Laos communication styles

Local Perspective:
When speaking with someone, as a general rule, one arm’s length is an acceptable distance. Eye contact is not particularly important but posture can be, especially when sitting. Touching the head of another adult is considered disrespectful, especially if the person is older than you. However, it is ok to touch children’s heads. Females over the age of 10 are not permitted to touch male monks or stand within 3 feet of them. Tours Indochina Laos

Showing the soles of your bare feet is considered a vulgar gesture and most Laotian people take care to sit in a way that hides them from view. Most families sit on the floors of their homes and sit with their legs folded to the side of them, tucking their feet under their skirts or sitting on them. They never sit with their feet propped up or extended straight out towards someone.
A nervous tone of voice or speech patterns may be perceived as a sign of dishonesty.
Canadian Perspective:
When talking to a Laotian, a respectful distance is recommended. Eye contact is not a problem, but touching is to be avoided completely, especially males touching women and anyone touching someone on the head. Such acts would be considered a serious breach of decorum. Even Laotian dancing is performed without touching the partner. Travel to Laos

The Laotian are mostly a quiet, self-effacing and undemonstrative people, therefore all contact should be carried out in a subdued manner especially tone of voice. Gestures should be kept to a minimum.
Greeting
Lao people always keep smile during greetings. The standard Lao greeting is "Saibaideebor" means "how are you?" and the often response is "sabaidee". For men greeting men, this is usually done with both hands pressed together in a prayer in front of your body and accompanied with a slight bow or nod. For women greeting women or men greeting women, this is usually done with both hands pressed together in the prayer position just below the chin and accompanied with a slight bow.
Personal space and touching
In most circumstance, an arm’s length of personal space is the norm
Touching during conversations is limited to non-existent especially the case with people of the opposite sex
Avoid touching anybody’s head as it is considered very disrespectful but it is acceptable for adults to touch children’s head.
Public displays are usually inappropriate and offensive
Eye contact
Direct eye contact is the norm in most situations
When a man speaks to a woman, especially younger woman, she may avoid making direct eye contact and keep her eyes focused on the ground.
Gestures
To beckon someone, hold your hand palm downwards with the fingers pointing towards the ground and waggle them loosely. Beckoning with the palm upward (Western style) maybe considered rude.
Avoid pointing as it is considered rude
It is normally courteous and expected to remove one’s shoes before entering somebody’s home. It is compulsory when entering a Buddhist temple.
Showing the soles of your bare feet is considered a rude gesture and most Laotians sit in a way that hides the feet from view.
Clothes
When entering a temple, men should wear long pants and shirt. Women should avoid shirts, miniskirts, halter-tops, and strapless tops (anything exposing their shoulder).

When to visit Laos

When to visit Laos
November to January is the best time to visit lowland Laos, when daytime temperatures are agreeably warm, evenings are slightly chilly and the countryside is green and lush after the rains. However, at higher elevations temperatures are significantly cooler, sometimes dropping to freezing point. In February, temperatures begin to climb, reaching a peak in April, when the lowlands are baking hot and humid. During this time, the highlands are, for the most part, equally hot if a bit less muggy than the lowlands, though there are places, such as Paksong on the Bolaven Plateau, that have a temperate climate year-round. Due to slash-and-burn agriculture, much of the north, including Luang Prabang, becomes shrouded in smoke from March until the beginning of the monsoon, which can at times be quite uncomfortable, and of course doesn’t do your photographs any favours. The rainy season (generally May to September) affects the condition of Laos’s network of unpaved roads, some of which become impassable after the rains begin. On the other hand, rivers which may be too low to navigate during the dry season become important transport routes after the rains have caused water levels to rise. Note that the climate in some northern areas – notably Phongsali and Hua Phan (Sam Neua) – can be surprisingly temperamental, even in the hot season, so you could have one scorcher of a day, followed by a cold, wet day that’s enough to convince you you’re no longer in Southeast Asia. Indochina travel Laos
With its undisturbed cultures and undiscovered environment, the country has captured the hearts of many. Coupled with possibly the most chilled out people on earth means that Laos is fast becoming a must go for off the beaten path travel and the adventure tourist! The beautiful simplicity of the village life makes a refreshing change to the fast paced atmosphere found elsewhere in Asia, and the warm welcome received by the somewhat reserved and shy Laotians help make a visit to Laos a truly unforgettable and welcome experience. Tours in Laos
The culture, pace and attitude of Laos have remained relatively unchanged for the last century, making it a fantastic step back in time, away from life as we have come to know it. For a real break, away from the hustle and bustle and crowds, this country of mountains and rivers is the perfect place to go.

