Country Information

Dishes are a blend of Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese in flavour and presentation. The cheapest and easiest way to sample Lao food is from the stalls in the markets. Traditionally, Lao food is very spicy but this kick is often tempered for the western palate. Fish sauce is often used to flavour dishes. There are several fairly good French restaurants in Vientiane, catering mainly for the diplomatic community, and Luang Prabang, which has recently seen something of a culinary revival.

National specialities:
• Sticky rice (best eaten with fingers).
• Pho (white rice noodle soup, usually served with beef and/or pork although vegetarian versions are available).
• Laap (minced meat, fish or vegetables tossed in lime juice, garlic, onions, powdered rice and chillies, accompanied by sticky rice).
• Tam maal hung (Lao-style papaya salad).
• Khai phaan (weed from the Mekong River - a Luang Prabang speciality).

National drinks:
• Lao lao (rice whisky) is popular and there are two brands available.
• Beer Lao.

Tipping: Not customary, however a modest tip in return for good service is appreciated.

There are several discos in Vientiane that tend to have live Lao bands. Most large hotels have their own nightclubs. Generally, however, the Lao nightlife is quiet and laid-back, usually involving a Beer Lao, a stunning sunset firefly display and an early night.

The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang are worth visiting. Silk, cotton fabrics, wood carvings, pottery, silver jewellery and handmade shirts are good buys. Lao sarongs (pha sin) and hill tribe bags are a popular souvenir. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for many items.

Shopping hours: Times vary but generally Mon-Sat 0800/0900-1600/1700 with private shops open longer hours. Some also open on Sunday.