Traveling in Laos
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TRAVELING IN LAOS
Laotian & Thai Languages
The language of Thailand and Laos is inter-related so that the people of Laos often, if not usually,
understand Thai. This why you will most often see either “Vat” or “Wat” designating a temple, Wat
being the Thai designation, Vat being the Lao designation.
The Sacred in Luang Prabang & Vientiane
As we've mentioned in our CURRENT section, the U.S. eradicated most of the old temples and
monasteries in Laos except in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, so for those going to see old
monasteries, temples and stupas your visit will be concentrated in these two cities. In Vientiane,
temples are often closed and monks are not seen so often. However, Laos has other things to offer
that will bring a balance and sanity to your trip. Nature is one of those things. Laos is naturally
splendid with many, many places to explore, even just a short distance from cities.
In Luang Prabang it is easy to meet monks of all ages who are approachable despite seeing
probably more than their share of tourists. The young are usually quite interested in talking with
visitors. The evenings in both rural towns and cities is the time to join Laotians in their temples for
chanting. Just listening to the chanting can bring you good “dharma” (good merit.)
Giving
Many Westerners contribute to the Laotian people in Luang Prabang through numerous programs.
One, of the contributing activities you see under the trees at monasteries and in the library are
language lessons. Books are greatly in demand, so if you can arrive with some appropriate books
and leave them behind, they will be tremendously appreciated. Of the Western languages, French is
widely read, as well as, English. Luang Prabang even has a “Book Boat” that drops off books with
people as it travels along the Mekong River.
Music
Laos has beautiful current ballads and popular music. You will hear it on long trips in vans and in
any restaurant that has a live band. We've never mentioned the music of any country in particular,
but Laotian contemporary music deserves to be noted.
Evenings Along the Mekong in Vientiane
In Vientiane, along the Mekong River there is the hasty construction every night of many
enterprising restaurants (a high-end night market) with a bazaar further down the walkway. Walking
along the Mekong in the evening while staying in Vientiane is a treat. It is well-kept and very
attractive. During your walk, you may come across temple chanting across the street, heart-touching
music, lots of arts and crafts and of course, food freshly prepared in front of your eyes.
For appropriate dress while visiting sacred places, please see the “Traveling In Thailand” footnote.
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