Do’s and Don’ts
Respecting the following customs and principles will help make a stay in Laos a positive experience for both you and your hosts. Using your eyes and common sense will help guide you – while in Laos, try and do as the Lao do, and you will be rewarded with hospitality and friendliness.

Religious
- Please dress neatly and show respect when entering religious   grounds: cover yourself from shoulders to knees, and take off hats   and shoes when entering buildings

- Women should not touch monks or their robes

- Please do not touch, point your feet at, or turn your back on Buddha   images

- Keep your head lower than Buddha statues and monks

- Do not take pictures or disturb monks during prayer times

Cultural
- Wearing revealing clothing and showing your flesh (for women and   men) is offensive to Lao – don’t wear bikinis, skimpy clothing, or take   off your shirt in public

- In Laos, your head is ‘high’ and your feet ‘low’ – don’t gesture with your feet, and don’t put your feet on furniture. Also, do not touch someone else’s head

- Kissing and hugging in public is impolite – please be discrete

- Please ask before taking photos of people

- Support development by buying local food and handicrafts

Environmental:
- Do not take anything from the forest

- Do not litter on land or in water; take all your rubbish with you

- Do not buy wildlife or wildlife products

- Do not make unnecessary noise

- When trekking or riding bicycles, do not leave the route or trample   vegetation and crops