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
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