Laos People & Culture
Laos operates as a one party communist state, run by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), which has been in power since 1975. The executive branch comprises the President (head of state), the chairman, a council of ministers, including the prime minister, a 10 member Politburo and a 52 member central committee. All provincial governors are on the Central committee. The council of ministers is appointed by the president, subject to the approval of the assembly. The current president is Choummaly Sayasone, who was appointed by the National Assembly to succeed Khamtay Siphandon, who steped down as president in June 2006. The Prime minister is appointed by the president.
The legislation branch comprises a 115 seat National Assembly, of which the representatives are elected in open, multi-candidate elections. Voting is by secret ballot with universal adult suffrage. Lao citizens can vote from 18 years of age and can run for office from 21 years. Candidates serve their constituencies for 5 year terms. This structure is duplicated at the provincial and district level. At the district level, village chiefs are elected representatives of the population, who are then responsible for the following duties:
The judicial branch has three hierarchies – district, provincial, and the national Supreme Court. All the state functions operate like a centralized democracy, in which decisions that are made at the higher levels only occur after consultation and consensus building with the lower levels of the organization.
Laos is subdivided into 16 provinces, one special region and the Vientiane prefecture. The provinces are: Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)* ß the municipality, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun** (the special zone), Xekong, Xiangkhoang
Laos also maintains a small military force in which security measures are high, due to fears of political opposition.
The legislation branch comprises a 115 seat National Assembly, of which the representatives are elected in open, multi-candidate elections. Voting is by secret ballot with universal adult suffrage. Lao citizens can vote from 18 years of age and can run for office from 21 years. Candidates serve their constituencies for 5 year terms. This structure is duplicated at the provincial and district level. At the district level, village chiefs are elected representatives of the population, who are then responsible for the following duties:
- manage, develop and protect the forests, rivers, fauna and flora, religious sites, hospitals,
- manage the socio-economic activities of the village;
- coordinate financial activities;
- arbitrate conflicts at village level;
- establish and maintain family registers and issue certificates; and
- maintain law and order.
The judicial branch has three hierarchies – district, provincial, and the national Supreme Court. All the state functions operate like a centralized democracy, in which decisions that are made at the higher levels only occur after consultation and consensus building with the lower levels of the organization.
Laos is subdivided into 16 provinces, one special region and the Vientiane prefecture. The provinces are: Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan (Vientiane)* ß the municipality, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xaisomboun** (the special zone), Xekong, Xiangkhoang
Laos also maintains a small military force in which security measures are high, due to fears of political opposition.
Last edited Oct 16, 07 5:19 PM. Contributors:
The last official census in 2005 showed a population of 5,609,997 people with a growth rate of approximately 2.39%. This translates to a population density of approximately 25 people per square kilometer, making Laos one of the sparsest and lowest populated countries in Asia. The population is dispersed unevenly, with the greatest concentration of people along the Mekong Valley. Eight five percent (85%) of the total population lives in rural areas.
Laos’ low population can be attributed to a number of factors. In the last century, the country experienced significant warfare, leading to high volumes of deaths. The resulting instability also led to a large scale emigration and mass exodus of refugees. Currently, females outnumber males at a ratio of 2:1.
The government of Laos officially recognizes 47 different ethnicities which further divide into 149 subgroups. These groups fall under 4 different linguistic groups: the Tai-Kadi, representing 66.2% of the population with 8 officially recognized ethnic subgroups, the Austro-Asiatic group at 23% of the population with 32 ethnic groups, the Hmong Yu Mien, 7.4% with 2 ethnic groups, and the Sino-Tibetan at 2.7%, with 7 ethnic groups.
The most populer division, more than by ethnic or linguistic background however, is by natural habitat, which more or less does follow the ethno-linguistic divide.
The Lao Loum, or the lowland (valley) Lao, represents the largest group at 68% of the population. These are the inhabitants along the Mekong river valley; the most rich and fertile regions of the country. The Lao Loum comprises primarily agricultural farmers, of which rice cultivation is the primary agricultural resource. They also represent most of the city dwelling population.
The importance of rice farming and the adaptations to low-land living is evident in the typical housing construction. Homes are built on wooden stilts above ground as a contingency for flooding. Rice granaries created specifically to store rice are also common household features. Sticky rice is the principal rice product.
Households are nuclear in nature and usually comprise the husband and wife and all of their unmarried children. Some older married couples may live with one married child. Upon marriage, the husband and wife customarily establish their home in the bride’s village. The typical Lao Loum household ranges between six to eight people in villages of thirty to fifty houses, though large villages are possible. Family relations are important, and kinship is recognized even with distant blood relatives.
Traditionally, Lao villages are organized around a village chief (pho ban) to mediate disputes between villages and amongst villagers. Since the foundation of the LPDR, the villages are governed by a village president (pathan ban), who are elected by popular vote, although the role lacks actual authority because actual decisions are made in town meetings amongst the villagers.
Religion is a large part of the Lao culture, and the Lao Loum are primarily Theravada Buddhists. Most villages house at least one monk, and every village with have a wat, a Buddhist temple.
The Lao Loum predominately speaks Tai Kadai, specifically Laotian Tai, which more closely resembles Thai from Thailand than Tai speaking tribes within. Local subgroups include the Tai dam (Black Tai) and the Tai Deng (Red Tai). The term Lao Lum is sometimes used interchangeably with the ethnic Lao, the country’s dominant ethnic group.
The Lao Theung, or the midland Lao or the Mon Khmers, are found on the lower to mid mountain slopes between the altitude of 300 metres and 1200 metres in Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Considered the original inhabitants of what is considered modern day Laos, the Lao Theung are the most distinct of the three groups, with greater cultural and linguistic differences than between the Lao Loum and the Lao Sung. The Lao Theung represents 22% of the population.
The Lao Theung live a semi-nomadic life, incorporating elements of a hunter-gather lifestyle by shooting or trapping small game, harvesting wild crops and tubers, with basic swidden (slash and burn) agricultural techniques for rice cultivation. Due to the low crop yields from this type of agriculture style, and the difficulty in keeping the fields weed-free, the Lao Theung are considered the poorest of the three ethnic groups. Also as a result of this lifestyle, midland and central Lao groups have been known to relocate villages every decade or two as swidden pastures become exhausted. Some villages do become more permanent -- especially if they are located near major transportation routes and are at lower elevations near rivers. The government has also introduced a number of programs to relocate some of the Lao Theung.
Lao Theung villages are smaller than Lao Loum villages, with an average of twenty to thirty households. Geographically, they are distributed in the far south around Attapu and Champasak, in the north in Bokeo, Oudomaxi, and Luang Namtha, and around the Boloven plateau.
Like the Lao Loum, the houses are often built above ground, and can be larger than five by seven metres in size. The houses are often constructed using woven bamboo or awn lumber. The average household side will range for six to fourteen people and a new couple will reside with the husband’s parents until they are established on their own. An ideal household consists of the husband and wife, their children, wives of married sons and grandchildren.
While some midland Lao practice Theravada Buddhism, animism and spirit worship is also popular. A small group also practices Christianity. Animism involves the belief of guardians or protective spirits associated with place, or a family or clan.
Linguistically, the Lao Theung have distinct oral languages, considered to be of Austro-Asiatic in origin. They do not have a written language. Lao Theung subgroups include the Alak, the Kammu, Loven and the Lamet. There are vast cultural differences between the subgroups, including some that will not use metal at all, preferring to construct all tools out of wood or bamboo, others, such as the Lamet group, can not make or repair tools inside a family house.
The Lao Sung, or the upland Lao, are the most recent arrivals to Laos, having arrived in the beginning of the early nineteenth century. They represent about 9% of the population. The Hmong, Mien and Akha are all subgroups of the Lao Sung. All of the Lao Sung populations are located in the northern provinces of Laos, typically on mountain tops, ridges or hillsides over 1000 meters in elevation. As with the Lao Theung, the Lao Sung are semi-nomadic and villages may move to new locations once swidden farming exhausts the resources of a particular region. Others have been established for more than 100 years. The Lao Sung primarily produce rice, although corn and other crops are also grown. Pigs and chickens are also raised, but are rarely eaten for meat. Cattle and buffalo are left to graze in surrounding fields.
