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).