Art & Culture
Temple Architecture
Laotian temple architecture has a distinctive style that clearly sets it apart from Thai and Cambodian styles. Its hallmark: deep, sweeping roofs that almost reach the ground — an elegance reminiscent of European country houses. The gables are adorned with elaborate glass mosaics (gold background with colorful glass), Naga snakes, and Dok Champa (Frangipani, the national flower).
- Luang Prabang Style: Particularly deep roofs, delicate decorations, gold mosaics. Best example: Wat Xieng Thong.
- Vientiane Style: Slightly higher and wider, more influenced by the Thai Rattanakosin style. Example: Haw Phra Kaew.
- Sim: The main building of a Laotian temple, where the Buddha statue is housed and ceremonies take place.
Textile Weaving
The Laotian weaving art is among the finest textile traditions in Asia. Each ethnic group has its own patterns, colors, and techniques:
- Pha Sin: The traditional wrap skirt of Laotian women — intricately woven, with geometric or floral patterns. Still worn daily (not just for tourists!).
- Hmong Embroidery: Known for its bright colors and cross-stitch patterns that tell stories and cosmological maps.
- Silk: Luang Prabang is a center of silk weaving. On the night market, you can find handwoven scarves from 50,000 LAK. For high-quality pieces: Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre (workshop + shop on the Mekong).
Khene Music (ແຄນ)
The Khene is the national instrument of Laos — a mouth organ instrument made of bamboo that produces a unique, floating sound. A Khene consists of 16 bamboo tubes in two rows, inserted into a wooden resonator. The player blows and inhales simultaneously — a sound that immediately evokes Laos.
The Khene accompanies the Lam, the traditional Laotian singing — an improvised call-and-response between man and woman, containing stories, jokes, and flirtations. Ubiquitous at festivals and celebrations.
In 2017, Khene music was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
