Laos is an Asian country less known than China, Japan and Thailand, but not less interesting. Find out 5 interesting facts about Laos, and explore the most fascinating places of this country at the heart of Asia.
The mysterious Plain of Jars
A very interesting destination for visitors who travel in Laos is the Plain of Jars, or plateau of jars. It is located in the province of Xieng Khuan and is so named because 250 giant stone jars were found here: their origin and function is still a mystery.
Laos cuisine
If you are going on a trip to Laos, you'd better know that the essential element of Laotian cuisine is rice, cooked with freshwater fish, chicken, vegetables, pork, duck, beef or buffalo. Dishes are often made more tasty by the abundant use of lime juice, chilli, coriander, lemon grass, garlic, mint, peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk. If you travel near the banks of the Mekong, you will be probably served catfish stew, marinated or grilled.
Not to be missed is the lao mok, made with fish pate, or mushroom or chicken, covered with banana leaves. Famous is also the lao lao, a particularly strong rice whiskey which is widespread among the people of the plains, where it is drunk neat or with a glass of water.
Souvenirs from Laos
If during your Laos tour you want to buy a typical souvenir to remind you of this country, while strolling through the local markets you will be spoiled for choice. Laotians are skilled craftsmen and it will not be hard to find high-quality handmade items to be purchased, including silk clothing, objects carved in wood, woven baskets, clay pottery and the typical straw hats.
New Year's celebrations in April
Laotian traditional festivals are related to the alternation of the agricultural seasons and Buddhist celebrations.
Unlike in the West, the new year begins in mid-April and is celebrated with visits to temples bringing offers, cleaning of houses and mutual bathings in the streets as a sign of purification. In May the Bun Bang Fai is instead celebrated; its origin is to be traced back to the ages before the introduction of Buddhism.
Its name means "rocket festival" and is celebrated with marches and dances, as well as, as the name indicates, by firing bamboo rockets in order to make the sky rain.
The Laotian bon ton
In Laos, before entering a temple, you must take off your shoes and socks as a sign of respect and sit cross-legged on the floor and never turn the soles of your feet to Buddha depictions and statues. In addition, the Laotians are accustomed to speak with a very low voice. Laotians are very traditional, so it is good practice, when you visit their country, to wear sober and decent clothes.
Effusions in public places are not recommended. Women cannot touch monks and, in any case, when speaking to a religious person you should keep your head slightly bowed. When you meet a Laotian you must not touch his or her head nor shake hands.
The typical greeting is the nop, a gesture of joining hands, and the exchange of the sabai dee, a greeting which is suitable for any person and time of day. When you enter the home of a Laotian, you are expected to remove your shoes, the man must sit with his legs crossed and the woman with her legs to the side. If a Laotian offers you tea or fruit while you are his or her guest, it is recommended not to refuse.
