People planning for vacation usually surf through the internet to settle on the perfect spot which offers them lull. They usually stumble upon the gems of South Asia like Laos and Cambodia while surfing. The venturesome places and manifold landscapes these nations homes often compel people to swipe their cards for Cambodia and Laos tour.
Many people travel overseas to unveil the mysterious culture and history of different countries. The world-class heritage, rich culture and glorious history is what brings visitors to their humble abode. Their traditional costumes and clothing can help you dig into the depth of their heritage. Let’s paint a word picture of these traditional Laotian and Cambodian costumes.
Cambodian Costumes
Cambodia is one of the countries which has preserved its traditional values in the countryside you will still find locals wearing the signature outfits walking down the street. Since Cambodian people’s livelihood usually depend on farming and fishing there attire is very comfortable. Here are some renowned Cambodian costumes which date back to decades and centuries.
Sampot
Sampot is identical to the attires worn by the localities of neighboring countries of Laos and Thailand and it is also known as traditional national clothing of Cambodia. This Cambodian attire dates back to the Funan era when the Chinese diplomats told the Cambodian king to request his people to cover themselves. Sampot is usually worn by both men and women, it is a huge piece of cloth that measures about five to six feet. It is generally wrapped around the waist like a sarong but there are several ways to drape and fold it depending on the type and style of Sampot.
Av Pak
Av Pak is a stellar blouse worn by women and it is a recent fashion trend of Cambodia. This blouse reflects plain stamped cotton features, as well as the embroidered silk with golden thread, is the Khmer version of Kebaya. In the past, these shirts needed their own unique fashion with the white-colored base and golden thread embroidery. The modern version of Av Pak includes heavy embroidery with different hues of threads, it is designed and molded into numerous styles. It is currently known as the national Khmer costume, women usually wear this on occasions in and out of Cambodia.
Karma
It doesn’t matter whether you are in the countryside or the city you will often see people wearing Karma. It is a kind of scarf that usually hangs around the neck of locals, this piece of clothing is undoubtedly the signature fabric of Cambodia. To the visitors, it may seem to be solely a part of fashion. You can see elderly people strolling the streets wearing Karma around their heads to guard them against the sun. Another common use for Karma is they are used as hammocks for infants. Traditionally Karmas are made of mauve and white squares but they can be found in a wide range of colors and sizes in the markets dotting the country.
Cambodia Tour Package usually entails frequent visits to the local market, this will give you a chance to buy souvenirs for you and your loved ones.
Laotian Costumes
Like Cambodians, Laotians also have scintillating traditional attires. These costumes highlight their sense of art and reflect the richness of their spiritual life. In Laos, you will easily come across local shops which will offer you a wide range of shades. There are silk patterns ranging from traditional to modern, Laotian costumes diverse for both men and women.
Salong
Laotian men wear these traditional costumes on big occasions and festivals. Salong is a long garment with four to five feet of fabric at width as well as length. These are usually draped around the waist but several other methods are used to tie these Salong in different ways. Traditional Sarongs generally have varied patterns like square and checkered patterns, symbols and colors in concern to design. Tradition native weaving methods that stretch back to many centuries are used to embroider these clothes. Over the years people have added many symbols and designs to the initial pattern to match with the latest trend. The colors, patterns, and symbols found in Salong these days are virtually limitless.
Sinh
Sinh is the traditional attire for the women of Laos which consists of three components. First is Hua Sinh the waistband part of the costume, second is Phuen Sinh the empty body of the skirts which doesn’t carry many decorations. Third is Tin Sinh which is a thick border at the bottom with golden decoratives, over the top, they drape a fancy scarf across their attire.
These traditional costumes have great importance at Laotian wedding. Bride and groom both dressed in bright colored traditional costume with heavy golden thread work.
If you are taking the Laos tour package you must buy these glamorous costumes at the local market and try them on. It is a promise that you will go back with a suitcase full of memories and a gallery loaded with photos taking these packages.