Laos Local Custom Tips by BorderHopper

This is an example of the...

This is an example of the currency that was issued during the era of French colonial rule throughout Indochina. The money in Laos today is the Kip and is not nearly as attractive as this old piece of currency.

When travelling into minority...

When travelling into minority villages upcountry you should always be respectful of their customs. many tribes fear photograpy, so you should always ask permission even if its through simple hand gestures. Do this before you point you camera at any tribal people.

Socially, every Lao Buddhist...

Socially, every Lao Buddhist male is expected to become a monk some time during his life. A monk adheres to 10 vows, which include prohibitions against stealing, lying, intoxication, sexual invovement, eating after noon, listening to music or dancing, wearing jewellery, garlands or perfume, sleeping on high beds, and accepting money for personal use...the last and semingly most important vow is to never kill. I assume that means anyone and anything.