10 Differences between Vietnam and Laos

Apart from the similarities in daily life, culture and climate, the two Asian brothers, Vietnam – Laos have very different cultural aspects. 

1. The difference in the way of eating

Vietnamese people eat rice, Lao people eat sticky rice. While Vietnamese enjoy most of their dishes with chopsticks, Laotians prefer to eat with their hands.

2. Traffic between two countries

The Vietnamese honking quite often, the Lao honking when necessary.

3. Difference between Vietnam and Laos in traditional costumes

If in Vietnam, the beauty of a woman is glorified through the flowing “Ao dai”, “Sinh” is a unique traditional costume with a long history.

4. Shipping method between two countries

Your customers can easily travel by traditional motorbike taxi or technology motorbike taxi such as Grab, Bee, Gojek in Vietnam. And on the streets of Laos, tuk-tuk is everywhere.

5. The demand for almsgiving

In Vietnam it is very rare, and people don’t usually sit and wait for monks like in Laos.

6. Exposure to sunshine

Vietnamese people always wear masks and gloves before going out, but Lao people let the sunshine in.

7. National flower meaning in two countries

The lotus flower (Hoa sen) in Vietnam symbolizes the nobility and indomitable will in the face of all adversity. And Dok Champa is the national flower in Laos symbolizing joy and sincerity.

8. AutoStop

In Vietnam, the stopping rate will be 8/10 people but in Laos this rate is only about 1/100 people.

9. Bargain

You can bargain 5 times for goods in Vietnam while in Laos only once. If you really want to buy anything in Vietnam, bargain before you buy!

10. Greetings

You may hear “Sabaidee” (hello) all the time during your trip in Laos and the Vietnamese will greet you with “Xin chao” (Hello) or just a simple friendly smile.