The Hmong make up the largest subgroup within the Lao Sung, representing two thirds of the population. They originated from China, and migrated gradually through Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Typical Hmong villages range from twenty to thirty households, though more permanent villages can grow to over eighty households.
Hmong houses, unlike the Lao Theung or Lao Loum, are built directly on the ground. Almost every house has an alter for ceremonies with ancestral spirits. The households are traditionally based on extended families, and parents, children, wives of the married sons, and the grandchildren will all live in the same household. In recent times, it is more likely for a husband and wife to establish their own separate household. Marriages are typically arranged, and Hmong girls typically marry between fourteen and eighteen years of age. The practice of polygamy is observed among the Hmong, and at one point, between 20 to 30% of marriages were polygamous. The Hmong are divided into subgroups, including the Black, Red, White, Green, and Striped. The names are based on their traditional manner of dress.
As opposed to a centralized place of worship, such as a Buddhist Wat, individual household shrines are preferred. The Hmong are animists, and shamans play an important role in the village, both to ward off ill spirits and for fortune telling. Some Hmong, due to exposure to missionaries, have converted to Christianity.
The Lao Sung are speakers of Tibeto-Burmese and Miao Yao languages.
Laos’ low population can be attributed to a number of factors. In the last century, the country experienced significant warfare, leading to high volumes of deaths. The resulting instability also led to a large scale emigration and mass exodus of refugees. Currently, females outnumber males at a ratio of 2:1.
The government of Laos officially recognizes 47 different ethnicities which further divide into 149 subgroups. These groups fall under 4 different linguistic groups: the Tai-Kadi, representing 66.2% of the population with 8 officially recognized ethnic subgroups, the Austro-Asiatic group at 23% of the population with 32 ethnic groups, the Hmong Yu Mien, 7.4% with 2 ethnic groups, and the Sino-Tibetan at 2.7%, with 7 ethnic groups.
The most populer division, more than by ethnic or linguistic background however, is by natural habitat, which more or less does follow the ethno-linguistic divide.
The Lao Loum, or the lowland (valley) Lao, represents the largest group at 68% of the population. These are the inhabitants along the Mekong river valley; the most rich and fertile regions of the country. The Lao Loum comprises primarily agricultural farmers, of which rice cultivation is the primary agricultural resource. They also represent most of the city dwelling population.
The importance of rice farming and the adaptations to low-land living is evident in the typical housing construction. Homes are built on wooden stilts above ground as a contingency for flooding. Rice granaries created specifically to store rice are also common household features. Sticky rice is the principal rice product.
Households are nuclear in nature and usually comprise the husband and wife and all of their unmarried children. Some older married couples may live with one married child. Upon marriage, the husband and wife customarily establish their home in the bride’s village. The typical Lao Loum household ranges between six to eight people in villages of thirty to fifty houses, though large villages are possible. Family relations are important, and kinship is recognized even with distant blood relatives.
Traditionally, Lao villages are organized around a village chief (pho ban) to mediate disputes between villages and amongst villagers. Since the foundation of the LPDR, the villages are governed by a village president (pathan ban), who are elected by popular vote, although the role lacks actual authority because actual decisions are made in town meetings amongst the villagers.
Religion is a large part of the Lao culture, and the Lao Loum are primarily Theravada Buddhists. Most villages house at least one monk, and every village with have a wat, a Buddhist temple.
The Lao Loum predominately speaks Tai Kadai, specifically Laotian Tai, which more closely resembles Thai from Thailand than Tai speaking tribes within. Local subgroups include the Tai dam (Black Tai) and the Tai Deng (Red Tai). The term Lao Lum is sometimes used interchangeably with the ethnic Lao, the country’s dominant ethnic group.
The Lao Theung, or the midland Lao or the Mon Khmers, are found on the lower to mid mountain slopes between the altitude of 300 metres and 1200 metres in Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Considered the original inhabitants of what is considered modern day Laos, the Lao Theung are the most distinct of the three groups, with greater cultural and linguistic differences than between the Lao Loum and the Lao Sung. The Lao Theung represents 22% of the population.
The Lao Theung live a semi-nomadic life, incorporating elements of a hunter-gather lifestyle by shooting or trapping small game, harvesting wild crops and tubers, with basic swidden (slash and burn) agricultural techniques for rice cultivation. Due to the low crop yields from this type of agriculture style, and the difficulty in keeping the fields weed-free, the Lao Theung are considered the poorest of the three ethnic groups. Also as a result of this lifestyle, midland and central Lao groups have been known to relocate villages every decade or two as swidden pastures become exhausted. Some villages do become more permanent -- especially if they are located near major transportation routes and are at lower elevations near rivers. The government has also introduced a number of programs to relocate some of the Lao Theung.
Lao Theung villages are smaller than Lao Loum villages, with an average of twenty to thirty households. Geographically, they are distributed in the far south around Attapu and Champasak, in the north in Bokeo, Oudomaxi, and Luang Namtha, and around the Boloven plateau.
Like the Lao Loum, the houses are often built above ground, and can be larger than five by seven metres in size. The houses are often constructed using woven bamboo or awn lumber. The average household side will range for six to fourteen people and a new couple will reside with the husband’s parents until they are established on their own. An ideal household consists of the husband and wife, their children, wives of married sons and grandchildren.
While some midland Lao practice Theravada Buddhism, animism and spirit worship is also popular. A small group also practices Christianity. Animism involves the belief of guardians or protective spirits associated with place, or a family or clan.
Linguistically, the Lao Theung have distinct oral languages, considered to be of Austro-Asiatic in origin. They do not have a written language. Lao Theung subgroups include the Alak, the Kammu, Loven and the Lamet. There are vast cultural differences between the subgroups, including some that will not use metal at all, preferring to construct all tools out of wood or bamboo, others, such as the Lamet group, can not make or repair tools inside a family house.
The Lao Sung, or the upland Lao, are the most recent arrivals to Laos, having arrived in the beginning of the early nineteenth century. They represent about 9% of the population. The Hmong, Mien and Akha are all subgroups of the Lao Sung. All of the Lao Sung populations are located in the northern provinces of Laos, typically on mountain tops, ridges or hillsides over 1000 meters in elevation. As with the Lao Theung, the Lao Sung are semi-nomadic and villages may move to new locations once swidden farming exhausts the resources of a particular region. Others have been established for more than 100 years. The Lao Sung primarily produce rice, although corn and other crops are also grown. Pigs and chickens are also raised, but are rarely eaten for meat. Cattle and buffalo are left to graze in surrounding fields.
The Hmong make up the largest subgroup within the Lao Sung, representing two thirds of the population. They originated from China, and migrated gradually through Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Typical Hmong villages range from twenty to thirty households, though more permanent villages can grow to over eighty households.
Hmong houses, unlike the Lao Theung or Lao Loum, are built directly on the ground. Almost every house has an alter for ceremonies with ancestral spirits. The households are traditionally based on extended families, and parents, children, wives of the married sons, and the grandchildren will all live in the same household. In recent times, it is more likely for a husband and wife to establish their own separate household. Marriages are typically arranged, and Hmong girls typically marry between fourteen and eighteen years of age. The practice of polygamy is observed among the Hmong, and at one point, between 20 to 30% of marriages were polygamous. The Hmong are divided into subgroups, including the Black, Red, White, Green, and Striped. The names are based on their traditional manner of dress.
As opposed to a centralized place of worship, such as a Buddhist Wat, individual household shrines are preferred. The Hmong are animists, and shamans play an important role in the village, both to ward off ill spirits and for fortune telling. Some Hmong, due to exposure to missionaries, have converted to Christianity.
The Lao Sung are speakers of Tibeto-Burmese and Miao Yao languages.
