Dishes will be Indo-Chinese in flavour and presentation. Lao food can be found on the stalls in the markets. There are several fairly good French restaurants in Vientiane, catering mainly for the diplomatic community.
National specialities:
• Rice, especially sticky rice.
• Laab (minced meat, fish or vegetables tossed in lime juice, garlic, powdered rice and chillies, accompanied by sticky rice).
• Baguettes and croissants are normally eaten for breakfast.
National drinks:
• Rice whisky, lao lao, is popular and there are two brands available.
• Beer Lao.
Tipping: Not customary, however a modest tip in return for good service is appreciated.

There are several discos in Vientiane that tend to have live Lao bands. Most large hotels will have their own nightclubs.

The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang (about 40 minutes by air from Vientiane) are worth visiting. Silk, silver jewellery and handmade shirts are good buys. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for antiques and other art objects. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Mon-Sat 0900-2100 (private shops).