Laos

Laos hasn’t rushed to embrace Western culture, meaning the comforts of home can be difficult to come by. Trying to maintain a Western standard of living can be an exercise in frustration. You’re better off adapting to local life.

Tradition is at the root of Lao culture, from music to fashion.

The traditional Lao skirt (called a sinh) is worn daily by women of all ages just like it has been for hundreds of years.

Tropical Climate

Laos has a hot tropical climate, with a monsoon season lasting from May to October.

Temperatures are hottest during this period, with highs of 105℉ in some areas. The rest of the year sees little rainfall, with a cool period from November to February, after which it starts to heat up again in March and April.

Laos climate is optimum for growing rice, coffee, cotton, and tropical fruits, which are Laos’ main source of income.

Improving the country’s infrastructure is the Laos government’s current priority, to maintain its steadily growing economy.

The recent extension of China’s high-speed railway into Laos aims to change the country from land-locked to land-linked, improving trade connections between Laos and its neighbors.

Lao, or Laotian, is the official language of Laos, although up to 80 minority languages are spoken around the country.

Most people in the capital, Vientiane, and other busy tourist areas will speak at least basic English, some of the older generations, too, having used it during the Vietnam war.

But, there is also a high level of French spoken across Laos, after the French occupation of the country.

And, if you have a few words of French, Lao, and of course, English, you should get by just fine in Laos.