Glittering temples, monks in saffron robes, misty mountain peaks, aromatic markets, jasmine-scented sunrises, picturesque landscapes, lazy island life—Laos is all about simple pleasures. Centuries-old monasteries co-exist peacefully with cities that are fast adapting to tourism. But the wilderness is still pristine, the culture still intact and the way of life, still languid. To get under the skin of Laos, read Christopher Kremmer’s ‘Bamboo Palace’, watch ‘Bombies’ and listen to the sounds of Molam Lao.
Information
Capital: Vientane
Official Languages: Lao
Government: Socialist republic
Currency: New kip
Time Zone: +7:00 GMT (1½ hrs ahead of India)
Telephone Calling Code: 00856
When to Visit
Best time to visit: November to February. The average temperature in Laos is 26.5°C, with the average highest being 34°C in April and the average lowest being 17°C in January and December.
What to Eat and Drink
Traditionally, Laotians ate by hand, used spoons for soup and chopsticks for noodles. Their staple food is sticky rice. Lemongrass, garlic, ginger, tamarind, coriander, galangal, which looks like ginger, but is citrusy, and fish sauce, are important ingredients. Lao cuisine has influenced many South East Asian cuisines and has, in turn been influenced by French cuisine. Baguettes are sold on the street, and fusion French restaurants are common.
What to eat and drink
Foe: Noodle soup
Sticky rice
Crunchy baguettes stuffed with pate
Spicy meat salads
Larb or laap: Spicy mix of marinated meat and/or fish that is sometimes raw with herbs and spices
Tam mak hung: Spicy papaya salad
Bolaven Plateau coffee
Lao-lao: Rice alcohol
Beerlao
What to Buy
Intricate weaves,
elaborate silver trinkets, spices, tea, contemporary Lao paintings, handmade paper, precious stones, silk, linen, postcards, wall hangings, Hmong appliqué blankets
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