Captivating Laos: what souvenirs to bring from this country
Among the countries of Southeast Asia, Laos attracts special attention from tourists year after year. This country offers the perfect combination of picturesque landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and stunning nature.
It's no wonder that Laos, affectionately called the "Land of a Million Elephants," offers a wide variety of local souvenirs that reflect its culture and traditions, as reported by NewsBytes.
Khun Boron dolls, with their unique red appearance and eccentric facial expressions, are exclusive to Laos. They are based on two characters from the Khun Boron legend, which tells the story of how the inhabitants of Xieng Dong-Xieng Thong killed a sacred buffalo, leading to a giant vine rising from its nostrils and covering the sun. Two servant dolls sacrificed their lives fighting it.
Traditional slippers are among the most popular and widely available traditional items from Laos that make great souvenirs. These slippers feature elephant prints and are known for being incredibly warm, comfortable, durable, and portable. Available in various colors and sizes, there's a pair for everyone, making them perfect gifts for family and friends.
It is emphasized that coffee in Laos is the country's fifth-largest export product, and the nation takes pride in this achievement. Laos mainly produces Robusta and Arabica coffee varieties, both known for their strength and available in both ground and whole bean forms. Local markets offer a wide range of organic coffee varieties grown by an impressive 20,000 local families.
Saa paper stands out as another traditionally rich product from Laos that you can bring home. This exquisite paper is crafted from the bark and pulp of the Saa tree, commonly used by locals for gift wrapping. Additionally, you can find lamps, notebooks, and lanterns made from Saa paper.
Lastly, bamboo straws are another unique local product that is handmade, versatile, reusable, and cost-effective. Locals use these straws for enjoying their favorite fruit cocktails while contributing to environmental conservation. When exploring the markets in Laos, consider adding a few packs of these bamboo straws to your cart to take home.
Earlier, TravelWise wrote about why Asian countries are becoming popular among digital nomads and which countries have a digital visa.