Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lao herbal saunas
Before getting a massage, many Lao opt for some time in the
herbal sauna
. This usually
consists of a rustic wooden shack divided into separate rooms for men and women; beneath
the shack a drum of water sits on a wood fire. Medicinal herbs boiling in the drum release
their juices into the water and the resulting steam is carried up into the rooms. The temperat-
ure inside is normally quite high and bathers should spend no more than fifteen minutes at a
time in the sauna, taking frequent breaks to cool off by lounging outside and sipping herbal
tea to replace water that the body so profusely sweats out. The
recipes
of both the saunas
and teas are jealously guarded but are known to contain such herbal additives as carambola,
tamarind, eucalyptus and citrus leaves.
CULTURE AND ETIQUETTE
While history may have given them ample reason to distrust outsiders, the Lao are a
genuinely friendly people and interacting with them is one of the greatest joys of trav-
elling through the country. Always remember, though, that Laos is a Buddhist country
and so it's important to dress and behave in a way that is respectful.
Because of the sheer diversity of
ethnic groups
in Laos, it is difficult to generalize when
speaking of “Lao” attitudes and behaviour. The dominant group, the “Lao Loum”, or
lowland
Lao
, who make up the majority in the valleys of the Mekong and its tributaries, are
Theravada Buddhists and this has a strong effect on their attitudes and behaviour. The focus
here is on dos and don'ts within that culture; customs among the
hill-tribe peoples
are often
different from those of the lowlanders.
Dress and appearance
Appearance is very important in Lao society.
Conservative dress
is always recommended,
and visitors should keep in mind that the Lao dislike foreigners who come to their country
and dress in what they deem a disrespectful manner. This includes men appearing shirtless in
public, and women bearing their shoulders and thighs. Be aware also that dreadlocks, tattoos
and body-piercing are viewed with disfavour by lowland Lao, although hill-tribe people are
usually more accepting. Dressing too casually (or too outrageously) can also be counterpro-
ductive in dealings with Lao authorities, such as when applying for visa extensions at immig-
ration.
When in urban areas or visiting Buddhist monasteries or holy sites, visitors should refrain
from outfits that would be more suited to the beach. Women especially should avoid wearing
anything that reveals too much skin or could be conceived of as provocative - this includes
shorts and sleeveless shirts. Sandals or flip-flops can be worn for all but the most formal oc-
