Eat Lao food – Purchasing fresh foods in the market and eating Lao dishes ensures that your money stays local and supports Lao farmers. When on a tour, request to eat in the village instead of taking food with you from town. This will provide villagers with income and you with an authentic Lao meal and tremendous cultural experience.
2. Purchase local crafts - Purchasing handicrafts in markets or villages directly supports local artisans and their traditional crafts.
3. Use local guides – Taking a village guide and/or a local guide from town will makes your trip more enjoyable and educational, while helping employ local people. Look for packaged tours that include local guides, local food and local accommodation.
4. Stay overnight in villages – Staying overnight in a village as part of an organized tour provides a genuine experience with Lao culture and Lao people, Remember to compensate villagers for accommodation and for food and to visit villages with a local guide.
5. Visit National Protected Areas – Visiting national protected areas help generate income and awareness to support the protection of threatened wildlife and forest ecosystems.