Culture & Etiquette

The country's constitution is religiously tolerant; Buddhism and Animism co-exist peacefully, and in some cases are blended. Religious beliefs should be respected. It is important to remember that, as Buddhists, Lao people should not be touched on the head.

Photographing or visiting military sites is prohibited and can result in arrest or detention.

Visitors should be warned that extra-marital sexual contact between foreigners and Laotians is prohibited, and is punishable by fines of up to US$5,000 and in some cases, imprisonment. It is not unknown for Lao authorities to demand entry into hotel rooms or guest houses where they suspect this regulation is being broken.

It is illegal not to carry an ID document or a passport, and fines for not having documentation for presentation on demand can be high.