Sabaidee!

That means 'Hello' in Laos. Welcome to one of the friendliest countries on this earth. These 10 tips will help you enjoy your visit, while you're helping Laos preserve its culture and traditions.

1   Temples are beautiful and interesting, but most of all they are sacred places. You should definitely visit the temples, but choose what you'll wear carefully. Shoulders, knees and everything in between needs to be covered. This will be appreciated, also if you dress like this on the streets.

2    In the buddhist cultures the head is high in rank and the feet are low. So only use your feet for walking. (Unless you're a kickboxer of course!). Don't point at anyone with your feet, even if it's just bu putting them up on a stool. Also never step over anyone who is sitting on the floor.

3   Less and less people give coins to the poor than they used to. If you do want to give someone money, read about this tradition first and learn how to do this without offending someone, like taking pictures of people who are showing their religion and not asking for money at that moment. Also, buying rice for someone from a street vendor is not a good way to help people either. More information about this old tradition can be found in the many temples.

4  Think of a way you can show your generosity. Giving away candy or money discourages initiative, gives people bad teeth and stimulates begging. Medical supplies are often used for wrong things. A donation to the Laos Red Cross will be more effective. Books, pens and educational supplies are necessary. It's best to give these things to a school, teacher, library or a village elder.

5  Laotians believe that kissing, walking hand in hand and others displays of affection with people of the other sex are private matters and should not be shown in public. 

6  Laos is different from your country. That's why you're visiting it aren't you? There are other traditions. When something doesn't go as you expected and you show that in your attitude or body language, you're 'losing your face'. So stay calm, don't raise your voice, then you'll be fine. That's the Laotion way. Instead of being frustrated about the differences, remember that things are different here than what you're used to.

7  Laotians are very modest. They will never swim naked in a waterfall, river or during rafting. Laotion women wear a t-shirt over their shoulders and shorts to cover their knees. Men wear shorts too. When you're in Laos, we hope you respect this and adjust your behaviour accordingly.

8    Help the people of Laos build a stronger land, by preserving the heritage. Don't buy any old objects as souvenirs, they were probably stolen from temples or historical sites. You can support talented and hardworking locals by buying their products, such as new and beautiful braiding, silver and other products. Every time you give someone money, think of what behaviour your are rewarding them for. Buying drugs, antique buddha's, wrong products or wild animals hurts the Laotions a great deal.

9   The Laotians need your help to preserve their traditions. If you see someone who is behaving inappropriately or is dressed wrong, talk to them or give them tips. If your guide condones this wrong behaviour, you can talk to them as well.  

10  For thousands of years the Laotian culture has been developing. This is only a short explanation. If you're there for awhile, read your travel guide and learn about the local habits. The more you read, the more you'll understand the culture.