Feature: Lamvong captures Laos' easy-going character

The Lamvong, Laos' social dance with variants found in neighboring Thailand and Cambodia and performed at all kinds of celebration, is hardly the most complex dance in the world.

The dance fits hand-in-glove with the traditional sounds of morlam, the unhurried folk music from the same region with romantic undertones and the pluck of the phin (pronounced "pin"), a three-stringed guitar-like instrument made of wood often boasting elaborate carvings.

The graceful movements of the hands take longest to master with proficient dancers among the lady folk in particular able to convey precision and subtlety in equal measure.

However, with its simple footwork and circular movement, the Lamvong is a dance that even the most lead-footed foreigner could easily learn, at least the basic steps.

That is a blessing because when attending a wedding or any gig in Laos, you will more likely find yourself shuffling across the dance floor with a partner, sometimes a total stranger.

Fortunately you don't need to have a host of close Lao friends or family to get the invitation to try out your Lamvong dancing skills.

In fact, all you need is to find yourself in the countryside and with a pleasant disposition chances are that you will be invited to try your own spin on this sedate yet delightful dance.

In many places around the world, a word-of-mouth invitation from a new acquaintance to attend their friend's cousin's wedding might seem a risky proposition at best, not so much a case of overstepping social boundaries than vaulting them.

In Laos, this is not so.

The locals certainly appear to take a singular delight in welcoming new faces, including foreign guests, to share their good fortune, good food and the dance floor.

You can certainly find yourself chatting to new faces at a restaurant or guest house one night, and cheering the health of new friends the next at the most unlikely of venues.

Whether it is the polished floor of a high-class hotel, the driveway of the family home or just about any surface flat enough to be commandeered for the purpose, there is hardly a place deemed unfit for a party and the leisurely swing of Lamvong.

In fact, it is not uncommon to see happy faces gathering under shade-providing marquees and decorated dining tables and chairs that seem to spill well onto public roadways in defiance of good sense.

No matter where you find yourself celebrating with the Lao, you don't have to wait long for the sweet sounds of morlam and more than a little friendly encouragement to carry you to the dance floor.

So, should you receive an invitation to a wedding or other celebrations in Laos, be prepared to do the Lamvong with your partner and enjoy. Endi