What gestures should not be shown in Laos: attention to tourists

Exploring new countries can be a fascinating experience, but it's important to remember that cultural nuances can be different from what you're used to. In Laos, as in many other places, some traditions and expectations are important to respect.

To make your trip to Laos enjoyable and memorable, we have prepared a list of common travel mistakes to avoid. Newsbytesapp writes about what not to do when traveling to Laos to spend your vacation comfortably.

Don't talk about the Vietnam War

For some people, it may be unpleasant or even painful to remember this period. Instead of raising this topic with the Lao people, it is better to show respect for their feelings and avoid mentioning anything that may cause negative emotions. If a Laotian decides to share their experiences or stories about the war, it is important to listen carefully and show respect by avoiding insensitive comments or interruptions.

Gestures

Lao culture has certain rules of etiquette, and this includes hand gestures. Pointing your finger up is considered disrespectful and is not welcomed. Instead, if you need to call someone, it is better to use a downward hand gesture. Waving during a meeting is considered acceptable, but you should pay attention to your gestures so as not to offend the locals. However, it is worth remembering that the use of a finger pointing upwards is accompanied by either calling pets or can be perceived as an insult.

Personal boundaries

It is important to remember that in Laos, it is not customary to touch someone's head unless it is an emergency. In local culture, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body. Touching the head can be perceived as disrespectful to local customs, so it is important to follow these rules to avoid misunderstandings.

Do not make eye contact

Eye contact is not as common in Laos as you might be used to. Unlike some cultures, where direct eye contact is often interpreted as a sign of confidence and high self-esteem, this is not the case in Laos. This can cause some misunderstanding, especially between people of different genders. Traditionally, men and women in Laos do not look into each other's eyes for very long, and if they do, it is only for a short time.

Sitting on the floor

In Laos, people usually sit on the floor on pillows. It is important to remember that you should keep your feet close to your body and avoid sticking them out, especially if there is a Buddha image in the room. Pointing your feet toward shrines is considered disrespectful from a religious point of view and is strictly prohibited.

If you're looking for the perfect place for meditation and self-discovery in Asia, read TravelWise's article about it.