Public Customs in Laos
It is improper to express displeasure or rage in public. Everyone loses face because of it. Publicly criticizing someone is frowned upon since it will make them look terrible in the eyes of the community. To avoid blaming or humiliating any one person, critiques and suggestions should be delivered in the context that they are necessary. Rarely do men and women publicly display their affection. It is impolite to aim directly at someone, touch someone's head or hair (other than a tiny child), point your feet directly at someone (particularly a monk or a statue of the Buddha), hurl things, or act generally aggressively or violently. The majority of Laotians sit such that their feet are hidden from view, since exposing the bottoms of one's bare feet is regarded as impolite.
Men should wear long pants and a shirt when entering a temple. Avoid wearing shirts, miniskirts, halter tops, and strapless tops on women (anything that exposes their shoulders). Lao people value visitors who are well-groomed and presentable. Women should wear modest clothing. Nude bathing or swimming in public is not encouraged. The act of touching someone's head is incredibly rude. It is improper to show affection in public. Rarely do men and women publicly display their affection. Even holding hands is inappropriate. But frequently, men shake hands with other men, and women with other women. This is not a sign of a gay relationship, but rather a strong friendship.
Use two hands or your right hand to pass something to someone. Avoid using your left hand (sometimes associated with toilet duties). This is particularly valid when a younger person presents an older person with something. You should use two hands to present a book or paper to someone older than you or in a higher position to show respect. An alternative is to hold it in your right hand while holding your right elbow with your left hand. The offering of an item is often accompanied by a bow. The recipient should take it with their right hand and do it carefully. Books and other written materials should never be moved across a table or placed on the floor, as they should be treated with the utmost respect. Loud talking can occasionally be interpreted as menacing. More people will listen to you if you speak quietly and politely. In the past, a loud voice communicated a strong, erratic force that was capable of destroying whomever it was directed at.
