From what I've seen, heard and experienced in Laos -- I really never thought of Laos as a communist state, because it didn't feel like it. But then again, I associate communism with the rule in Korea or China -- rule with an iron fist, which is more politics than culture... - See more at: http://www.backpacking-tips-asia.com/laos-culture.html#.U_4IXPmSyuo