The Baci Ceremony
The Baci (sou khouan in Lao, meaning “spirit that strengthens or calls the spirit”) is a traditional ceremony in Laos. Its purpose is to bring good fortune to those in whose honor it is held. This popular tradition invites spirits to bring luck and prosperity into the life of the honored person. The Baci ceremony is performed for all kinds of everyday life events: weddings, deaths, births, departures or returns from journeys, illness, commemoration of an ancestor’s anniversary… Guests are always impeccably dressed and the ceremony includes people of all generations. During your trip to Laos, you may have the honor of being invited to take part in a Baci ceremony. This will be an opportunity for you to truly immerse yourself in the heart of Lao culture.
During the Baci ceremony, participants position themselves in a circle around the makbeng, the brightly colored floral sculpture (orange or yellow) to which white strings are attached and tied around each participant’s wrist. According to Lao belief, a person possesses thirty-two organs united together, each with a spirit (khouan in Lao) that protects them. If one of the spirits escapes outside the body, it causes an imbalance and can provoke illness. Hence the importance of performing this “spirit calling” ceremony. The cotton strings, which represent the connection between these 32 spirits and the body, thus restore harmony and bring luck and prosperity for a long and happy life. Other elements meant to bring good fortune are also included in the ceremony and shared among participants: cooked chicken, hard-boiled eggs, biscuits, or bananas.
Makbeng: The Jewel of the Baci Ceremony
During the Baci ceremony, participants position themselves in a circle around the makbeng, the brightly colored floral sculpture (orange or yellow) to which white strings are attached and tied around each participant’s wrist. According to Lao belief, a person possesses thirty-two organs united together, each with a spirit (khouan in Lao) that protects them. If one of the spirits escapes outside the body, it causes an imbalance and can provoke illness. Hence the importance of performing this “spirit calling” ceremony. The cotton strings, which represent the connection between these 32 spirits and the body, thus restore harmony and bring luck and prosperity for a long and happy life. Other elements meant to bring good fortune are also included in the ceremony and shared among participants: cooked chicken, hard-boiled eggs, biscuits, or bananas.
A makbeng is traditionally made from banana leaves, which are tightly woven and sometimes frangipani flowers. In the past, the makbeng used for a baci was approximately 60 to 70cm tall. But today, they can measure 120cm and come in various shapes and sizes. Makbengs are also at the center of offerings that worshippers make to temples when they visit to worship the “Buddha.” These days are determined by the lunar calendar. They are also an integral part of rituals during festivals, such as the That Luang festival. The pieces are bright and beautifully decorated. They embellish all Buddhist ceremonies, whether for a wedding, a departure, a housewarming, or welcoming guests.
A Timeless Tradition
On a warm day, Mrs. Feuang, 46, sits at her stall outside Vientiane’s Simuang Temple, patiently and delicately inserting banana leaves and orange flowers (marigolds) into a pot. This decoration is known as Makbeng. They are an integral part of all Buddhist ceremonies. Mrs. Feuang offers her delicately crafted pieces every day in front of the temple. Many are sold to people who come to pray. Today, even though she has had no customers, her hands have been busy preparing the perfectly woven ornaments. “Nobody has bought anything from me today, but I am hopeful of having customers very soon because at this time of year there are many ceremonies taking place,” she said.
A vendor at Thongkhankham Market keeps a photo album showing the different styles of makbeng made by family members. The photos show the different designs used, with prices depending on the complexity of the design. A vendor at Simuang Temple says that makbeng range from 20,000 to 800,000 kip. Traditionally, the makbeng was always adorned with marigolds, but nowadays roses and other flowers can be added, as well as some made of plastic. But in all cases, they must include marigolds. The makbeng used in Laos are similar to those made in Thailand. But those made in Thailand look less authentic. A vendor whose family makes modern-style makbengs said that some highly ornate pieces can cost up to 1.5 million kip. But despite the ever-increasing prices of these handmade pieces, their popularity shows no sign of waning. It is a Lao tradition that continues to flourish among people from all walks of life and in all corners of the country.
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Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?
With Asia Safari, you plan your tailor-made trip directly with a local English-speaking team. Our agency has been based in Vientiane since 2002. Its founder, Jean-Paul Duvergé, has worked in Laos since 2000. Our guides are Lao, our accommodations are hand-picked, and each itinerary is tailor-made. The result: a vibrant, fair trip, without unnecessary frills.