map of Laos There is so much to see in this beautiful country. From the adventure haven of Vang Vieng to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang with its robed monks and monasteries (often referred to as a destination on its own!), and from the mountains of the north to the impressive ‘Mother of all rivers’ the Mekong; Laos really is an untouched beauty. It is a country where you really can discover somewhere that no one has been before and can genuinely discover the explorer within.
The exotic wilderness that is Laos and the amazing scenery draw travellers who are looking for an experience and a bit of intrepid travel. There is the opportunity to sit back and marvel at the scenery and culture or to embark on the more adventurous activities that Laos has to offer with options including kayaking, rafting, boating, caving, trekking, and tubing. Unsurprisingly, due to the spectacular limestone crags and karst cliffs rock climbing is available and is considered to be some of the best in South East Asia! Laos is also considered by many to be a perfect place for cycling, as the roads are quiet and peaceful as there are few cars. Imagine all of this with the amazingly dramatic, yet peaceful and serene backdrop and there is no wonder that Laos is a favourite for all who have been there, providing the opportunity for an alternative and exciting adventure holiday.
WEATHER AVERAGES AND CLIMATE IN LAOS
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, with a pronounced rainy season from May through October, a cool dry season from November through February, and a hot dry season in March and April. Generally, monsoons occur at the same time across the country, although that time may vary significantly from one year to the next. Montly rainfall also varies regionally, you can click on the map below to select the weather station for more information. Temperatures range from average highs around 40 degrees celcius along the Mekong in March and April to lows of 5 degrees celcius or less in the uplands of Xiangkhoang and Phôngsali in January.

Mandalay and Around

Mandalay and Around
Amongst the best destinations to see in Myanmar, Mandalay is truly worth the visit. It is the irreplaceable religious centre and holds the past royal history of the land. In almost any trip to Myanmar, the responsible Myanmar tour operator usually promotes the Mandalay Tours because they clearly know that without Mandalay, the tourism in Myanmar cannot be complete. While some tourists are fond of digging for the history of the land, the others are captivated by the charismatic beauty of the pagoda, palace, and monastery herein. Indochina tours Myanmar
Whether or not you have read any piece about Mandalay, it’s worth pointing out that this destination helps perfect what many people praise for the so-called Burma holiday packages. It is Mandalay that enchants and surprises the new guests about the existing religious hub that is well-preserved withstanding the hard test of time. For the adventurous and healthy spirits, the Mandalay Tours make the dream of the remarkable pilgrimage of some people achievable via the simple booking. Along with that, nothing can deny the fact that the scenery in Mandalay is charming, exclusive, and inspirational indeed. Of course, hundreds of the flattering photographs will be taken, and dozens of the sweet memorabilia will be written down for the later remembrance about Mandalay. Myanmar travel packages

