Lao Cultural Shows

While most visitors concentrate on the museums, temples and the riverbank, Vientiane does also offer cultural shows showcasing some of the different traditional styles of dance and entertainment. Here are two.

The Lao National Theatre presents Yensabai, a performance of traditional dancing, Monday to Saturday at 17:30. The performance runs for just over an hour and showcases a variety of different dance styles including Loum, traditional lowland dancing, and dances from some of the minority ethnic groups. Tickets to Yensabai cost $7 per person ($4 for children) and are available at the theatre starting from 16:00 or most guesthouses and travel agencies.

For dinner and a show, try Phatoke Laoderm at the Senglao Hotel. The 1.5 hour performance consists of 19 short displays of different dance styles, traditional musical instruments, and scenes from Lao plays. The food is surprisingly authentic with seven dishes plus sticky rice and dessert. The show starts at 19:00 daily and the $12 price includes everything but drinks.

Lao National Theatre Manthatoulat Rd. T: (021) 501 7773
Phatoke Laoderm Senglao Hotel, Chou Anou St T: (021) 263 981 http://phatokelaoderm.com/