Lao has it's own distinct culture. Through Theravada Buddhism it has influences from India and has also influences from China. These influences are reflected throughout Laos in it's language as well as in art, literature and the performing arts.
Lao way of life is very much influences by the Buddhism as can be seen through the way that Lao people live and behave. They are taught to be patient and acceptance people. Buddhism was the only thing that bound people together and taught people to be good people and stay away from doing wrong things in the past when the low enforcement was not in place.
An important festival in Laos is บุญ พระ เวช celebrated once a year. This is a two day Buddhist festival that involves the entire community. Traditionally the Boun Pha Vet is held in January or February depending on the moon cycle. During the ceremony the monks give a sermon of all chapters the Maha Wetsandon Chadok, otherwise called the Great Birth Sermon.