9 Fun Facts About Laos: Culture, Caves and Sticky Rice

Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s most overlooked destinations, known for its remote villages and strong Buddhist traditions. Yet, its isolation led me to skip it in 2018—a decision I still regret.

My original plan was to cross the Mekong River from northern Thailand, but logistical challenges made me reconsider. Looking back, I wish I had joined a service trip for teens to Laos. A structured program would have made it easier to navigate and experience the country more fully.

Sticky Rice Service Adventure in Laos

As Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country, Laos doesn’t draw as many tourists as its neighbors, but those who visit often find themselves extending their stay, drawn in by its slower pace and unique traditions.

Here are some key facts about Laos:

Find out more about what makes this Southeast Asian country unique and check out these 9 fun facts about Laos.

1. Laotians are high consumers of sticky rice

Laotians are high consumers of sticky rice, averaging 345 pounds (171 kilograms) per person annually. Sticky rice is a deeply ingrained aspect of the Lao culture and cuisine and it is enjoyed in various forms – whether it’s fried, served as a side dish or as a dessert paired with mango or in rice pudding.

No wonder, Laotians often greet each other with the words “Khinkao leo bo?” meaning “Have you already eaten rice?”.

Students enjoy traditional Lao dishes.

Near my apartment in Seoul, there’s a great restaurant serving authentic Lao cuisine. I eat there regularly and can’t wait to have the real thing. The next time you come across a Lao restaurant, I recommend trying these popular dishes:

1. Larb (Minced Meat Salad): A spicy, tangy salad made with minced meat, fresh herbs, lime juice and toasted rice powder.
2. Tam Mak Hoong (Papaya Salad): A refreshing salad of shredded green papaya, tomatoes and carrots, dressed with lime juice, fish sauce and chili.
3. Laos Pho: A savory noodle soup with rice noodles and a clear broth, often topped with fresh herbs and meat.
4. Khao Poon (Spicy Noodle Soup): A spicy and creamy noodle soup made with rice noodles, coconut milk and a variety of meats or vegetables.
5. Khao Jee (Baguette): A Laotian-style baguette, often served as a sandwich with various fillings like pâté, meats and vegetables.

2. Laos is one of the world’s five remaining communist countries

Beautiful hikes through Laos’s stunning landscapes.

Laos is one of the world’s five remaining communist countries, alongside China, Vietnam, Cuba and North Korea.

Officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR), Laos has been governed by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party since 1975. This single-party system controls all political activities and limits civil liberties.

3. Laos is among the most ethnically diverse countries in mainland Southeast Asia

With a population of just over 7.5 million, Laos is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in mainland Southeast Asia. The Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) recognizes over 160 ethnic groups within 49 main ethnicities. Laos is one of Asia’s poorest countries on paper, but is rich in culture as each ethnic group has its own languages, customs and traditions.

Have a look at the proportions of the five main ethnic groups in Laos:

4. Laos is the “Land of a Million Elephants”

Laos was once called the “Land of a Million Elephants” (Lan Xang) due to its large number of wild elephants. Historically, Elephants have always been highly respected by the Laotian people. The king even designated the elephant as the national animal and often gifted them to neighboring countries as symbols of goodwill.

Explore the “Land of a Million Elephants”.

However, with the decline in elephant populations, the need for conservation has become increasingly urgent. Organizations like the Rustic Pathways Foundation are actively supporting local causes by offering specialized programs that allow student travelers to participate in meaningful conservation efforts, safeguarding elephants in Thailand and Laos.

5. Laos is also the “Land of a Million caves”

A beautiful waterfall in southern Laos.

Speleologists call Laos the “Land of a Million Caves,” a nod to its former official name “Land of a Million Elephants”. One of the most popular caves is the Kong Lor Cave in northern Laos as it is known for its stunning natural beauty.

6. Laos celebrates year-round with festivals

Festivals happen all year-round in Laos, making celebrations a lively and important part of Lao culture and daily life. Whether it’s parades, traditional ceremonies or local festivals, the people of Laos dive into the communal spirit with different festivities every month.

Hmong people celebrating in traditional clothes.

Some of the most significant festivals include:

1. Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year): Celebrated in April, this festival features colorful parades, temple offerings and the traditional water throwing to wash away old spirits and welcome the New Year.
2. Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival): Held in May, this nationwide event involves launching homemade rockets into the sky to call for rain for the planting season.
3. Boun Khao Padabdin: Celebrated in August, this religious festival in Luang Prabang honors the dead with offerings to monks and features dragon boat races on the Nam Khan River.
4. Boun Suang Heua (Boat Racing Festival): Taking place in August and October, this festival includes boat races on the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers, along with candlelight processions and colorful floats.
5. That Luang Festival: One of the largest festivals in Vientiane, held in November during the full moon, it draws people from across Laos for three days of celebrations around the That Luang temple.

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7. Rhinoceros beetle wrestling is a popular betting sport

The Rhinoceros beetle wrestling might be one of the strangest competitive betting sports I’ve encountered, yet it is cherished by many locals.

The rules are simple: People bet on which beetle they think is most likely to win. The beetle that inflicts the most damage or eliminates its opponent is declared the winner. To boost their strength and performance, owners often feed their beetles a diet of sugar cane and bananas.

Beetle battles are also popular in Japan and Costa Rica.

8. You can explore plains of mysterious ancient stone jars

The Plain of Jars is a mysterious UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of large ancient stone jars scattered across the landscape of northern Laos. Stretching over hundreds of miles, these jars are estimated to date from 500 BC to AD 200, though their origins and purpose remain an unsolved mystery.

Alongside this mystery, the area bears the scars of extensive bombing during the Vietnam War, making…

>> LEARN MORE: 13 Fun Facts About Vietnam

9. Laos is the most bombed country in the world

This is not a “fun fact about Laos” but it is a fact nonetheless. Laos holds the distinction of being the most bombed country in the world. The land-locked country was severely impacted by the Vietnam War. Over two billion tons of bombs were dropped in Laos during the war – more than all of the bombs dropped on European ground during World War II.

The remnants of this extensive bombing campaign still affect Laos today, leaving many areas contaminated with unexploded bombs. The country is actively working to clear these hazards and ensure safety for visitors.

Various initiatives, such as the artisan Pratchaya Phinthong or jewelry shop Article 22, are playing a vital role in transforming cluster bombs into art and practical items. Their efforts not only contribute to clearing dangerous materials but also supports the local economy.