud District.

A visitor information centre and restaurant sit at the base of the mountain, and a row of refreshment stands serves soft drinks, beer, and snacks.

To visit the Secret Tunnel from Phonsavanh, travel west on Route 7 for about 13 km and turn left at the sign to the Phu Kheng Jar Quarry Site. From here, a compact dirt road winds 7 km to the site entrance, crossing a steel truss bridge next to a broken wooden one on the way.  

Tham Pha: Place Ban Nong Tang, home of Tham Pha, on your must-see list. Soaring limestone karsts surround the town on Route 7 and peaceful Nong Tang Lake. Nearby, you’ll find Tham Pha, a cave complex housing hundreds of Buddha images, and the ruins of ancient Buddhist temples.

Before the Indochina War, Muang Sui Town, now called Nong Tang, sat quietly near a lake. Beautiful Buddhist temples and shrines, some dating to the 15th century, stood alongside French buildings, but today, only the ruins of Vat Mixay, Vat Ban Ang, and Ban Mong Stupa remain.

These are well-worth a visit before embarking on short journey to the Tham Pha (Buddha Cave) underground maze. A large sitting Buddha, alleged to be 1,200 years old, greets visitors inside the entrance, before the amply-lit cave expands into a limestone labyrinth. Follow the web of rocky walkways that lead to chambers holding stashes of Buddha figurines still hiding from 19th-century Haw bandits.

To visit Tham Pha from Phonsavanh, follow Route 7 west for 48 km to Nong Tang Town and its lake. To reach the caves, pass the lake, turn left at the “Buddha Cave” sign, and follow a 3-km paved road.