etiquette

Insider guide to etiquette & customs in Laos

Insider guide: Etiquette & customs in Laos

Heading to Laos and not sure how to behave? We put together this handy guide to etiquette & customs for readers of the InsideAsia magazine, East. Now, we’re sharing it with our blog readers too! Follow these simple guidelines and you’re sure to have an incredible time in Laos – and without committing a cultural faux pas. […]

Vietnamese etiquette & customs cheat sheet

If you’re travelling to Vietnam for the first time, gaining a knowledge of local customs and etiquette will go a long way to help you avoid any embarrassing situations where you may inadvertently cause offence, or worse, get into serious trouble! Vietnamese people are very proud of their culture and heritage, and this is displayed […]

Interacting with monks

How not to be a bad tourist in Burma

Before I begin – let’s get one thing straight. Being aware of etiquette when travelling isn’t the minefield that some people make it out to be, and should absolutely not be something to worry about before or during your trip. In almost every case, any well-meaning mistakes will be cheerfully forgiven by your local hosts, […]

Meeting local people

How to be polite in Southeast Asia

Sustainable tourism isn’t just about carbon offsetting, conservation centres and eco-lodges. When we talk about responsible travel, we’re also talking about supporting local businesses, respecting local cultures, and promoting mutual understanding between our own culture and those we visit. This is why it’s of the utmost importance that you familiarise yourself with the local customs […]