This post would be about the things to expect when we get to Laos. In order to better prepare us, here are some of the things that we would have to expect when we are there. Please go through every singe one of them, thanks!
Currency:
The official currency of Laos is the Laos Kip (LAK), which currently trades at:
1 USD to 9707.10 Lao Kip. Converting it again to Singapore dollars (@ 1USD = 1.52 SGD), that would put us around 1 SGD = 6386.25 LAK. The infrastructure of Laos is not as developed as other countries, thus do not expect any ATMs or even money changers around every street corner. Instead, we should change our SGD into USD or Thai Baht beforehand so as to be able to change them at money changers or banks as these are more widely used than the SGD in Laos.
People:
The people of Laos are mainly Buddhists who had been once a French colony and under a communist government. Lao people also share many similarities with neighbors Thailand (eg. Language, traditions). Lao are a very diverse mix of people with its' many ethnic groups and mountain tribal people (such as the Hmong), with most of its' population being subsistence farmers. The form of traditional formal greeting is the nop, where the hands are brought together at the chin in a prayer like gesture (think of the Thais!), although sometimes a handshake would suffice as the Lao have received influence from their once-colonial masters.
In parts of Laos tourists may be a rarity and it is not strange for the locals to smile upon the newcomers or going up to shake hands. Do not be apprehensive as it reflects well to return the friendly gestures as guests.
DO NOT:
- touch or play with people's heads or hair as it is considered a sacred part of the body and doing so is considered very rude.
- dress provocatively (eg. walk around bare-bodied) as Lao look upon this very seriously as a poor reflection of tourists in their midst.
- use your feet to touch people. The feet are considered to be unclean and do apologize immediately if you step on someone or kick someone accidentally. Also remember to remove your shoes when visiting a home or temple before entering.
- use your left hand to handle things (or at least try to) as it is used for other less hygienic purposes. Instead, use your right to receive something or return a wave etc.
- refuse something. Eg. if someone offers you a drink, drink it as it would be impolite to refuse a host's act of hospitality.
- point with your index finger, it is considered rude.
- take photographs without first asking for permission. (e.g. in village homes, monasteries and sensitive locations such as military installations)
- stepping on door sills of houses. (i.e. men keng)
Climate/Environment:
As we would be going in the month of December, temperatures would be expected to hover around +-25C in the day time while possibly dropping to about 15C in the night. As we would be going during the dry monsoon season, the climate would be cool and dry, so forget those raincoats and ponchos. Instead, bring those personal lip balms and moisturizing creams, not forgetting some warm thermal clothing. (No fur coats and stuff like those who went for Baoding, just thick windbreakers used in Genting would suffice!)
Note: There is a time difference of 1 hour behind in Laos compared to Singapore time, simillar to Bangkok time. Do adjust your watches if necessary!
Others:
When shopping in Laos, bargaining becomes a necessity for all the markets and towns we pass. However, we have to note that Lao people are not as out to make a killing from tourists as compared to those we have seen in Thailand or even Beijing, as Laos is still a relatively remote part of SEA not as popular as a tourist destination yet. Thus when shopping for stuff, when the shop owner offers you a price do not halve his price or something, as they will think you are being rude or impolite. There is a certain limit to what they can accept, thus remember to keep the prices within a rational range in order to get what you want. (Someone better get the hint on this one...)
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