What to expect on arrival

• Laos is a developing country and things that we take for granted in the West may not be available here. 

• There is extreme poverty in Laos which can be shocking, and the living conditions of local people are often very basic. 

• Tourism is still a young industry here as such you may not experience the same level of service you get at home or in more developed Asian countries like Thailand or Malaysia. 

• In remote areas the hotel choice may be limited and some of the hotels you therefore stay in may be more basic than you are used to. 

• Government action and weather can sometimes disrupt itineraries and it helps to be flexible and patient if such situations arise. 

• Avoid drinking tap water. Most hotels will provide either bottled water or filtered water in the rooms. Bottled water is available everywhere, but to cut down on plastic use we recommend taking your own refillable or filtered bottle and refilling as you go.

• Use an insect repellent for mosquitoes and be careful to protect yourself against dehydration, heat exhaustion and sunburn. 

• Public displays of affection are taboo in Lao society, so it’s best to avoid shock or embarrassment by kissing or cuddling in front of people.

Bamboo's Top Tips

• Keep hydrated! When coming from a cool climate it is easy to forget that you need to drink a lot more water in the tropics than you are used to. Dehydration leads to tiredness, so drink plenty of water to maximise the enjoyment of your holiday. 

• Modest dress and discreet behaviour will insure you don’t attract unwanted attention or embarrass others. 

• Never raise your voice to Lao people as they don’t react well to it. Even shouting to friends, or for taxis, may cause concern. This is a land of calm and patience, shattering the peace will only cause upset. 

• Ask before you take someone’s photo as unsolicited picture-taking can sometimes cause offence. 

• When entering a house shoes generally stay outside at the bottom of the steps. 

• In Buddhism and generally in Asian society the head is the seat of the soul and its purity while the feet walk the earth and all that is deposited on it. Laotians always take care not to expose the feet when sitting down. Don’t rest feet on tables or chairs and do not gesture with your feet. If in doubt about where to put your feet - follow the local example. 

• Religion is a major part of daily life. Most people show their faith regularly, especially during religious festivals. Respect should be shown in temples and shrines. The basic rules are: dress modestly, no shoes in temple buildings, keep your head lower than Buddha and monks, don’t touch or turn your back on the Buddha, and ladies should remember not to touch a monk. Making a small contribution when visiting temples is also a welcome gesture.

Etiquette

• Hello In Laos is “Sabaidee” this greeting is often accompanied with a bow of the head and a nop, a gesture in which an individual places both hands together in a prayer like stance.
• In Laos an Individuals feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body whilst the head is revered as the most important. Avoid placing your feet on table and chairs as this is considered impolite. Also do not touch people on the head as that is also considered impolite.
• In Laos women are not allowed to touch the Buddhist monks.
• It is very important to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
• Public displays of affection, making lots of noise and confrontation are all considered impolite in Laos.