Last edited Oct 15, 07 7:00 PM. Contributors:
Muang Vangviang, Laos
this could be the funnest place i have ever been! laos is beautiful... people are lovely... scenery is great..
in vang vieng you can do loads of activities... float down a river on a tractor tyre while stopping for laos laos whisky and rope swings... go caving... go!!
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Ban Hatkhai, Laos
This village is something we had never seen before and people there hardly ever saw foreigners like us. Thongvan was the only person in the village of Ban HatKai who spoke English. We had to call him Wan.
First we had to do a boat trip for about an hour which was already amazing. Everything in Laos was so beautiful and untouched by tourism! Finally we arrived at the Keng Mang Waterfall where we got out of the boat to get into the jungle. Going through the jungle at Ban HatKai was even more amazing then the jungle trip we had at Ban Na. After 2 hours hiking through the jungle we stopped to have some lunch. After lunch we continued our walk to the top of the mountain. Once on top of it I just couldn’t believe my eyes: what an amazingly beautiful place it was. Between the top of that mountain and the one we could see on the other side there was a river called the Namang River, which of course we couldn’t see. But just to be on top of the mountain where almost nobody else had been was so amazing. We took a 15 minute break, took loads of pictures and then returned to the foot of the mountain because we had to be back before nightfall. When we arrived there at the Keng Mang Waterfall we all went for a good swim and then went back to the village of Ban HatKai by boat. When we finally got back into town it was already 7 p.m. Shaun, Ida and Ellen had to go to the temple to teach the local kids some English. Because it was too late for us to return to Thailand we joined them to teach some English. The kids are so excited that we just kept on teaching for more than 2 hours. Finally we had to stop because children have to go to bed some time. After dinner we stayed at Kammoon’s house to stay the night. In the morning Wan and Kammoon drove us to the big road with their motorcycles where we could take a bus to Vientiane which is the capital of Laos. From Vientiane we took the TukTuk to the border with Thailand again.
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Muang Ngoy, Northern Laos, Laos
This place is full of travlers and it is known as 'Paradise for Travelers' among Western travelers who travel in Asia. The place has no electricity at night, but about two guesthouses offer 24hour electricity and hot shower.You can take van from Luang Prabang(It should cost around 6,7dollar) to Nong Kiaw and from Nong Kiaw you can take a boat. It's great to walk around the village and see local people's life. Some people might not like the main part of the village coz it has been commercialized and the main road is pretty loud and noisy at night coz of travellers drinking and partying. However, if you don't like noisy places, I'm sure you'll like this place: Don't forget to check out the cave(you need to bring a flash light to enter the cave) and if you walk a couple of hours more from the cave, you'll reach a real local village. You can sleep there one dollar for a night, they also have restaurants, their Beer Lao cost a bit more than those in big cities, but if you think of transporting, you should be glad that you can get beer at that place. Anways, I absolutely love this place!
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Pakxe, Southern Laos, Laos
The red clay is pretty when its wet...
After a visa-crunch and 14 hour overnight bus ride through southern Laos, and a busdriver who blared Lao pop karaoke tapes at top volume, Pakse was a welcome site. Extensive Laotian travel is exhaustive, mentally and physically. You feel bones rattling in your body you didn't know you had, you wonder if chinese-water-torture could be much worse than this. You fantasize about pillows and ice cubes.
Dawn had just broken, and everything was dewy. The early morning air was cool and refreshing, the first specs of sunlight bouning off the red-tiled roofs of Pakse. Thomas I had an early-morning, getting-off-that-stupid-bus beer with a Canadian artist. There are a handful of internet cafes and backpacker-friendly eateries, even some good Indian cuisine. The locals are shy but friendly, and life is noticeably slower than in Northern Laos. You can feel the kinks in your neck start to unwind a little bit as you sit by the side of the road, watching the schoolkids ambling by, smiling shyly at you. After a nap in grungy-hotel-from-Lonely-Planet, we were off again for the 4,000 Islands
Coming back through Pakse afterwards was a much... grittier... experience. Stef (enroute at the time) got an email from me warning "Welcome to the sand storm known as Pakse". The lovely red clay roads, when not sufficiently watered down, swell up. Operation "get out of pakse" was in full force, my resolve was unstoppable. "Cambodia, here i come" I muttered into the crook of my arm as I staggered through the red swirls, trying to cover my eyes. The Lao Aviation office was naturally on the other side of town. The town seemed to freeze in the dust, I thought of Pompeii. Although i could have just as easily shown up at the airport been fine, as it turned out. The Pakse airport is a one-gate, one-desk, one-ticket-taker kind of deal. all 4 people working at the airport knew of my plans by the time I left. A french guy I had a good chuckle at how we were the only two passengers for the day. I highly recommend Lao aviation from Pakse to Siem Reap - a full lunch was served on a 40 minute flight, plenty of comfortable room for a little plane, and sweet attendants.
... written in 2005 when I visited ( check out my travelogue photos ).
After a visa-crunch and 14 hour overnight bus ride through southern Laos, and a busdriver who blared Lao pop karaoke tapes at top volume, Pakse was a welcome site. Extensive Laotian travel is exhaustive, mentally and physically. You feel bones rattling in your body you didn't know you had, you wonder if chinese-water-torture could be much worse than this. You fantasize about pillows and ice cubes.
Dawn had just broken, and everything was dewy. The early morning air was cool and refreshing, the first specs of sunlight bouning off the red-tiled roofs of Pakse. Thomas I had an early-morning, getting-off-that-stupid-bus beer with a Canadian artist. There are a handful of internet cafes and backpacker-friendly eateries, even some good Indian cuisine. The locals are shy but friendly, and life is noticeably slower than in Northern Laos. You can feel the kinks in your neck start to unwind a little bit as you sit by the side of the road, watching the schoolkids ambling by, smiling shyly at you. After a nap in grungy-hotel-from-Lonely-Planet, we were off again for the 4,000 Islands
Coming back through Pakse afterwards was a much... grittier... experience. Stef (enroute at the time) got an email from me warning "Welcome to the sand storm known as Pakse". The lovely red clay roads, when not sufficiently watered down, swell up. Operation "get out of pakse" was in full force, my resolve was unstoppable. "Cambodia, here i come" I muttered into the crook of my arm as I staggered through the red swirls, trying to cover my eyes. The Lao Aviation office was naturally on the other side of town. The town seemed to freeze in the dust, I thought of Pompeii. Although i could have just as easily shown up at the airport been fine, as it turned out. The Pakse airport is a one-gate, one-desk, one-ticket-taker kind of deal. all 4 people working at the airport knew of my plans by the time I left. A french guy I had a good chuckle at how we were the only two passengers for the day. I highly recommend Lao aviation from Pakse to Siem Reap - a full lunch was served on a 40 minute flight, plenty of comfortable room for a little plane, and sweet attendants.
... written in 2005 when I visited ( check out my travelogue photos ).
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Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, Laos
Fantastic place, wonderful people, beautiful scenery, amazing food and welcome. My favourite place in South East Asia!
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While Laos is operated as a communist state, the government has taken a more liberal economic policy since 1981. Nowadays, economic matters are left primarily to the free market. The government still subsidizes some money-losing state enterprises.
The relaxed economic controls have contributed to strong economic growth (albeit from a very low base). Laos’s GDP growth rate averaged 6% from 2001 to 2005, including an estimated 7.2% in 2005.
Despite this high growth rate, Laos remains the poorest and least developed country in East Asia (according to the World Bank) and still has a primitive infrastructure. There are no railroads. There is a rudimentary road system and limited telecommunications. Electricity is only available in a few urban areas. The lack of infrastructure has prevented the economy from growing even quicker, as rural communities are often isolated during rainy season.
The Laotian economy is dominated by subsistence agriculture (mainly rice), which accounts for about 45% of GDP and provides over 75% of total employment. This has been growing at around 3-4% annually. Other products farmed include coffee, corn, sugar cane, tea, tobacco, cotton, ginger, and sweet potatoes. As well, water buffalo, poultry, cattle, and pigs are being raised. The dependence on subsistence agriculture comes despite as much as 40 percent of Laos’s arable land remaining barren due to warfare. Drought and localized pests can often cause regional food shortages, although Laos is generally self-sufficient in food overall.