You can do the simple online search to get the first glimpse of Myanmar travel and tours, and let them convince you of their attractiveness via both the beautiful words and the incredible pictures. Believe us! Myanmar is more radiant than what is stated in the papers and the online graphics. The promoted Mandalay Tours constantly delight the crowds of vacationers and pilgrims out there. You should know it! Time flies fast and doesn’t wait for anybody. Therefore, appreciate the days of youth to experience the desirable Burma travel tours at your earliest convenience! In particular, the Mandalay Tours should always be your top pick so that you can set foot in the reputable Mandalay Hill, Royal Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, San Kyaw Golden Palace, and more. Wait for what? Book the superb Mandalay Tours early on!
Mandalay Palace
Built by King Mindon between 1857 and 1859 and inherited by King Thibaw before colonial times, Mandalay Palace was once famous for its jewel encrusted décor, grand meeting halls and the vast number of teak houses built to accommodate the king’s many wives. Today, the many wives are long gone, but a $10 contribution will grant you the privilege of walking around their teak houses and a small ... Read more about Mandalay Palace .
Shwenandaw Kyaung Monastery ( Golden Palace Monastery )
The only surviving original building from the Grand Palace is Shwenandaw Monastery (also known as the Golden Palace Monastery). The well-preserved all teak wood structure is covered in intricately carved figures from Buddhist mythology, and has become a valuable stop for those looking to absorb Mandalay's rich history. First built as part of the royal palace in Amarapura by King Mindon's ... Read more about Shwenandaw Kyaung Monastery ( Golden Palace Monastery ) .
Mandalay Hill
A 240-metre hill covered in spires and pagodas juts out into the sky northeast of the Grand Palace, offering an all-encompassing 360-degree viewpoint of Mandalay. Monks from all around the city join aspiring photographers and sunset visitors on top of Mandalay Hill every day, to watch the world change from day to night. ... Read more about Mandalay Hill .
Kuthodaw Pagoda and Sandamuni Pagoda
When you think about what the world’s largest book may look like, you’re likely to imagine a massive leather tome tucked away in some library. In actuality, the world’s largest “book” is in Mandalay at Kuthodaw Pagoda. It consists of 729 standing stone “pages”, each with their own private stupa known as a kyauksa gu. They span across the vast pagoda grounds in long organised rows ... Read more about Kuthodaw Pagoda and Sandamuni Pagoda .

Northwest Vietnam Travel

A striking blend of jagged mountain ranges, lush valleys and jungle, the northern provinces of Vietnam are culturally diverse and largely inhabited by ethnic minorities. The region was important in the revolution against the French and suffered during more recent conflict with China. It remains a rural backwater and largely isolated from the country’s recent economic achievements. Tours Indochina
Thac Ba Lake
The lake and its surrounds is considered an area of ecological and cultural importance. The region is home to a number of ethnic minority groups, most notably the Dao but also Tay, Nung, Thai, Muong, Giay and others, with many living along the banks of the lake and earning a living from its waters.
The area also has historical significance: in 1285 the Thu Vat Battle took place against Mongolian invaders and during the Vietnam/American war Thuy Tien cave was the base of Yen Bai provincial committee. North Vietnam travel tours
The lake was created when the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant was constructed on the Chay River in Yen Binh district. It is immense: more than 23,000 hectares, 80 kilometres long, up to 10 kilometres wide and 42 metres down at its deepest point. The landscape is stunning, with 1,331 islands, mostly covered in forest, and still, clear water.
Although it is possible to get to Thac Ba lake independently, it's not a developed tourist location so accommodation is not easily accessible and you can't just walk up to a ticket office and buy a boat ticket -- though you could probably walk up to someone in a lakeside village and find a rower prepared to take you out. We'd therefore recommend either booking onto a tour or booking your overnight stay and activities at La Vie Vu Linh, an eco-lodge and school on the banks of the lake.

Mai Chau
In spring Mai Chau is a bright, almost parrot-green and by autumn this green transforms into golden hues as the rice approaches harvest. Taking the time to watch these transitions of colour seems like a perfectly useful way to spend your time while there.
The scenery isn't the only reason visitors flood to Mai Chau though; those bemoaning the dearth of truly budget accommodation in Vietnam will be happy to learn that this is one place you can stay for a song. The budget accommodation option is a 'homestay' in a stilt house in one of the ethnic White Thai villages a short walk from Mai Chau town: Ban Poom Coong, Ban Lac 1 and Ban Lac 2.
But while accommodation and other services are run by ethnic minority families who have lived on and worked the land for generations, this is hardly like trucking into a Karen village in northern Thailand and staying in the spare room of someone's house: here its purpose-built to give tourists the 'homestay' experience, while the watchful eye of the government makes sure they have western toilets, ample bedding, and sometimes even satellite TVs in the common rooms. Still, it's an enjoyable part of a stay in Mai Chau, particularly when your hosts roll out the rice wine and traditional dancing.

