Laos · Lao culture
Laos etiquette: temples, clothes and bo pen nyang
How to greet people, how to dress at temples, what never to do with your feet or head: the simple rules that matter in Laos.
Greeting
The nop, palms together
At temples
Shoulders and knees covered
The head
Sacred
Key phrase
Bo pen nyang
In Laos, you will be forgiven almost anything, with a smile and a “bo pen nyang”. But a few simple rules matter a lot, and following them changes how you are welcomed. Here, gestures are measured, voices are calm, and people always look for harmony. Here are the essentials.
The rules that matter
At temples · in people's homes · in the street
Three principles guide almost everything: the head is the most sacred part of the body, the feet the lowest; you never lose your temper in public; and you show respect to monks and elders.
“Here, everything is gentler. Gestures are measured, voices are calm. Even in tense moments, people look for harmony.”
At temples
- Dress: shoulders and knees covered
- Shoes: off before entering a hall
- Sitting: feet tucked behind you, never pointing at the Buddha
- Monks: women don't touch them or hand them anything directly
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Everyday good manners
Greeting
The nop: palms together in front of your chest, a slight nod, and a “sabaidee”.
The head
Never touch someone's head, even a child's.
Feet
Don't point your feet at a person or a statue, or put them on the table.
In someone's home
Take your shoes off at the door.
Staying calm
Don't raise your voice, even when things go wrong. A smile and a “bo pen nyang” fix a lot.
Do
- Greet with a nop and a smile
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples
- Take your shoes off in homes
Avoid
- Getting angry or raising your voice in public
- Touching someone's head
- Big public displays of affection
Travel with us
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang temples and Mount Phousi
A day in the old town with your guide, in French, English, Chinese or Thai: the day market, the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat May, then Mount Phousi, by private tuk-tuk.
From 65 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Mekong cruise and Pak Ou caves
The town in the morning, then about two hours by private boat on the Mekong to the Pak Ou cave and a village where rice spirit is distilled.
From 78 € / person
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Our tours · Luang Prabang
Kuang Si waterfall and Hmong village
About an hour's drive to the Kuang Si waterfall, a stop in a Hmong village and at the buffalo farm, then the Ock Pop Tok textile workshop before returning to your hotel.
From 72 € / person
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Our tours · Luang Prabang
Street food at the night market
A street food evening guided by our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to Lao food among the stalls of Luang Prabang.
From 30 € / person
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Our tours · Luang Prabang
Sindad evening, the Lao barbecue
An evening around the sindad, the Lao barbecue you share, with our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to the meal Lao people love to share with friends.
From 30 € / person
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Frequently asked questions
How should I dress in Laos?
Light but covering for temples: shoulders and knees covered. In town, simple, tidy clothes.
How do people greet each other in Laos?
With the nop, palms together in front of the chest, and a “sabaidee”.
What does bo pen nyang mean?
“Never mind”. It is a bit of a life philosophy in Laos.
Can I photograph monks?
Ask first, and never during prayers or the alms giving.
A question about Lao customs?
Write to us: we answer you ourselves, from Luang Prabang. Please book at least one week in advance.
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