An Overlook of Lao Culture

Religion 

The rich culture of Laos originally comes from the predominant religion of Buddhism which influences both of Laos’ architecture and lifestyle. Every morning, since the early of sunrise, visitors to Laos can catch a view of dozens of monks, wearing orange robes, walking around the streets and asking for alms. Buddhism is also reflected in the practice of Baci, also known as Sou Khoun in Laotian, a type of ceremony to enrich the spirit. 

Visitors can easily realize that there is at least one temple in every village. These temples are not only the places for monks to live and pray, they also serve as the main centre for social and recreational activities for villagers to hold meetings, festivals and some of religious ceremonies. In big temples in urban areas, they sometimes are shelters for homeless and disadvantaged people. 

Architecture

Laos' architecture is a combination of French colonial, Buddhist, traditional Laos and modern architecture influencing by Thailand and other neighbor countries. In rural areas, most of the villagers live in wooden houses on stilts. In the recent years, houses in modern-style slowly replace traditional houses in urban areas. Nevertheless, minor ethnic communities can still preserve their unique housing in northern mountainous areas featuring houses on the ground with the end of the roof almost touching the ground. 

Lifestyle

Being one of South East Asia’s countries, most of Laos’ families are extended families and there are up to three to four generations living under the same roof. Everyone in a family share the meals with one another and they eat sitting on the floor.

According to the local people, Laotians don’t have the habit of dropping by a relative or a friend’s house with telling them in advance. So, if you have a Laotian friend as well as living in Laos, don’t be surprised when having a friend stop by without calling.

Laos people are brought up in extended families, thus, they are kind-hearted, patient, generous, socializing and always ready to help each other. Privacy is less likely to be valued partly because of their way of living, especially in the countryside everyone knows everyone else’s business.

Etiquette

Laotians greatly emphasize social hierarchy. When greeting a superior, one should clasp hands in a prayerful motion with a slight bow. They call greeting like this is a “nop”. It is best to reply to a nop with a smile or a nod of the head. 

Close body contact in public areas, especially between men and women, is avoided. 

Clothing

Traditional clothing in Laos is one of the ways that Laotians express their pride in their rich traditional costumes culture amongst 49 ethnic groups. The techniques, patterns and materials of traditional clothing vary by families, clans, ethnicities and regions. The costumes also depend on age and gender. For women, they call the silk skirts “Sinh”, blouses and scarves, however, are added to the costumes on special occasions. When wearing traditional clothes, women’s hair is often coiled up and sealed with accessories. 

Among men, “Salong” is their traditional costume. The big difference between “Salong” and “Sinh” is that they wear big pants or peasant pants on the lower body part. 

Lao culture is surely one of the best things to explore in Asia. Besides, Laos boasts many charming features such as untouched scenery, ancient architecture, friendliness of Laotian people. Consider our Southeast Asia Tours to travel to Laos now!