Learn Basic Lao for Travelers – 15 Essential Phrases

If you are planning to visit Laos, learning a few simple Lao words can make your trip smoother and help you connect with local people. Lao is a friendly and melodic language, and even trying a few phrases will bring smiles and warm reactions from locals.

Here are 15 useful phrases for your travels:

1. Sabaidee (ສະບາຍດີ) – Hello / Hi
2. Khop jai (ຂອບໃຈ) – Thank you
3. Khop jai lai lai (ຂອບໃຈຫຼາຍໆ) – Thank you very much
4. Baw pen nyang (ບໍ່ເປັນຫຍັງ) – It’s okay / You’re welcome
5. Menleo (ແມ່ນແລ້ວ) – Yes
6. Baw (ບໍ່) – No
7. Tao dai? (ເທົ່າໃດ?) – How much?
8. Phaeng lai bor? (ແພງຫຼາຍບໍ?) – Is it expensive?
9. Khon Lao (ຄົນລາວ) – Lao person
10. Farang (ຝະລັ່ງ) – Foreigner (commonly used, friendly)
11. Hong nam yuu sai? (ຫ້ອງນ້ຳຢູ່ໃສ?) – Where is the toilet?
12. Kho thot (ຂໍໂທດ) – Sorry / Excuse me
13. Bo khao jai (ບໍ່ເຂົ້າໃຈ) – I don’t understand
14. Khao jai (ເຂົ້າໃຈ) – I understand
15. La gon (ລາກ່ອນ) – Goodbye

Tips for Learning Lao

• The Lao language is tonal, but don’t worry – locals appreciate your effort even if the tones aren’t perfect.
• Always smile when greeting or asking for something. Smiles go a long way in Laos.
• Practice with locals in markets, cafes, or tuk-tuk rides – they will be happy to help.

Try these phrases during your trip and you’ll discover how quickly you can make friends in Laos.