Beerlao might be the source of much national pride but rice whisky, known as lao-ldo, is responsible for many more sore heads. This is pardy because it's so much cheaper than beer and partly because the lowland Lao, in particular, just like it. Chances are you'll be invited to partake in festivities with a neat shot of lao-ldo at some point; see the Spirit of Spirits (below) for more on drinking customs.

The best lao-ldo is said to come from Phongsali and Don Khong, the northern and southern extremes of the country, but it's available virtually everywhere, usually for between US$0.20 and US$0.50 per 750ml bottle.

Tourist hotel bars in the larger cities carry the standard variety of liquors.