Of the villages, Ban Lac 1 is the more developed, with more gift shops and a busier nightlife -- what there is of it -- but there's little to differentiate the accommodation on offer. The lodgings are mostly traditional stilt houses with large communal rooms where you can sleep on a mat laid upon a squeaky, split bamboo floor, for just about the same cheap price everywhere. The sleeps are really a loss leader -- they make the real money off the food you eat, and the curios and textiles you buy. Not to mention, the liquor you drink. A typical charge is 100,000 VND / person for bed and breakfast and although you could save 'small money' by eating in town, family-style Vietnamese cooking is generally far superior to restaurant fare, and you wouldn't want to miss out on the nightly group meals.
Dien Bien Phu
The capital of Dien Bien province, Dien Bien Phu lies on the east bank of the Nam Rom River (Song Nam Rom) at the northern end of the Muong Thanh valley. This was the site of a 57-day siege – the famous Battle of Dien Bien Phu – which brought an ignominious end to French colonialism in Asia. It is encircled by steep green hills from which tens of thousands of Viet Minh troops launched their assault on the French garrisons in 1954.
Visitors can visit a reconstruction of General de Castries’s main command bunker, set amid a litter of rusty tanks and artillery. Not far away, A1 Hill, known as ‘Eliane 2’ to the French, was the scene of fierce fighting and is now a war memorial dedicated to the Viet Minh who died here.
On the edge of the downtown area, the Museum of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (Nha Trung Bay Thang Lich Su Dien Bien Phu) has black-and-white battle photos, an illuminated electronic model of the valley and battle positions, and a collection of Chinese, American and French weapons. Across the street is a Viet Minh Cemetery, where some of the Viet Minh soldiers killed in the battle are buried.
Towering over town from its vantage position at D1 Hill is the Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument. Unveiled in 2004, this huge bronze statue measures 12.6m (41ft) and weighs 220 tonnes. It depicts three soldiers standing atop the French garrison, one holding a flag, another a gun, and the third a child with flowers. On the flag is written: Quyet chien, quyet thang (Determined to fight, determined to win).

North Vietnam Travel

North Vietnam Travel Highlights
North Vietnam Travel Highlights will let you learn more about cradle of Vietnam’s culture and history in the Red River Delta. Conquer the unspoiled hidden trail through colorful ethnic minority villages in the Sapa mountains and enjoy breathtaking views of Halong Bay from a boat. Explore the rich and beautiful nature of Hoang Lien, Cuc Phuong and Cat Ba National Parks. Indochina tours Vietnam
Explore the most remote area of Sapa
Nam Cang village locates in a remote and beautiful area dominated by Red Dao minority. Visiting the most remote part of Sapa area equals real adventure and great opportunities to explore the natural life of ethnic minority groups living in the mountains. The locals will look with big eyes and followed by happy smiles as this is “off the beaten track”. You enjoy your lunch in a comfortable riverside lodge connecting with Nam Cang village with own bridge. Along the tour you will meet several different tribes, each with own language and costumes.
Halong bay
Designated a World Heritage site in 1994, Halong Bay's spectacular scatter of islands, dotted with wind- and wave-eroded grottoes, is a vision of ethereal beauty and, unsurprisingly, northern Vietnam's number one tourism hub. Sprawling Halong City is the bay's main gateway but its dowdy high-rises are a disappointing doorstep to this site. Most visitors sensibly opt for cruise-tours that include sleeping on board within the bay, while a growing number are deciding to eschew the main bay completely, heading straight for Cat Ba Island from where trips to less-visited but equally alluring Lan Ha Bay are easily set up. Halong bay cruise in Vietnam

