Current Time in LuangPrabang
Lao culture regarding time
Lao culture regarding time
Relaxed "Lao time"
In Laos, there is a relaxed culture regarding time, called "Lao time". It is common for meetings and events to start later than scheduled.
Natural life rhythm based on agriculture
In many areas except urban areas, a life rhythm that is in line with nature, where people wake up at sunrise, work, and rest at sunset, is deeply rooted.
How to use time in accordance with Buddhist events
Lao people place great importance on Buddhist events, and their daily lives and commercial activities are sometimes influenced by these schedules. In particular, morning alms at temples are considered an important time period.
Lao values regarding time
It is polite to not rush
"Be calm and take your time" is a basic value in Laos. Rushing people or being too strict about time can be considered rude.
A culture that prioritizes relationships with people
There is a strong tendency to value trust and harmony with others over time, and it is important to build good relationships even if you are a little loose with time.
Tolerant and flexible schedule awareness
Daily plans are only a guideline and are assumed to change easily depending on the weather, relationships, physical condition, etc.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to Laos
Appointment times should be taken as a "guideline"
In business and private life, delays of about 10 to 30 minutes from the promised time are common, and a tolerant attitude is required.
Government offices and banks tend to be punctual
Government agencies and large companies often carry out their work on time, so it is important to be punctual for official procedures.
Departure times for buses and public transport are vague
Local long-distance buses depart when there are people, and even if there is a timetable, it should only be considered as a guideline.
Interesting trivia about time in Laos
The time of morning begging drives the region
In Laos, monks have the custom of walking through the city early in the morning to beg, and local people sometimes wake up and prepare meals to coincide with this time.
Weddings and festivals are unpredictable
Traditional weddings and local festivals in Laos sometimes start late or end late at night, and people have become accustomed to enjoying themselves without being bound by time.
The water-throwing festival "Phi Mai Lao" continues for several days
Phi Mai Lao, the Lao New Year, is characterized by water-throwing events that continue from morning to night for several days, symbolizing the culture of losing track of time and having fun.