Common Courtesy of Laotians
Lao people are frank, open and friendly, and they possess a strongly developed sense of courtesy and respect. Everyone who adheres to the latter will receive a warm welcome.
Lao people The generally accepted form of greeting among Lao people is the nop. It is performed by placing one's palm together in a position of praying at chest level, but not touching the body. The higher the hands, the greater the sign of respect. Nonetheless, the hands should not be held above the level of nose. The nop is accompanied by a slight bow to show respect to persons of higher status and age. It is also used as an expression of thanks, regret or saying good-bye. But with western people it is acceptable to shake hands.
When entering a vat or a private home it is customary to remove one's shoes. In Lao homes raised off the ground, the shoes are left at the stairs. In traditional homes one sits on low seats or cushions on the floor. Men usually sit with their legs crossed or folded to one side, women prefer solely the latter. Upon entering guests may be served fruit or tea. These gestures of hospitality should not be refused.
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Laotian society is above all else characterized by semiindependent rural villages engaged in subsistence agricultural production
The Laos Soung live in the Mountains above 1000 meters, especially the Hmongs (or Meos, a highly pejorative term), and the Yaos.
The Laos Theung (Middle Altitude Lands) also called proto-Chinese, include 58 different ethnical groups.
The Laos Thais (or Laos Loum of The Low Lands) represent 75% of the population of Laos, and encompass 23 ethnical groups.