Laos
Southeast Asia · Lao · Kip
Keep your voice low, your shoulders covered at temples, and never touch anyone on the head — calm is the local currency.
Today in Laos
No Laos stories in today's wires — read the global briefing.
5 phrases you need in Laos
- Helloສະບາຍດີsa-bai-DEE
- Goodbyeລາກ່ອນlah-GAWN
- Pleaseກະລຸນາka-lu-NAH
- Thank youຂອບໃຈkawp-JAI
- Excuse meຂໍໂທດkhaw-TOHT
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Laos phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
money
Laos runs on cash kip and ATMs are sparse outside cities with low withdrawal limits; bring enough cash before heading to rural areas, and some places quote in Thai baht or dollars.
transport
The Laos-China Railway turned the brutal Vientiane to Luang Prabang drive into a two-hour ride; tickets sell out fast, so book through the LCR app or your hotel days ahead.
safety
Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in history; unexploded ordnance is real, so stay on marked paths and never pick up metal objects in the countryside.
etiquette
During the morning alms round in Luang Prabang keep your distance and stay quiet; if you join, do it sincerely with rice bought from your guesthouse, not a street vendor.
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