Laos is a fascinating country located in Southeast Asia bordered by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. It has a long and rich history spanning many centuries. The Lao people have a tradition of telling riddles as a way to challenge each other and have fun. In this article, we have collected 35 riddles about Laos along with the answers. Some riddles focus on Lao culture, geography, landmarks, food, traditions while others are more lighthearted in nature. Read on as we unravel the mysteries behind these brainteasers!
Riddles about Lao Culture and Traditions
1. What hangs outside the house but never goes inside?
A Lao spirit house or pha phum hangs outside homes and buildings but spirits are not allowed inside the actual structures. These miniature wooden houses on posts are intended to provide a shelter for the spirits that protect the homes.
2. I have a body but no life, a mouth but do not eat, who am I?
A Lao temple guardian statue situated at temple entrances. They are stone statues with human bodies but being non-living cannot eat food.
3. What gets wet when drying?
Sticky rice which is a staple food in Laos. After harvesting, the sticky rice is spread out and dried under the sun. But when drying, moisture makes the grains sticky.
4. What has a face that smiles but no mouth, age but not years and can swim but has no limbs?
A monastery bell. Lao monastery bells have facial decorations that look like a smile. They ring to mark the passage of time but do not literally age. Bells produce sound waves when struck which can travel or “swim” through the air.
Riddles about Lao Geography
5. What is round on both sides but high in the middle?
Laos is located high on a mountain plateau between Vietnam and Thailand. On the map, it appears rounded on the east and west side but mountainous in the middle.
6. I am home to waters long and mighty, days slow and boats aplenty, where the land is rich and earth a ruddy brown. What am I?
The Mekong river basin located largely in Laos and known for the slow, meandering pace of the Mekong river. The fertile land around the Mekong river has reddish-brown soils perfect for agriculture.
7. I am over 4000 islands scattered midst the rapids, a refuge for culture and wildlife bandits, where the waters rush fast and loud, who am I?
Si Phan Don or the 4000 islands in Southern Laos. It is an archipelago where the Mekong river splits into numerous channels and rapids, housing rare freshwater dolphins.
8. I have 4 sides of glory, tourists traverse my heights, monks dwell within my caves divine, endless stairs mark the path to my peak. What landmark am I?
Mount PhouSi, a 100m tall hill located in the city of Luang Prabang with over 300 steps leading to temples on top. The hill provides panoramic views of the old town and Kuang Si waterfalls.
Riddles about Lao Cuisine
9. Pink as the rising morning light, mixed with river weeds is my delight, grilled on skewers near markets at night. What popular Lao street food am I?
Ping gai, the grilled chicken that takes on a pinkish hue when cooked, marinated with herbs and served on sticks as street food.
10. Sticky as glue, steamed in a hollow bamboo, topping me off with sweet coconut cream makes for a festive Lao cuisine scene. What am I?
Khao lam – sticky rice mixed with black beans, cooked in bamboo over hot coals and served with coconut cream. It is prepared during celebrations and ceremonies.
11. Dip me in jeow mak len spicy salsa, toss back shots of lao-lao liquor, be careful not to get burned by this peculiar! What popular snack am I?
Mak hay, the crispy deep-fried Mekong water lily blossoms served alongside spicy dips and lao-lao rice whisky. Their unique shape makes them fun finger food.
12. Fermented in earthen pots, I take days to form into solid blocks, grilled till crisp to pair with sticky rice cakes. What savoury Lao pork delicacy am I?
Som moo, the fermented pork sausages that take days to culture and then grilled to be eaten with kaipen rice crackers.
Riddles about Lao Wildlife
13. With wings that whistle in the wind, my feathers lead and tail behind, from North to South I titillate children’s minds. What migrating raptor am I?
The Oriental hobby falcon that flies down from China across Laos into Malaysia and Indonesia during winter. They are a favourite among Lao children for their agile flying displays.
14. My snout makes shovel for feasting galore, lurking in muddy Mekong riverbed floors. With catfish and crabs I love to play, then spend nights asleep tucked away. Who am I?
The endangered Irrawaddy river dolphin found in Laos waters of the Mekong. They uses their long jaws to catch fish near the river bottom and sleep near the river banks.
15. With leathery skin and a yellow throat sac swollen, few can match my loud and thunderous croakin! Come monsoon season, locals listen for my open-mouthed call. What large amphibian am I?
The giant Asian bullfrog that emerges during monsoons and has a huge vocal sac for its bellowing nocturnal calls. It is the largest frog in Indochina region.
Funny Riddles about Laos
16. What do you call a three-headed monster from Laos?
A Laos-er Hydra!
17. Why can’t you play cards in Laos?
Because there are too many Laos!
18. Did you hear about the restaurant on the Laos–Vietnam border?
It serves excellent fusion cuisine!
19. What kind of cars do they drive in Vientiane?
Laos Mobiles!
20. Why do birds fly over Laos?
Because it’s il-Laos-trated from above!
Word Riddles Related to Laos
21. What 5-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?
Short – Shorter
22. Mary’s father has 5 daughters – Nana, Nene, Nini, Nono. What is the fifth daughters name?
Mary!
23. What word begins and ends with an ‘E’ but only has one letter?
Envelope
24. I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. What am I?
A candle
25. What gets wetter the more it dries?
A towel
Logic and Math Riddles
26. Two mothers and two daughters went out to eat. Everyone ate one burger, yet only three burgers were ordered. How is this possible?
The three people are the grandmother, mother and daughter.
27. A farmer had 17 sheep and all but 9 died. How many are left?
9 sheep
28. Imagine you are in a dark room with a candle, a wood stove, and a gas lamp. You only have one match, so what do you light first?
The match!
29. What belongs to you but other people use it more than you?
Your name
30. The more there is, the less you see. What am I?
Darkness
Riddles for Kids
31. What has hands but can’t clap?
A clock
32. What has four wheels and flies?
A garbage truck
33. What gets wetter as it dries?
A towel
34. What has a neck but no head?
A bottle
35. What starts with ‘e’ and ends with ‘e’ but only contains one letter?
An envelope
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed these 35 riddles about the fascinating country of Laos. Solving riddles helps sharpen one’s thinking and logic. The Lao are known for their sense of humour, wordplay and life philosophies expressed subtly through riddles. Use these entertaining brainteasers to get a glimpse into Lao culture while giving your mind a fun workout. How many could you get right without looking at the answers? Challenge your family and friends to some riddles next time you meet. The answers may not only surprise but also enlighten you!