Industry is the next largest contributor to the economy after agriculture, accounting for approximately 30% of GDP. Industry includes mining (gold, copper, gypsum, tin), garment production, hydroelectricity, food processing, cement manufacturing and wood processing. Gold and copper mining is a strong driver of growth, helping industry growth by about 13%, which accounts for half of Laos’s GDP growth. Construction is expected to be an increasing economic driver, as there are hydroelectric dam and road projects underway.
The service sector accounts for the remaining 25% of GDP and encompasses tourism and communications. The service sector grew by 8% in 2005, with strong growth in tourism. The number of tourists has been increasing by about 11% each year, and tourism generates approximately $120 million in revenue each year.
Laos has an annual trade deficit of approximately $160 million. Exports in 2003 totaled $332 million, and included garments, wood and wood products, electricity, coffee, rattan, cardamom, and tin. Primary export markets include Thailand, Vietnam, France and Germany. Imports totaled $492 million in 2003, and included fuel, food, machinery, equipment, consumer goods, vehicles and spare parts. These were mainly imported from Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Singapore.
There is substantial aid from the IMF and other international sources, with Japan being a primary donor. New foreign investment has been occurring in food processing, mining and the textile industry.
In late 2004, Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US, allowing Laos-based producers to face lower tariffs on exports.
Inflation has decreased to 7.2% in 2005, its lowest rate in many years and down substantially from the 10-15% rate of the past three years. Public and publicly guaranteed external debt was estimated at $2.2 billion at the end of 2005.
The relaxed economic controls have contributed to strong economic growth (albeit from a very low base). Laos’s GDP growth rate averaged 6% from 2001 to 2005, including an estimated 7.2% in 2005.
Despite this high growth rate, Laos remains the poorest and least developed country in East Asia (according to the World Bank) and still has a primitive infrastructure. There are no railroads. There is a rudimentary road system and limited telecommunications. Electricity is only available in a few urban areas. The lack of infrastructure has prevented the economy from growing even quicker, as rural communities are often isolated during rainy season.
The Laotian economy is dominated by subsistence agriculture (mainly rice), which accounts for about 45% of GDP and provides over 75% of total employment. This has been growing at around 3-4% annually. Other products farmed include coffee, corn, sugar cane, tea, tobacco, cotton, ginger, and sweet potatoes. As well, water buffalo, poultry, cattle, and pigs are being raised. The dependence on subsistence agriculture comes despite as much as 40 percent of Laos’s arable land remaining barren due to warfare. Drought and localized pests can often cause regional food shortages, although Laos is generally self-sufficient in food overall.
Industry is the next largest contributor to the economy after agriculture, accounting for approximately 30% of GDP. Industry includes mining (gold, copper, gypsum, tin), garment production, hydroelectricity, food processing, cement manufacturing and wood processing. Gold and copper mining is a strong driver of growth, helping industry growth by about 13%, which accounts for half of Laos’s GDP growth. Construction is expected to be an increasing economic driver, as there are hydroelectric dam and road projects underway.
The service sector accounts for the remaining 25% of GDP and encompasses tourism and communications. The service sector grew by 8% in 2005, with strong growth in tourism. The number of tourists has been increasing by about 11% each year, and tourism generates approximately $120 million in revenue each year.
Laos has an annual trade deficit of approximately $160 million. Exports in 2003 totaled $332 million, and included garments, wood and wood products, electricity, coffee, rattan, cardamom, and tin. Primary export markets include Thailand, Vietnam, France and Germany. Imports totaled $492 million in 2003, and included fuel, food, machinery, equipment, consumer goods, vehicles and spare parts. These were mainly imported from Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Singapore.
There is substantial aid from the IMF and other international sources, with Japan being a primary donor. New foreign investment has been occurring in food processing, mining and the textile industry.
In late 2004, Laos gained Normal Trade Relations status with the US, allowing Laos-based producers to face lower tariffs on exports.
Inflation has decreased to 7.2% in 2005, its lowest rate in many years and down substantially from the 10-15% rate of the past three years. Public and publicly guaranteed external debt was estimated at $2.2 billion at the end of 2005.
Last edited Oct 16, 07 5:20 PM. Contributors:
Laos culture is heavily influenced by its neighbours, and strains of Thai, Khmer and Vietnamese culture is evident in the cuisine, in the sculptures, the architecture style, in the music, poetry and in dance. The Thai influence is particularly strong given the ease of travel both across and along both sides of the Mekong river. Traditionally, the lowland Lao have inhabited both sides of the Mekong river and in fact more ethnic Lao currently live in Thailand than they do in Laos.
Much of Lao culture is also influenced by Buddhist thinking. This translates to a very patient and accepting attitude. People want to move on to peace and prosperity rather than dwell on the past. Things are as they are and should be and change comes slowly. The Buddhist influence is also evident in the architecture, which is often religious in nature. Temples or wats are frequent sightings and you will find temple murals recounting the tales of Buddha, Buddha statues, sculptures and religious engravings adorning doors and windows.
Despite the overarching themes, strong differences remain amongst the different Lao ethnicities. The mountainous terrain has made travel and amalgamation difficult, and many villages have maintained their distinctiveness. Visiting the different tribes and ethnicities will be a rich adventure in understanding and discovery.
Much of Lao culture is also influenced by Buddhist thinking. This translates to a very patient and accepting attitude. People want to move on to peace and prosperity rather than dwell on the past. Things are as they are and should be and change comes slowly. The Buddhist influence is also evident in the architecture, which is often religious in nature. Temples or wats are frequent sightings and you will find temple murals recounting the tales of Buddha, Buddha statues, sculptures and religious engravings adorning doors and windows.
Despite the overarching themes, strong differences remain amongst the different Lao ethnicities. The mountainous terrain has made travel and amalgamation difficult, and many villages have maintained their distinctiveness. Visiting the different tribes and ethnicities will be a rich adventure in understanding and discovery.
Last edited Oct 15, 07 7:00 PM. Contributors:
Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, Laos
This is a trekker's dream city. It remains very culturally true to its history but also has the luxuries of the French colonial influce which means you can get an incredible chocolate eclair in the middle of Laos! Many great guest houses located along the Mekong River. If they wash your underwear for you, expect to see it hanging on a clothes line near the road for all to see!
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Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion in Laos, with approximately 60% of the population practicing, most of whom are located in the lowlands with some midland folk. The pervasiveness of this religion is evident as sightings of orange and yellow clad monks performing their daily rituals and routines are common throughout the country. Buddhism was first introduced to Laos around the 8th century, but was officially adopted as the state religion by Fa Ngum during the establishment of Lan Xang, the Kingdom of Laos in 1353. Theravada is believed to be the most original and earliest teachings of Buddha, and was well preserved in Sri Lanka.
Every Lao Buddhist male is expected to become a monk at some point in his life, usually prior to marriage, after school, or in old age. Unlike Sri Lanka, where becoming a monk is permanent and leaving is frowned upon, it’s perfect acceptable for Lao males to be ordained for only a few months. Having a monk amongst the family is looked upon very favorably. Lao Buddhist monks adhere to 10 vows, including prohibitions against stealing, lying, imbibing alcohol, sexual relations, eating in the afternoon, listening to music, dancing, wearing jewelry or perfumes, sleeping in high beds, accepting money for personal use and killing.
One edict of monkhood is to become detached to the world and worldly possessions, so during ordination, monks rely on the generosity of people for their food and clothing. Early every morning, and especially during festivals, the Lao can be seen lining up along the street side to proffer food to the monks. It is believed that this generosity will generate good karma that carries over into the next life. The food gathered during the morning serves as the only nourishment for monks of the day.
Most lowland villages contain temples or wats, which serve as the religious centre of worship. It can sometimes be used interchangeably as a school. Traditionally, Lao temples were seen as centers of learning for Buddhist monks from all around the region. During religious festivals, villages may be seen to observe specific rites and these are occasions for the town to give additional special offerings of food, robes and religious articles to the monks.
