In Laos, whether traveling or negotiating business, it is essential to have contact with local people, so understanding local social etiquette is very important.

In interpersonal communication, most Laotians have a sincere attitude and treat others with humility. Calling someone by their name is impolite and disrespectful, and Laotians generally follow the order of seniority when introducing others to guests. Therefore, when addressing a person, it is generally necessary to use a respectful or affectionate title before the name, such as referring to elders as elders or aunties, referring to those older than oneself as eldest brothers or sisters, and referring to those younger than oneself as younger brothers or sisters. In state organs or the military, it is generally referred to as a comrade.

Lao people need to greet each other and greet each other with a ten fold greeting, which means putting their hands and fingers together, folding their palms in front of their chest, smiling, and saying hello softly. The local rule of the Ten Rites is that for high status individuals such as monks, elders, and superiors, the palms of both hands should be folded around the eyes; For peers or acquaintances, put them together on the mouth; For those who are lower in status than themselves, such as younger generation or lower level, they should be gathered together in front of their chest. Monks often respond with nods to those who offer their own ten salutations.

In urban and upper class social occasions, Laotian men also shake hands with each other, but women generally still practice a ten fold ceremony. It is popular among the people to hold a ceremony of tying threads to bless guests who come from afar. The host uses this grand ceremony to express sincere friendship and good wishes to the guests.

When visiting a house in Laos, gifts should be prepared. Commonly used gifts include flower baskets, handicrafts, tobacco and alcohol, etc. When attending wedding banquets and other festive banquets, people generally prefer to give cash as gifts. When guests enter, they should walk through the front door. Before entering, they must take off their shoes. After entering, they usually sit on the floor in the hall, with men crossing their knees and women crossing their knees and putting their feet aside.

Lao women are mostly extremely submissive in social settings. Under normal circumstances, they would never cross in front of guests. When delivering items to guests, they usually use a squatting or kneeling position.

The best time to negotiate business and engage in trade activities in Laos is every yearOctober to March of the following year. If Lao people are late for appointments, please do not blame them for not being punctual. If your agenda is important, you can emphasize the importance of dating in person or over the phone, and relax your schedule. When meeting Laotians, you can give them handicrafts or buy traditional gift baskets as gifts. If you give your child a small toy or candy, they will be very grateful. When accepting gifts from Laotians, be sure to greet them with both hands.

If you can learn about the above etiquette in advance, I believe you can easily integrate into the social life of Laoslive.