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Social Profile
Food & Drink: Rice, especially sticky rice, is the staple food and dishes will be Indo-Chinese in flavour and presentation. Lao food can be found on the stalls in the markets. There are several fairly good French restaurants in Vientiane, catering mainly for the diplomatic community. Baguettes and croissants are normally eaten for breakfast.
Rice whisky, lao lao, is popular and there are two brands available. The beer is also good.
Nightlife: There are several discotheques in Vientiane that tend to have live Lao bands. Most large hotels will have their own nightclubs.
Shopping: The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang (about 40 minutes by air from Vientiane) are worth visiting. Silk, silver jewellery and handmade shirts are good buys. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for antiques and other art objects. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Mon-Sat 0900-2100 (private shops).
Special Events: The majority of festivals are linked to Buddhist holidays. The following is a list of events taking place in 2003:
Feb Magha Puja (anniversary of a speech held by the Buddha), nationwide; Têt and Chinese New Year. Apr 13-15 Pi Mai (celebrations for the new lunar year), nationwide. May Visakha Bu-saa (Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death), nationwide. Aug Haw Khao Padap Din (Festival of the Dead) nationwide. Oct 1-11 Ok Phansa Boat Race Festival, Vientiane. Dec Pha That Luang Festival (processions of monks receiving alms and floral votives; fireworks and music), Vientiane.
Social Conventions: Religious beliefs should be respected. Lao people should not be touched on the head. Handshaking is not that usual, Lao people greet each other with their palms together and a slight bowing of the head. Take care when discussing politics and related subjects in conversation so as not to cause offence. Shorts or revealing clothes are not always acceptable. Tipping: Practised modestly in hotels and restaurants.
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