Animist beliefs are the second most dominant form of religion in Laos, of which approximately 31% of the population still practice. Animist beliefs are amongst the oldest form of religion in Laos, brought in by the earliest inhabitants. The worship of animist spirits (phi) is evidenced by the presence of animist shrines throughout many parts of the country. It is also possible to see elaborate spirit gates designed to protect the village and ward off malicious spirits. Most commonly observed among the Lao Theung and the Lao Sung, animist beliefs are not mutually exclusive from Buddhism. Some families will integrate the two beliefs into their daily practice.
As opposed to Buddhist practice where a wat serves as the central place of worship, animists altars are usually erected within every household and annual ceremonies may be performed to renew the general protection of a household. Illnesses are frequently attributed to the act of malevolent spirits, or from having offended the spirits of ancestors. Shamans may be employed to perform cleansings, or to renew the protective boundaries of the house and animal sacrifices may be performed to appease the spirits. Failure to act is believed to bring disease or even death.
A small subset of the Lao (1.85%), particularly among the Hmong tribes, consider Christianity their religion. While the government officially takes the stance of open tolerance towards freedom of religious practice, there has been some documentation of religious persecution of Lao Christians.
Small communities of Muslims (1.1%) also exist in Laos, mostly from Cambodia and from China They inhabit the region around Vientiane, as well as in the mountainous regions of Laos.
A further 0.5% of the population observes various Chinese religions, and the remaining 4.3% are either non religions, or comprise other religions.
Every Lao Buddhist male is expected to become a monk at some point in his life, usually prior to marriage, after school, or in old age. Unlike Sri Lanka, where becoming a monk is permanent and leaving is frowned upon, it’s perfect acceptable for Lao males to be ordained for only a few months. Having a monk amongst the family is looked upon very favorably. Lao Buddhist monks adhere to 10 vows, including prohibitions against stealing, lying, imbibing alcohol, sexual relations, eating in the afternoon, listening to music, dancing, wearing jewelry or perfumes, sleeping in high beds, accepting money for personal use and killing.
One edict of monkhood is to become detached to the world and worldly possessions, so during ordination, monks rely on the generosity of people for their food and clothing. Early every morning, and especially during festivals, the Lao can be seen lining up along the street side to proffer food to the monks. It is believed that this generosity will generate good karma that carries over into the next life. The food gathered during the morning serves as the only nourishment for monks of the day.
Most lowland villages contain temples or wats, which serve as the religious centre of worship. It can sometimes be used interchangeably as a school. Traditionally, Lao temples were seen as centers of learning for Buddhist monks from all around the region. During religious festivals, villages may be seen to observe specific rites and these are occasions for the town to give additional special offerings of food, robes and religious articles to the monks.
Animist beliefs are the second most dominant form of religion in Laos, of which approximately 31% of the population still practice. Animist beliefs are amongst the oldest form of religion in Laos, brought in by the earliest inhabitants. The worship of animist spirits (phi) is evidenced by the presence of animist shrines throughout many parts of the country. It is also possible to see elaborate spirit gates designed to protect the village and ward off malicious spirits. Most commonly observed among the Lao Theung and the Lao Sung, animist beliefs are not mutually exclusive from Buddhism. Some families will integrate the two beliefs into their daily practice.
As opposed to Buddhist practice where a wat serves as the central place of worship, animists altars are usually erected within every household and annual ceremonies may be performed to renew the general protection of a household. Illnesses are frequently attributed to the act of malevolent spirits, or from having offended the spirits of ancestors. Shamans may be employed to perform cleansings, or to renew the protective boundaries of the house and animal sacrifices may be performed to appease the spirits. Failure to act is believed to bring disease or even death.
A small subset of the Lao (1.85%), particularly among the Hmong tribes, consider Christianity their religion. While the government officially takes the stance of open tolerance towards freedom of religious practice, there has been some documentation of religious persecution of Lao Christians.
Small communities of Muslims (1.1%) also exist in Laos, mostly from Cambodia and from China They inhabit the region around Vientiane, as well as in the mountainous regions of Laos.
A further 0.5% of the population observes various Chinese religions, and the remaining 4.3% are either non religions, or comprise other religions.
Last edited Oct 15, 07 7:01 PM. Contributors:
While the specific recreational activities differ between the various ethnic tribes of Laos, music and dance are pervasive elements across all cultures. Folk dances and music portray scenes from daily life and nature, while literature is often focused on Phra Lak Phra Lam, the Lao version of Ramayana, a Hindu epic describing the banishment of Rama from his kingdom, the abduction of his wife by demons and his eventual restoration to the throne. Lao literature is often orally transmitted. While there were some instances of popular literature, the proliferation of literature has been somewhat stunted since 1975, as all materials became subject to state approval. The majority of literature produced since comprise government sanctioned notices and educational materials.
The Lao have very well developed forms of weaving and embroidery and are renowned for the finesse and intricacies of their work. Entire villages will be dedicated to the production of rich textiles with use of silk as well as gold and silver threads. Other villages are known for their adept use of dyes, resulting in colourful and spectacular costumes. One popular tourist activity is to visit the different villages on textile tours. Lao village women will operate simple wooden framed hand and foot operated looms using thread that is still hand spun and dyed. Traditional designs and patterns include animals, flowers and geometric patterns such as diamonds. While these designs are ornamental in nature, the purpose is also to denote the person’s status, as well as to offer protection to the wearer. The art of weaving is passed down from generation to generation from the mother to daughter. Families over time develop signature designs distinctive to their families. Until recently, Lao women only wove for their families.
Additional forms of arts and crafts include pottery and carvings; in particular basket weaving throughout most ethnic groups. Basket weaving has been used to create fish and animal traps, mats and baskets used to carry products to and from the markets.
Woodwork, including boat construction, carving of bowls, spears arrows, pipes and spoons, as well as the creation of musical instruments is also popular, especially in the midland and highland tribes.
Finally, gold and silver smithing, especially the creating of silvery jewelry from coins for some of the more elaborate costumes, as well as the creation of bowls and silver boxes, are also popular amongst the highland tribes. However, this practice is slowly disappearing.
It does not appear that the Lao engage in much sport, with the exception of football (soccer). The Lao Football Federation, which was founded in 1951, is a member of FIFA, the Féderation Internationale de Football Association
The Lao have very well developed forms of weaving and embroidery and are renowned for the finesse and intricacies of their work. Entire villages will be dedicated to the production of rich textiles with use of silk as well as gold and silver threads. Other villages are known for their adept use of dyes, resulting in colourful and spectacular costumes. One popular tourist activity is to visit the different villages on textile tours. Lao village women will operate simple wooden framed hand and foot operated looms using thread that is still hand spun and dyed. Traditional designs and patterns include animals, flowers and geometric patterns such as diamonds. While these designs are ornamental in nature, the purpose is also to denote the person’s status, as well as to offer protection to the wearer. The art of weaving is passed down from generation to generation from the mother to daughter. Families over time develop signature designs distinctive to their families. Until recently, Lao women only wove for their families.
Additional forms of arts and crafts include pottery and carvings; in particular basket weaving throughout most ethnic groups. Basket weaving has been used to create fish and animal traps, mats and baskets used to carry products to and from the markets.
Woodwork, including boat construction, carving of bowls, spears arrows, pipes and spoons, as well as the creation of musical instruments is also popular, especially in the midland and highland tribes.
Finally, gold and silver smithing, especially the creating of silvery jewelry from coins for some of the more elaborate costumes, as well as the creation of bowls and silver boxes, are also popular amongst the highland tribes. However, this practice is slowly disappearing.
It does not appear that the Lao engage in much sport, with the exception of football (soccer). The Lao Football Federation, which was founded in 1951, is a member of FIFA, the Féderation Internationale de Football Association
Last edited Oct 15, 07 7:04 PM. Contributors:
Ban Dondet, Laos
If you have braved the way through southern Laos, you deserve Don Det. I never felt more at home. It was, hands down, the most authentic SE Asian place I ever visited. The villagers live in the same manner as the generations before them, with only the addition of a few rows of guesthouses. You share the same toilet facilities with your adopted family. All the tiny naked toddlers stare and wave at you - goggle eyed. And napping in hammock over the Mekong River is forever etched in my mind's eye.
