Vientiane - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
It would be unwise to dress too nicely, as you will be in dust, mud, rain to even get from a restaurant to a car. Formal dress occasions are rare. - Dec 2024
Dress code is business casual and folks dressing generally more casual on Fridays. - Mar 2024
Laos is very conservative although the younger crowd is less so. If you go to government buildings or temples, expect to wear traditional Lao skirts and shirts that cover your shoulders if you are a woman. Lao people take pride in the way they dress, so you want to wear your best whenever conducting business. Outside of work, you can wear shirts that show your shoulders and knees, but you will get stared at especially if you stand out as a foreigner. I would not bring clothes that is too tight or revealing to Laos. If you are part of the diplomatic community, there are occasional events where formal attire is required. I would bring options knowing how difficult it is to find clothes here! - Mar 2023
In diplomatic/government circles, most people dress in a fairly formal style, although the heat means jackets are taken off almost immediately once a meeting starts - Jun 2020
It's too hot to wear suits regularly. Most people dress in business casual. - Oct 2018
The dress code was more business casual in most offices. The Lao women would wear the long skirt called a sihn. It was pretty comfortable. Most men wore slacks and short sleeve Lao shirts. It is usually hot. - Jan 2014
