The Lao people define themselves based on language and religion, location, agricultural practice. Though it was a French colony, the French customs did not change much of the lifestyle of the Lao people.
General etiquette
As in many Asian cultures, a person’s head is considered the most sacred point of the body. One should not touch a person's head nor should one point his or her foot at a person or a scared object. When giving something to someone you should use the right hand or two hands. Never use the left hand, which is associated with toilet duties. A formal greeting for most Lao people is the “Nop” where one joins hands together in a praying gesture at chin level and bows slightly. Handshakes are also commonly used among male friends and with foreign visitors, u don’t however, shake a woman’s hand before she hands it to you.
Religion- religion in Laos is largely dominated byBuddhism which makes up about 66.0% of the population, Tai folk religion 30.7%, Christianity 1.5%, and 1.8% belonging to other minority religions and some non-religious groups.
Food and cuisine
Laos food is colorful, packed with herbs and chilies, vibrant, and the combinations of ingredients pack quite a unique taste. These are some of the popular meals and cuisine in Laos.
- Laap- is one of the ultimate staple Laos foods. The word Laap refers to any meat prepared immediately after butchering. It is sometimes translated as 'meat salad and is a mainstay in the Laos local diet.
- Jaew- Jaew can refer to any type of dipping sauce, These dishes contain chili peppers, and usually a type of grilled vegetable, which gives them their distinct smoky flavor. It is sometimes fermented fish and enjoyed with sticky rice or vegetables.
- Or Lam- is prepared using animal fat, usually pork, instead of vegetable. Traditionally including flavorful buffalo skin, and Mai Sakaan, and spicy chili wood, herbs like dill or holy basil, and sometimes a wild ingredient like again, mai sakaan. The broth is thick and you can feel the potent nutrients among all that hearty flavor.
- Khao Soi- this means “cut rice”. It consists of noodles in a thick, rich coconut broth, and with meat, either pork, chicken, or beef. The minced meat is slow-cooked for hours, traditionally over a charcoal fire, the chef turning the meat while mixing in garlic, shallots, roasted chilis, and chili oil, coconut milk, as well as crushed herbs.
Music
The traditional music of Laos is similar to the traditional music of Thailand and Cambodia. Music varies widely across the country, with the lam saravane style being most popular, while the city of Luang Prabang is well known for its slow form called khaplam wai. The most distinctive Laotian musical instrument is a bamboo mouth organ called a khene. It is said to have been invented by a woman trying to imitate the calls of the garawek bird.
Sport
Laos is a landlocked country in the Southeast Asian region and loves sports. football is by far the most popular sport in the country. The national football team was established in 1951 but has not made an impact in major international football competitions. They also do Muay Lao which is similar to Thailand's Muay Thai, Malaysia's Tomoi, Burmese Lethwei, and Cambodian Pradal Serey. Another popular national sport is called Sepak Takraw which is a mixture of volleyball and football. there is a net between the two competing teams that they have to volley the ball over the net with 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 which were founded in 1959. They have been in the Summer Olympic Games since 1980 but are yet to win a medal.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