Warning : The mosquitos are intense. After the sun falls, your flashlight is the only electric light for miles. No amount of deet can save you. I typically went to bed early, like the locals, seeking refuge under my mozzie net.
I stayed at: ponepasak guesthouse.
Don Det is my heaven. This tiny 1 x 2 kilometer island is charmingly sweet. One well-worn path loops the island, and renting a bicycle from a guesthouse is the best way to see things (although walking is the best way to make new friends, which you will). When I was there, I doubt there were a dozen other travellers, and those there were all very like-minded and open to the warmth and stories of the locals. Take a walk in any direction and any local in earshot will holler a "sabaidee!" your way, and a trail of little kids will creep behind you. I had one little guy in stitches when I started whistling - it cracked him up trying to mimic me. For some reason, I had John Denver's "Country Roads" stuck in my head during my stay, and I whistled it constantly. Mama at rasta cafe will win your heart, "you EEEAT! goooood! suh-peak lao!" which is your prompt to say something in lao. On the west side of the islands, at the aptly named "Sunset Cafe", you can have a Beer Lao and some fantastic food, served up with a sparkling show of reds and oranges burnt across the sky. Thomas and I biked over the bridge to Don Khon, where we found a guide to lead us to the Somphamit Falls (1.5 kilometers from the bridge). These falls are nothing like Kuang Si (Laos), Somphamit is thunderously powerful.
My home on don det was at phonepasak, run by the dynamite madame pihm and her precious family. She's a fabulous cook - ask for the delicious moc pa . One morning Mr. Pihm came in with twitching catfish hanging from his fingers, "Dinner!" he hollered and laughed. Madame Pimh steamed it for most of the day, wrapped in banana leaves, coconut and sweet seasonings... delicous. Stay any length of time and you'll feel like part of the family, eating at the table with kittens rolling around under the daughter's chair, and eating what's served not what you order. There were days I hardly left my hammock though, a good mafia book and some music, you hardly noticed time pass. As I was half-way through my trip, and I felt I'd earned some dedicated hammock-time. I could not have imagined or dreamed a better place on this planet. Even the mozzies couldn't dampen my joy!
...... Written in 2005 when I visited ( travelogue photos ). God willing, life on Don Det hasn't changed much hasn't been bombarded by the Bankok hippie-backpacker crush.....
Warning : The mosquitos are intense. After the sun falls, your flashlight is the only electric light for miles. No amount of deet can save you. I typically went to bed early, like the locals, seeking refuge under my mozzie net.
I stayed at: ponepasak guesthouse.
Don Det is my heaven. This tiny 1 x 2 kilometer island is charmingly sweet. One well-worn path loops the island, and renting a bicycle from a guesthouse is the best way to see things (although walking is the best way to make new friends, which you will). When I was there, I doubt there were a dozen other travellers, and those there were all very like-minded and open to the warmth and stories of the locals. Take a walk in any direction and any local in earshot will holler a "sabaidee!" your way, and a trail of little kids will creep behind you. I had one little guy in stitches when I started whistling - it cracked him up trying to mimic me. For some reason, I had John Denver's "Country Roads" stuck in my head during my stay, and I whistled it constantly. Mama at rasta cafe will win your heart, "you EEEAT! goooood! suh-peak lao!" which is your prompt to say something in lao. On the west side of the islands, at the aptly named "Sunset Cafe", you can have a Beer Lao and some fantastic food, served up with a sparkling show of reds and oranges burnt across the sky. Thomas and I biked over the bridge to Don Khon, where we found a guide to lead us to the Somphamit Falls (1.5 kilometers from the bridge). These falls are nothing like Kuang Si (Laos), Somphamit is thunderously powerful.
My home on don det was at phonepasak, run by the dynamite madame pihm and her precious family. She's a fabulous cook - ask for the delicious moc pa . One morning Mr. Pihm came in with twitching catfish hanging from his fingers, "Dinner!" he hollered and laughed. Madame Pimh steamed it for most of the day, wrapped in banana leaves, coconut and sweet seasonings... delicous. Stay any length of time and you'll feel like part of the family, eating at the table with kittens rolling around under the daughter's chair, and eating what's served not what you order. There were days I hardly left my hammock though, a good mafia book and some music, you hardly noticed time pass. As I was half-way through my trip, and I felt I'd earned some dedicated hammock-time. I could not have imagined or dreamed a better place on this planet. Even the mozzies couldn't dampen my joy!
...... Written in 2005 when I visited ( travelogue photos ). God willing, life on Don Det hasn't changed much hasn't been bombarded by the Bankok hippie-backpacker crush.....
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Sports are underdeveloped in Laos, primarily due to the lack of facilities. The Lao do participate in a number of sports at school (including badminton, volleyball, and basketball), but there are few opportunities or facilities for adults. Outside of school, there are few organized sporting activities for youths as well. The sports that are popular in Laos require minimal equipment of facilities. These include soccer, Sepak Takraw, martial arts and ball toss in tribal areas.
The Laotian national soccer (football) team competes in various international and regional tournaments, but has not made it past the first round in a major event. As of October 2006, they have a FIFA ranking of 183.
The Lao League is the top division of Laotian Football. Teams in the Lao League include
Vientiane FC
MCTPC
Ministry of Public Security
Lao-American College FC
Army FC
Bank
National University
Lao Journalists’ Association FC
Vilakone FC
Kavin College
Prime Minister’s Office FC
Vientiane Province
Vientiane FC is the 2006 champion, having successfully defended its 2005 title.
Takraw (Sepak Takraw) is a popular traditional sport. This game involves two teams of three players hitting a rattan ball over a volleyball net without using their hands. Similar to volleyball, scores go up to 21 points. Sepak Takraw is a popular sport in Southeast Asia. Laotian teams enter regional competitions such as the King’s Cup.
A recreational version of takraw involves players standing in a circle and trying to keep the ball in the air without using their hands (similar to hackysack).
Martial arts are also practiced in Laos, with Muay Lao (similar to Muay Thai) being popular. There are debates over which came first between Muay Lao and Muay Thai.
The ball toss is a popular tribal courtship game. Boys and girls line up across from each other and throw a ball back and forth. A missed catch results in the player forfeiting an item of clothing or jewelry, which is recovered by singing a love song for each item.
Men from the Hmong tribe also enjoy battle events such as cock fighting and fish fighting. They place bets on the fights and gather around to watch the results.
Other popular games also include top spinning. In this game, one child starts spinning their top, then the other person spins their top and aims at the first top. The winner is whoever’s top spins for the longest amount of time.
The Laotian national soccer (football) team competes in various international and regional tournaments, but has not made it past the first round in a major event. As of October 2006, they have a FIFA ranking of 183.
The Lao League is the top division of Laotian Football. Teams in the Lao League include
Vientiane FC
MCTPC
Ministry of Public Security
Lao-American College FC
Army FC
Bank
National University
Lao Journalists’ Association FC
Vilakone FC
Kavin College
Prime Minister’s Office FC
Vientiane Province
Vientiane FC is the 2006 champion, having successfully defended its 2005 title.
Takraw (Sepak Takraw) is a popular traditional sport. This game involves two teams of three players hitting a rattan ball over a volleyball net without using their hands. Similar to volleyball, scores go up to 21 points. Sepak Takraw is a popular sport in Southeast Asia. Laotian teams enter regional competitions such as the King’s Cup.
A recreational version of takraw involves players standing in a circle and trying to keep the ball in the air without using their hands (similar to hackysack).
Martial arts are also practiced in Laos, with Muay Lao (similar to Muay Thai) being popular. There are debates over which came first between Muay Lao and Muay Thai.