Halong Bay attracts visitors year-round with peak season between late May and early August. January to March is often cool and drizzly, and the ensuing fog can make visibility low, but adds bags of eerie atmosphere. From May to September tropical storms are frequent, and year-round tourist boats sometimes need to alter their itineraries, depending on the weather. November's sunny blue-sky days and lack of crowds make it the best time to make a beeline here.
Ba Be National Park
Often referred to as the Ba Be Lakes, Ba Be National Park was established in 1992 as Vietnam’s eighth national park. The scenery here swoops from towering limestone mountains peaking at 1554m down into plunging valleys wrapped in dense evergreen forests, speckled with waterfalls and caves, with the lakes themselves dominating the very heart of the park.
The park entrance fee is payable at a checkpoint, about 15km before the park headquarters, just beyond the town of Cho Ra.
Ba Be (meaning Three Bays) is in fact three linked lakes, which have a total length of 8km and a width of about 400m. More than a hundred species of freshwater fish inhabit the lake. Two of the lakes are separated by a 100m-wide strip of water called Be Kam, sandwiched between high walls of chalk rock.
The park is a rainforest area with more than 550 named plant species, and the government subsidises the villagers not to cut down the trees. The hundreds of wildlife species here include 65 (mostly rarely seen) mammals, 353 butterflies, 106 species of fish, four kinds of turtle, the highly endangered Vietnamese salamander and even the Burmese python. Ba Be birdlife is equally prolific, with 233 species recorded, including the spectacular crested serpent eagle and the oriental honey buzzard. Hunting is forbidden, but villagers are permitted to fish.
The region is home to 13 tribal villages, most belonging to the Tay minority plus smaller numbers of Dzao and Hmong. The park has a well-established homestay program allowing travellers who spend the night here to experience lakeside village life.

Pu Peo ethnic in Ha Giang

Pu Peo ethnic in Ha Giang

This ceremony started for along time ago. It has been survived and developed together with Pu Peo generations. The forest God worship is a cultural activity, folk belief associated with the multi – God philosophical life of agriculture residents such as, Spring God, River Lord, Mountain God, Forest Lord, Tree God, etc. Creating its own cultural nuances in community life. The festival not only is deeply spiritual values but also confirms the role and position of comminity in nature. Indochina travel Vietnam

Pu Peo people in Ha Giang has still preserved many community rituals and a treasure of rich folklore. Together with other ceremony held in the New Year days, forest god worship ceremony wishing for green mountain, security and good health for the people. This is considered as an indispensable agricultural ritual. Thanks to this ritual, forests under the region of Pu Peo lives are often protected very well, especially sacred forest. In fact, the protection of forest for farming and timber are transmitted to proceed generation by generation.

The ceremony takes place in the forbidden forest – the sacred forest, a sorcerer on behalf of the people honorifically faces down in a big trunk, then kowtow twices, each three times to look forward to protected of forest God, water God. Pu Peo people always understand that holding forest is holding the source of water; therefore, paying water God is also paying forest God. That is the reason why the youth in Pu Peo village (girls and boys) always go to Streams to carry water to home for wishing good lucks on New Year days. Tours in Vietnam



During a day, with jubilant and solidarity atmosphere, the ceremony is seriously carried out by Pu Peo ethnic to ensure basic requirements of customary tradition. Next, the people together take part in festival activities with the content of such as, pushing stick, tug of war, playing “ao”, jumping toad, etc. Besides, they organized the dance – song program with singing folk, singing giao duyen , singing retort , etc.

Customs and habits

Houses are usually built on the ground in tiny clusters be side a Hoa or H'Mong village. Each family lineage has its own system of middle names. Pu Peo society follows a patriarchal system, as the father or husband has the right to own the house. The Pu Peo attach great importance to ancestral worship. Small earthen jars, each symbolizing a generation, are often placed on their altar.

Culture

The Pu Peo language resembles that of the Co Lao, La Chi and La Ha, and belongs to the Kadai Group. The Pu Peo hold ceremonies to pray for peace and the beginning of the new working season. This particular ceremony is held during the New Year in the first half of the first lunar month, and continues to the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The Pu Peo are one of few ethnic groups still using bronze drums. In Pu Peo custom, male and female drums sets exist.

Costumes

The attire of Pu Peo women still maintain their vibrant colours as pieces of different coloured cloths are sewn to make colourful designs. They wear scarves, skirts, vests, and aprons. The men, however, dress like other ethnic groups in the region.

Economy

The Pu Peo farm on burned land and terraced fields, growing maize, rice, rye, and beans. Their farm tools include ploughs and harrows. They use buffaloes and oxen to serve as draught animals. Their staple food is steam cooked corn flour.