- Local English-speaking agency: we speak your language and know the country from the inside
- Zero intermediaries: you deal directly with the local team
- Truly tailor-made: no fixed catalog — each trip is unique
- Since 2002, Asia Safari has been creating tailor-made journeys in Laos, drawing on the experience its founder has gained in the country since 2000.
How does our tailor-made service work?
1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
2. We send you an initial response within 24 working hours, followed by a detailed proposal within 48 working hours of receiving the necessary information: your itinerary, accommodation and a quote specifying the services included.
3. We refine the proposal together, adjusting the itinerary, accommodation and activities to suit your expectations and budget.
4. We coordinate the services included in your itinerary on the ground: guides, transport, accommodation and activities.
When to visit Laos?
From November to February, the weather is generally drier and temperatures are milder. March and April are often hotter. The rainy season, from May to October, brings lush green landscapes; we adapt the itinerary and transport to local conditions.
Laos, the heart of your Indochina tour
Laos is often the surprise of a trip: uncrowded, authentic, with a quiet beauty. Asia Safari makes Laos much more than a stopover — we make it the central experience of your stay, before or after Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.
Our travel ideas for Laos and neighbouring countries
Laos + Cambodia: from the temples of Luang Prabang to Angkor, shape a journey combining cultural heritage and Mekong scenery. A visit to Tonlé Sap can complement the itinerary, depending on your interests and the time available.
Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
Northern Laos + Yunnan: from the landscapes of Yunnan to the mountains of northern Laos, the Laos–China railway can connect some of the stops on your journey. We plan the route with you, in either direction.
Grand Indochina Tour (40 days): Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — a memorable trip for life.
Tips for preparing your multi-country tour
Visas: each country has its own rules — Asia Safari guides you through all procedures.
Duration: we adapt the number of stops to the time you have available. For a trip combining two countries, we consider the regions you want to explore, travel between destinations and your preferred pace.
Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
Budget: the cost of a multi-country trip depends on its length, the season, the number of travellers, accommodation and transport between destinations. We prepare a personalised quote specifying the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.
Our Story
Jean-Paul Duvergé has worked in Laos since 2000. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari in Vientiane to design tailor-made trips in Laos and Indochina. Today, the agency’s French-Lao team plans each itinerary with its travellers and coordinates arrangements on the ground with its local guides and partners.
What sets us apart
A team on the ground: based in Vientiane, we plan your trip using our knowledge of Laos and information from our local partners. We take the seasons, travel conditions and accommodation into account when designing your itinerary.
We speak your language: our team supports you in English, from planning your trip to assistance during your stay. English-speaking guided visits are arranged according to your itinerary.
Direct contact with our team: you speak with the people who plan your trip and coordinate its organisation on the ground. Your quote specifies the price of your trip and the services included.
Tailor-made journeys: our suggested itineraries are starting points. We adapt the destinations, pace, accommodation and activities to your dates, wishes and budget.
Our commitment
We give preference to local accommodation providers and partners. When visiting villages, we take care to respect residents and their customs. Our approach also aims to help preserve the cultural and natural sites that make Laos special.
Laos in figures
Laos covers 236,800 km² and had a population of around 7.9 million in 2025. Its capital is Vientiane, its official language is Lao and its currency is the Lao kip (LAK). Theravada Buddhism is the main religion. The country is in the UTC+7 time zone.
Laos must-sees
Luang Prabang: Former royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its golden temples, French colonial houses, and gentle way of life make it an undeniable favorite.
Vientiane: The human-sized capital — That Luang, Patuxai, and the banks of the Mekong are worth a visit.
Vang Vieng: Surrounded by limestone karsts, ideal for kayaking, caving, and hiking.
Southern Laos and 4000 Islands: Champassak, the Vat Phou temples (UNESCO), the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong islands.
Lao culture
Theravada Buddhism has an important place in Laos, alongside a variety of cultural traditions. In Luang Prabang, the monks’ morning alms round is a religious ritual to observe with discretion and respect. Boun Pi Mai, Lao New Year in April, and Boun Ok Phansa, which marks the end of the Buddhist rains retreat, are among the events that shape the year.
Nature and biodiversity
The forests and protected areas of Laos are home to a variety of wildlife, including Asian elephants, gibbons and sun bears. Rivers, mountains and plateaus offer many opportunities to explore nature.