The ball toss is a popular tribal courtship game. Boys and girls line up across from each other and throw a ball back and forth. A missed catch results in the player forfeiting an item of clothing or jewelry, which is recovered by singing a love song for each item.
Men from the Hmong tribe also enjoy battle events such as cock fighting and fish fighting. They place bets on the fights and gather around to watch the results.
Other popular games also include top spinning. In this game, one child starts spinning their top, then the other person spins their top and aims at the first top. The winner is whoever’s top spins for the longest amount of time.
Last edited Oct 16, 07 5:18 PM. Contributors:
Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, Laos
If you rent a bike inside Luang Prabang to go to the waterfalls, make sure the brakes work as the road is quite steep downhill at places.
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Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, Laos
definitely hire a bike!! its totally worth it and a nice change to walking or busing
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Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, Laos
bars close at midnight, locals are very friendly... after the bars go for a stroll with a little lao lao(booze) u can find life after the bars... dont ride a bike to the waterfalls (a must see) take a taxi as it can be a rough ride
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Vientiane, Laos
wear a helmet when riding motorcycles if possible. try to avoid riding too late or really early morning if possible. drunk drivers are out at those times. keep your distance and be aware if you do. bring pepto bismol just incase. don't trust everyone. there are cheaper hotels if you look around. $7/night for a queen size bed, bathroom, airconditioning, and a fan. I'm sure there is cheaper. things to do: clubbing, bars, festivals, jogging/biking/walking, bowling, pool hall, restaurants, fishing, shopping, tennis/basketball/other sports....socializing with locals
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Ban Hatkhai, Laos
This village is something we had never seen before and people there hardly ever saw foreigners like us. Thongvan was the only person in the village of Ban HatKai who spoke English. We had to call him Wan.
First we had to do a boat trip for about an hour which was already amazing. Everything in Laos was so beautiful and untouched by tourism! Finally we arrived at the Keng Mang Waterfall where we got out of the boat to get into the jungle. Going through the jungle at Ban HatKai was even more amazing then the jungle trip we had at Ban Na. After 2 hours hiking through the jungle we stopped to have some lunch. After lunch we continued our walk to the top of the mountain. Once on top of it I just couldn’t believe my eyes: what an amazingly beautiful place it was. Between the top of that mountain and the one we could see on the other side there was a river called the Namang River, which of course we couldn’t see. But just to be on top of the mountain where almost nobody else had been was so amazing. We took a 15 minute break, took loads of pictures and then returned to the foot of the mountain because we had to be back before nightfall. When we arrived there at the Keng Mang Waterfall we all went for a good swim and then went back to the village of Ban HatKai by boat. When we finally got back into town it was already 7 p.m. Shaun, Ida and Ellen had to go to the temple to teach the local kids some English. Because it was too late for us to return to Thailand we joined them to teach some English. The kids are so excited that we just kept on teaching for more than 2 hours. Finally we had to stop because children have to go to bed some time. After dinner we stayed at Kammoon’s house to stay the night. In the morning Wan and Kammoon drove us to the big road with their motorcycles where we could take a bus to Vientiane which is the capital of Laos. From Vientiane we took the TukTuk to the border with Thailand again.
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In many ways, Lao food is typical of the South East Asian region. Specifically, Lao cuisine most strongly resembles northern Thai cuisine. Rice (Khao) and rice noodles (khao poon) are considered staples of Lao society, of which glutinous rice (khao nyao) is usually the most popular. The sticky rice is usually formed into balls which are then used to scoop up other food, or for dipping into sauce. It is assumed however that foreigners prefer non-glutinous rice (khao chao), so it is important to specify which you want when ordering in restaurants. Typical Asian ingredients, such as galangal, kaffir lime, lemongrass, tamarind, coriander, mint and Thai basil are frequently found in Laotian cooking
There are also some aspects of Lao cuisine that are unique to the region. The use of dill as a spice is one, as well as the fact that cooked food is frequently eaten at room temperature, possibly to allow the use of hands in handling the rice as well as the sauces. Chopsticks are used for noodle soups and forks and spoons will be used for serving some vegetable dishes. More than other South East Asian countries, Lao food will be served raw. The traditional diet includes rice accompanied by a lot of raw vegetables and salads. Meat, fish and soup will sometimes accompany the main dishes. Laap, a very popular dish in Laos, comprises chopped and pounded meats that are spiced and mixed with lime juice and rice powder. The dish is often served raw, although in restaurants, it will also be made with cooked minced meat. The type of meat used in Laap varies from household to household, and can range from wild game such as deer or water buffalo to chicken, pork, and fish.
Common roadside dishes include Tam Mak Houng, which is a green papaya salad similar in taste to the Thai version. Feu, a noodle dish imported from Vietnam is popular as well and can be found at roadside vendors at any time of the day, including breakfast. Pak dek, a lumpy and opaque condiment made of fermented fish chunks is frequently used in Lao cooking. Fsh sauce, called nam ba, is the clear liquid version. Som moo is a type of fermented pork sausage, that can be eaten raw or cooked. The consumption of dog meat does occur in some parts of Laos.
Food is an important part of Lao culture. In fact a typical Lao greeting is “kin khao nyang,” meaning “Have you eaten yet?" Food is traditionally eaten communally and it is not uncommon to be invited by Lao locals in the sharing of food. Freshness of food is important since many villages lack access to simple appliances such as refrigerators. Daily trips to the market are important, and freshly killed game will be consumed immediately. Due to the hunting-gathering nature of some Lao ethnicities, the type of food consumed varies by region and availability. In the lowlands especially along the rivers, a lot of fish is consumed, but not much pork, chicken or buffalo. The Lao sing, the highlanders of Laos, usually do not consume much meat.
The Lao do not prepare any types of special foods during special occasions such as New Year or festivals, but the quantity and variety of food prepared increases. There will be more sweets, dessert and alcohol. While males may drink rice whisky with snacks and during ceremonial occasions, females will refrain from alcohol except for New Year celebrations. In the countryside and in the mountains, fermented beer, a popular alcohol, is created by soaking jugfuls of rice with rice alcohol powder and bran for at least 15 days. This beer is drunk using bamboo straws. In the city, beer consumption is widespread, and Beer Lao, the only beer brand in Laos, is very popular. Lao beer is considered by some to be the best beer in Asia. Due to the French influence, coffee is widely consumed and this is typically served with condensed milk as well as a “chaser” of black tea or warm water. Tea is also served with condensed milk, though Chinese tea, which is served in teapots and often found in noodle stores, is not.
Water is not potable in some parts of Laos, although water in restaurants is usually served from purified jugs of water. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country. Soft drinks are served throughout the country, though they are relatively expensive compared to local drinks as everything is imported. Diet soft drinks are not commonly available.
In addition to coffee, the French influence also results in the consumption of bread, especially French baguettes in the morning, as well as a number of other forms of French pastries.
There are also some aspects of Lao cuisine that are unique to the region. The use of dill as a spice is one, as well as the fact that cooked food is frequently eaten at room temperature, possibly to allow the use of hands in handling the rice as well as the sauces. Chopsticks are used for noodle soups and forks and spoons will be used for serving some vegetable dishes. More than other South East Asian countries, Lao food will be served raw. The traditional diet includes rice accompanied by a lot of raw vegetables and salads. Meat, fish and soup will sometimes accompany the main dishes. Laap, a very popular dish in Laos, comprises chopped and pounded meats that are spiced and mixed with lime juice and rice powder. The dish is often served raw, although in restaurants, it will also be made with cooked minced meat. The type of meat used in Laap varies from household to household, and can range from wild game such as deer or water buffalo to chicken, pork, and fish.
Common roadside dishes include Tam Mak Houng, which is a green papaya salad similar in taste to the Thai version. Feu, a noodle dish imported from Vietnam is popular as well and can be found at roadside vendors at any time of the day, including breakfast. Pak dek, a lumpy and opaque condiment made of fermented fish chunks is frequently used in Lao cooking. Fsh sauce, called nam ba, is the clear liquid version. Som moo is a type of fermented pork sausage, that can be eaten raw or cooked. The consumption of dog meat does occur in some parts of Laos.
