Lao Words for Traveling: The Essential Vocabulary to Know
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
In Laos, a smile opens every door. But a few words in the local language… open hearts.
Even though many Laotians speak some English, especially in larger cities, learning a few basic expressions in Lao will transform your trip. It shows respect, curiosity, and immediately creates a connection with the people you meet. Traveling means meeting people. And in Laos, it all begins with a warm and heartfelt “Sabaidee.”
A Language as Gentle as the Mekong
Lao, the country’s official language, belongs to the Tai-Kadai language family. It shares strong similarities with Thai, yet it has its own musicality, softer more melodic. It is a tonal language, meaning the same syllable can have different meanings depending on how it is pronounced. Don’t worry: Laotians truly appreciate the effort travelers make, even imperfectly. A word spoken with a smile is always better than hesitant silence.
Greetings and Basic Expressions
English | Lao | Approximate Pronunciation |
Hello | ສະບາຍດີ (Sabaidee) | Sa-bai-dee |
Thank you | ຂອບໃຈ (Khob chai) | Kob chai |
You’re welcome | ບໍ່ເປັນຫຍັງ (Bo pen nyang) | Bo pen nyang |
Goodbye | ລາກ່ອນ (La kon) | La kon |
Yes / No | ແມ່ນ (Men) / ບໍ່ (Bo) | Men / Bo |
How are you? | ສະບາຍດີບໍ່ (Sabaidee bor?) | Sa-bai-dee bor? |
I’m fine | ສະບາຍດີ (Sabaidee) | Sa-bai-dee |
A simple “Sabaidee” in the morning to your guide or a vendor will always bring a bright smile!
At the Table
English | Lao | Approximate Pronunciation |
I’m hungry | ຂ້ອຍຫິວ (Khoi hiu) | Khoi hiou |
It’s delicious | ອົມແຊບ (Om saep) | Om sep |
Sticky rice | ເຂົ້າໜຽວ (Khao niao) | Khao niao |
Water | ນ້ຳ (Nam) | Nam |
Coffee | ກາເຟ (Kafé) | Ka-fay |
The bill, please | ກະລຸນາເອົາໃບບິນ (Kaluna ao bai bin) | Ka-lu-na ao bai-bin |
In Laos, sharing a meal is a true celebration. Saying “Om saep!” at the end of a meal is a sincere compliment.
Getting Around and Finding Your Way
English | Lao | Approximate Pronunciation |
Where is…? | ຢູ່ໃສ? (You sai?) | You sai? |
How much is it? | ເທົ່າໃດ? (Thao dai?) | Thao dai? |
Too expensive! | ລາຄາແພງ (Lakha paeng) | La-kha paeng |
I would like to go to… | ຂ້ອຍຢາກໄປ… (Khoi yak pai…) | Khoi yak pai… |
Hotel | ໂຮງແຮມ (Hong haem) | Hong hem |
Market | ຕະຫຼາດ (Talat) | Ta-lat |
In a Village or Homestay
English | Lao | Approximate Pronunciation |
Thank you very much | ຂອບໃຈຫຼາຍ (Khob chai lai) | Kob chai lai |
It’s very beautiful | ງາມຫຼາຍ (Ngam lai) | Ngam lai |
I am happy here | ຂ້ອຍດີໃຈຢູ່ນີ້ (Khoi di chai you ni) | Khoi di chai you ni |
Good night | ນອນຫຼັບຝັນດີ (Non lap fan di) | Non lap fan dee |
Learning a few words before sleeping in a bamboo house after a trek or a traditional ceremony is more than politeness, it’s a bridge between two worlds.
The Language of Respect: Lao Politeness
Respect is central in Lao culture. People often greet each other with a slight nop (palms pressed together in front of the chest), accompanied by a “Sabaidee.” Avoid abrupt gestures or raised voices. Feet should never point toward a person or a Buddha statue, which is sacred. Here, language is an art of gentleness.
Why Learn a Few Words Before You Travel?
Because in Laos, speaking a little Lao is far more than a communication tool: it is a cultural key.
A simple word spoken kindly can spark an exchange, a smile, a cup of tea, sometimes even a friendship.
At ORLA Tours, we encourage every traveler to immerse themselves in local culture. Our English-speaking Lao guides are always happy to introduce you to the language and customs during your stay.
Want to Experience Laos Differently?
Learn. Share. Connect. At ORLA Tours, our tailor-made journeys immerse you in authentic Laos — villages, rice fields, traditions, and warm smiles.
👉 Fill in our personalized travel form to create your own meaningful and cultural adventure.
FAQ – Learning Lao for Travel
1. Is Lao difficult to learn? It is a tonal language, but the basics are quick to learn. Laotians are forgiving and happy to see foreigners try a few words.
2. Is speaking Lao useful while traveling? Yes, especially in villages and rural areas. It makes interactions easier and shows respect for local culture.
3. How long does it take to learn the basics? Just a few hours are enough to learn greetings, polite expressions, and everyday words. Your guide can also help you during your trip.
4. Can I learn Lao online before traveling? Absolutely. Apps such as Ling or Simply Learn Lao, as well as YouTube videos, can help you get familiar with pronunciation and writing.
5. Does ORLA Tours include language moments in its tours? Yes. Our local French-speaking guides share essential words and their cultural meanings, making each encounter more authentic.
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