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.