Always remove your shoes, socks and hat and wear
conservative dress, which should wholly cover your arms and legs, prior to
entering a temple or home in Laos. Also be aware that it is considered rude to
show the bottom of your feet toward a Buddha image or your host, which can most
easily be accomplished by sitting cross-legged.
Never point at a person, or touch their heads. In general
the people of Laos are not used to being touched by strangers, so tapping,
hugging or putting your arm around someone is likely to regarded as a violation
and cause unintended offence.
In the west especially, it is a commonplace gesture of
good luck to cross the fingers, but this gesture in Vietnam represents female
genitalia, and would be construed as an utter obscenity.
The standard greeting amongst Laotians is not shake hands
but instead to use the Nop, similar to the Thai Wai, raising the hands, palms
and fingers placed together in a manner similar to prayer, touching your body
between your chest and head, accompanied by a very slight bow.
In modern areas, handshaking is acceptable between men
but a man should only shake hands with a woman if she proffers her hand first.
In general, foreign men should be very careful about touching local women as
this is not customary and can easily be misunderstood. It is not the practise
in Laos, especially for women, to touch a monk, or even their robes.
Do not point at things, especially religious objects. If
you need to attract attention, motion with the palm of your hand. It is a
common gesture in many societies to affectionately ruffle the hair of children,
but the head is considered sacred in Laotian society and such gestures will not
have the intended effect.
Avoid political comment and criticism, and especially do
not make comment regarding the Royal family, which is a criminal offence.
Visitors to Laos should be aware that it is highly likely
that they will witness attitudes towards animals which may distress, and
prepare themselves in advance to deal with these matters with calm and
sometimes considerable restraint.
Overt public displays of affection between couples is
frowned upon, particularly in traditional areas, and shows disrespect to the
native culture.
Tipping for services in Laos is in general unnecessary
but will be accepted by Taxi drivers, tour guides, restaurant and hotel staff.
When dining, Chopsticks should be used only for eating
and never employed as a means of gesturing, drumming or placing in your hair.
When you have finished your meal place the implements together level across the
top rather than leaning into the bowl, and on no account leave the chopsticks
pointing straight up as this is traditionally interpreted as a curse or omen of
death.
If provided with a fork and spoon, the fork is used
for prodding and manipulating food on the plate but eating should be performed
with the spoon, using the right hand. Sticky rice is often eaten with the hand,
for which the right hand only should be used. Despite the instinct, you should
never lick your fingers afterwards. If using a toothpick, it is polite to cover
your mouth with your hand.