Buddhist Customs in Laos
Before entering a temple, visitors are expected to remove their shoes and leave their umbrellas outside. Additionally, they should be well-groomed. Hats must be taken off. Short pants, short skirts, sleeveless tops, and pants for women are often considered to be unsuitable apparel, yet foreigners frequently unwillingly tolerate them. When entering the temple grounds, several cultures demand that guests remove their shoes (and occasionally their socks as well). Others simply call for their removal before entering a pagoda, shrine, or temple structure. Some people wash their feet before going inside a temple. In Laos, it is acceptable to walk around a temple compound in shoes, but remember to take them off before entering the chapel. In order to visit some temples, ladies wearing short skirts or pants must first put on a Lao skirt as an additional garment. Lao skirts are typically given or can be rented on the spot (if this is required).
Always circumambulate Buddhist structures in a clockwise direction, keeping the holy sites to your right (this is more important in Tibet and Himalaya areas than it is in Southeast Asia) Don't pass those who are kneeling in prayer. Don't take pictures while you're meditating or praying. Use a flash sparingly. Always double-check that it is okay before taking photos. Buddha statues are revered objects, hence it's forbidden to approach them or place your foot in their direction. Many locals use the "mermaid stance" when sitting down to keep both feet pointed backward. Although taking pictures of Buddha icons is disrespectful, foreign tourists are nevertheless allowed to do so. Laos is home to numerous holy sites and objects.
Standing or sitting in front of an image of the Buddha, one prays by bending over or kneeling with their hands clasped to their foreheads. After depositing a coin or bill into the offering box and leaving a flower, fruit, or other offering, people frequently say prayers. Numerous people stop by various altars, lighting some incense and praying at each one. Others make a bow and sprinkle water—a sign of life—on the altar. Other people bow down and bow three times in front of shrines. Large temples often have contribution boxes beside the door where people can leave cash. if a donation box is not present. The cash can be left on the ground.
Three Southeast Asian bows are the proper way to meet monks. If possible, attempt to bow your head when speaking to a monk. You can accomplish this by squatting down or making a small bow. If a monk is sitting down, you ought to be doing the same. Women shouldn't approach a monk directly, touch him, or give him anything (instead place the object on a table or some other surface near the monk). People typically offer monks their seat on buses and trains.
