- The People's Democratic Republic
of Lao is located in the centre of
Indochina, sharing borders with
China to the north, Myanmar to the
north-west, Thailand to the west,
Cambodia to the south, and Vietnam
to the east.
- Laos enjoys a tropical climate
with two distinct seasons - the
rainy season from the beginning of
May to the end of September and dry
season from October through to
April.
- Lao language is the national
language. Other languages used are
French, English, Chinese, Thai and
Vietnamese.
- The Kip is the official currency
of Laos.
- The majority of Lao people are
Buddhists.
- When entering a Wat (Temple) or
a private home it is customary to
remove one's shoes.
- In traditional homes one sits on
low seats or cushions on the floor.
Upon entering guests may be served
fruit or tea. These gestures of
hospitality should not be refused.
- The head is considered the most
sacred part of the body and the
soles of the feet the least, one
should not touch a person's head nor
use one's foot to point at a person
or any object.
- Men and women rarely show
affection in public.
- Women are forbidden to touch a
Buddhist monk.
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