Page 8 - Laos Destination Guide - Alluring Asia

THE PEOPLE Most citizens of Laos are Buddhist with some following an Indigenous religion. 69% of the country's people are ethnic Lao, the principal lowland inhabitants and the politically and culturally dominant group. The Lao belong to the Tai linguistic group who began migrating southward from China in the first millennium AD. 8% belong to other "lowland" groups, which together with the Lao people make up the Lao Loum. Hill people and minority cultures of Laos such as the Hmong (Miao), Yao (Mien), Dao, Shan, and several Tibeto-Burman speaking peoples have lived in isolated regions of Laos for many years. Mountain/hill tribes of mixed ethno/cultural linguistic heritage are found in northern Laos which include the Lua (Lua) and Khmu people who are indigenous to Laos. Today, the Lua people are considered endangered. Collectively, they are known as Lao Soung or highland Laotians. In the central and Clothing - Light, comfortable southern mountains, Mon-Khmer tribes, known as Lao Theung or mid- clothing is the norm. Lao people slope Laotians, predominate. Some Vietnamese, Chinese and Thailand dress modestly and revealing Thai minorities remain, particularly in the towns, but many left in two waves; after independence in the late 1940s and again after 1975. clothing is disrespectful and can cause offense. Temples and some tourist sites do not permit The term "Laotian" does not necessarily refer to the Lao language, ethnic shorts above the knee or Lao people, language or customs, but is a political term that also includes singlet/vest tops and request that the non-ethnic Lao groups within Laos and identifies them as "Laotian" you dress neatly. Shoes are because of their political citizenship. normally removed when entering temples, some shops ETIQUETTE and local homes, so when The majority of Lao people are devout Buddhists and when visiting around town sandals or thongs temples you should be careful to respect the beliefs of the people in the (flip-flops) that can be easily land you are visiting. Correct behavior when visiting temples requires removed are recommended. that you dress neatly, (no shorts or singlet/vest tops or revealing clothing Between November and for men or women). Shoes must be removed before entering religious February it can get quite cool in buildings, and females are not allowed to touch monks. The Buddha the mountains and the north, image is considered sacred so please avoid posing in front of them for especially in the evenings, so photographs and definitely do not touch, climb or sit upon them. If you some warm clothes are required. happen to visit a Lao home (it's not unusual to be invited), please be aware that shoes are not worn inside and should be removed at the door. PHOTOGRAPHS If you are invited in, even for a brief visit you will probably be offered a It is polite to ask permission drink of water or tea or lao lao (local rice-wine whiskey). It is very before taking photographs, some impolite to refuse so at least a sip or taste of what is offered is required to people may take offense. avoid offense. xxx