Laos Travel Guide - Going Out

Dishes are Indo-Chinese in flavour and presentation. The cheapest and easiest way to sample Lao food is from the stalls in the markets. Traditionally, Lao food is very spicy but this kick is often tempered for the western palate. There are several fairly good French restaurants in Vientiane, catering mainly for the diplomatic community, and Luang Prabang, which has recently seen something of a culinary revival.

National specialities:
• Sticky rice (best eaten with fingers).
• Pho (white rice noodle soup, usually served with beef and/or pork although vegetarian versions are available).
• Laap (minced meat, fish or vegetables tossed in lime juice, garlic, powdered rice and chillies, accompanied by sticky rice).
• Tam maal hung (Lao-style papaya salad).
• Khai phaan (weed from the Mekong river - a Luang Prabang speciality).

National drinks:
• Rice whisky, lao lao, is popular and there are two brands available.
• Beer Lao. 

Tipping: Not customary, however a modest tip in return for good service is appreciated. 

There are several discos in Vientiane that tend to have live Lao bands. Most large hotels have their own nightclubs. Generally, however, the Lao nightlife is quiet and laid-back, usually involving a Beer Lao, a stunning sunset, firefly display and an early night.

The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang are worth visiting. Silk, silver jewellery and handmade shirts are good buys. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for antiques and other art objects.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Mon-Sat 0900-2100 (private shops).