Food is an important part of Lao culture. In fact a typical Lao greeting is “kin khao nyang,” meaning “Have you eaten yet?" Food is traditionally eaten communally and it is not uncommon to be invited by Lao locals in the sharing of food. Freshness of food is important since many villages lack access to simple appliances such as refrigerators. Daily trips to the market are important, and freshly killed game will be consumed immediately. Due to the hunting-gathering nature of some Lao ethnicities, the type of food consumed varies by region and availability. In the lowlands especially along the rivers, a lot of fish is consumed, but not much pork, chicken or buffalo. The Lao sing, the highlanders of Laos, usually do not consume much meat.
The Lao do not prepare any types of special foods during special occasions such as New Year or festivals, but the quantity and variety of food prepared increases. There will be more sweets, dessert and alcohol. While males may drink rice whisky with snacks and during ceremonial occasions, females will refrain from alcohol except for New Year celebrations. In the countryside and in the mountains, fermented beer, a popular alcohol, is created by soaking jugfuls of rice with rice alcohol powder and bran for at least 15 days. This beer is drunk using bamboo straws. In the city, beer consumption is widespread, and Beer Lao, the only beer brand in Laos, is very popular. Lao beer is considered by some to be the best beer in Asia. Due to the French influence, coffee is widely consumed and this is typically served with condensed milk as well as a “chaser” of black tea or warm water. Tea is also served with condensed milk, though Chinese tea, which is served in teapots and often found in noodle stores, is not.
Water is not potable in some parts of Laos, although water in restaurants is usually served from purified jugs of water. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country. Soft drinks are served throughout the country, though they are relatively expensive compared to local drinks as everything is imported. Diet soft drinks are not commonly available.
In addition to coffee, the French influence also results in the consumption of bread, especially French baguettes in the morning, as well as a number of other forms of French pastries.
Last edited Oct 16, 07 5:18 PM. Contributors:
Pakxe, Southern Laos, Laos
If you don't like rain, mud, or walking much, I suggest not to go to Pakse during rainy season (June-August). However, if you can stand all that, you might appreciate the jungles and waterfalls in southern Laos near Champasak and Pakse. I found it more beautiful walking around in the rain. Everything was green and the mud was...mud. It made it more fun. Everything gets wet and dirty and you might slip a little here and there. In my opinion rainy season is the best season. Just bring some extra clothes for changing. If you are scared of getting a cold, just wear a pancho and some rain boots and you'll be fine.
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Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, Laos
Really quiet, really relaxing... peaceful town on the Mekong River. I could have stayed here longer than I did.
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Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, Laos
This is a trekker's dream city. It remains very culturally true to its history but also has the luxuries of the French colonial influce which means you can get an incredible chocolate eclair in the middle of Laos! Many great guest houses located along the Mekong River. If they wash your underwear for you, expect to see it hanging on a clothes line near the road for all to see!
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Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, Laos
Cycle to waterfall and spend a night in the middle of no-where.
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Muang Vangviang, Laos
The town itself is a little depressing. CAN I SCREAM LOUDER I DIDN'T GO TO LAOS TO GET STONED EATING HAPPY PIZZA AND WATCH 'FRIENDS' REPEATS!!!!!!!!!!!! Got very very sunburnt- Don't do the inner tubing in the dry season!
All that said, a walk to the caves through the farms against the beautiful limestone mountains and jungle backgrounds, waving to the friendly farmers as you pass is definitly wonderful.
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The official language of Laos is Lao (pasaa Lao), a tonal language whereby the meaning of a word is determined by the tone or pitch (inflection). There are six tones in the Lao language – low, mid, high, rising, high falling and low falling. Lao is a Tai-Kadai language that was modeled on the alphabet of the old Khmer script. It is spoken by an estimated 15 million people in Laos, northern Thailand and by Lao communities around the world especially in the US, France and Canada. Interestingly, there are more Laos speakers in Thailand than there are in Laos.
There are five different Lao dialects: Vientiene Lao, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane and Champassak. The Vientiane Lao is considered the standard and is the most widely understood throughout the country. As Lao is closely related to Thai, speakers of Lao are often able to understand spoken Thai, though the reverse is not always true.
The Lao language is phonetic, so each letter stands for a sound. There are 21 consonant sounds, though 27 consonants used. These additional symbols were originally used to represent separate sounds, but with the loss of distinction between the sounds, the additional letters are now used to indicate tones. There are no spaces between words in Lao, with the use of spaces reserved for the end of clauses or sentences. Because there is no official Latin transliteration system for Laos, a French based system is in use, resulting in considerable variations in spelling, particularly with respect to vowels. It is not uncommon to find a town referenced by up to 15 different spelling variations.
While Lao is the official language, it represents only 52% of the total population. Other Tai Kadai speakers make up approximately 15% of the population, and the remainder is fragmented into the culturally distinct tribal groups. Many tribal communities will still have some knowledge of Lao, especially those who have been in close contact with military services or other endeavours will have a higher understanding of Lao.
The hill and mountain areas of Laos are the most linguistically diverse, with many different tribal languages being spoken. Some societies, particularly the midland Lao Theung, do not possess a written equivalent of their language. Less mountainous areas (such as the Mekong River) have predominantly Lao speakers. Two popular ethnic languages in Laos are Khmmu and Hmong. Both languages have large amounts of speakers in Northern Laos. The Hmong language has proven to be resilient despite efforts to increase the use of Lao in that community.
Among the older generation, French and Vietnamese are widely spoken. In the younger generation English is often used as it has been adopted as the language of business and tourism. English is also seen as the preferred language amongst the younger generation. Many younger Laotians will speak some English. Most tuk-tuk (taxi drivers) in Vientiane will understand some English, though there may be local restaurants at which English is not spoken. In more remote regions, it should not be expected that English will be well understood if at all. Russian is also understood in some areas of Laos due to a close prior relationship between Laos and the Soviet Union, but is less common than are French speakers.
There are five different Lao dialects: Vientiene Lao, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang, Khammouane and Champassak. The Vientiane Lao is considered the standard and is the most widely understood throughout the country. As Lao is closely related to Thai, speakers of Lao are often able to understand spoken Thai, though the reverse is not always true.
The Lao language is phonetic, so each letter stands for a sound. There are 21 consonant sounds, though 27 consonants used. These additional symbols were originally used to represent separate sounds, but with the loss of distinction between the sounds, the additional letters are now used to indicate tones. There are no spaces between words in Lao, with the use of spaces reserved for the end of clauses or sentences. Because there is no official Latin transliteration system for Laos, a French based system is in use, resulting in considerable variations in spelling, particularly with respect to vowels. It is not uncommon to find a town referenced by up to 15 different spelling variations.
While Lao is the official language, it represents only 52% of the total population. Other Tai Kadai speakers make up approximately 15% of the population, and the remainder is fragmented into the culturally distinct tribal groups. Many tribal communities will still have some knowledge of Lao, especially those who have been in close contact with military services or other endeavours will have a higher understanding of Lao.
The hill and mountain areas of Laos are the most linguistically diverse, with many different tribal languages being spoken. Some societies, particularly the midland Lao Theung, do not possess a written equivalent of their language. Less mountainous areas (such as the Mekong River) have predominantly Lao speakers. Two popular ethnic languages in Laos are Khmmu and Hmong. Both languages have large amounts of speakers in Northern Laos. The Hmong language has proven to be resilient despite efforts to increase the use of Lao in that community.
Among the older generation, French and Vietnamese are widely spoken. In the younger generation English is often used as it has been adopted as the language of business and tourism. English is also seen as the preferred language amongst the younger generation. Many younger Laotians will speak some English. Most tuk-tuk (taxi drivers) in Vientiane will understand some English, though there may be local restaurants at which English is not spoken. In more remote regions, it should not be expected that English will be well understood if at all. Russian is also understood in some areas of Laos due to a close prior relationship between Laos and the Soviet Union, but is less common than are French speakers.
Last edited Oct 16, 07 5:19 PM. Contributors:
