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Language is a means of human communication and helps people achieve their communication goals. There are many languages created from a country’s culture, history, and its people, and Laos is no exception. The Lao language represents the culture and history of this country and connects its people.
So, what is it like to travel to Laos without knowing the language? Our article below offers some useful tips for communicating while traveling in Laos.
The Lao language represents the culture and history of this country (Cre: Secret Retreats)
Recently, many travelers have rated Laos as one of the most attractive destinations, known for its "slow travel" appeal. Highlights of Laos tourism include cultural sites and outdoor experiences, many of which remain pristine and uncommercialized.
According to the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, in the first three months of the year, Laos attracted more than 1.1 million visitors from various countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, China, South Korea and the United States. Today, Laos is a low-cost tourist destination and attracts many foreign tourists.
Many travelers have rated Laos as one of the most attractive destinations (Cre: EXO Travel)
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In terms of language, Lao is quite similar to Thai and Cambodian. It is also the traditional language of the Lao royal family and conveys the ideas of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Laos is home to 50 ethnic groups, including the major tribes of Lao Lum, Lao Thong, and Lao Sung. The official language used in the country is Lao.
Additionally, some young people in Laos now use English and French, so these two languages are becoming more popular.
The official language used in the country is Lao (Cre:TAEC)
Laos, like Cambodia and Vietnam, is one of the most French-speaking countries in Southeast Asia and is a member of La Francophonie. French is now a popular second language in Laos, studied by about 35% of students and is widely spoken in Laos.
In addition, besides French, English is a prominent language that has attracted attention in the tourism industry in recent years, especially in Vientiane and other tourist destinations.
Therefore, if you do not know Lao, you can use French and English to communicate.
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If you do not know Lao, you can use French and English to communicate (Cre: booking.com)
If you cannot speak the local language or Lao, which is very useful when traveling in Laos and interacting with locals or managing transactions, you can use the translation tools.
Tools like Google Translate, iTranslate, TripLingo, and Sider.AI are popular options that can assist you in communicating and interacting with people throughout your trip.
You can use the translation tools when traveling to Laos (Cre: The Verge)
In addition to the tools we suggested, you can use hand gestures and body language to communicate. However, there are certain gestures you should avoid as they may not align with Lao culture. For example, touching or patting someone's head is considered disrespectful.
Make sure to learn some specific communication rules when traveling to Laos to avoid unnecessary troubles.
You can use hand gestures and body language to communicate (Cre: Franciscan Missions)
A small tip for communication when traveling to Laos is to learn some common Lao phrases to make it easier to interact with people and use in various situations such as common greetings, asking for prices, and emergencies. Below are some common phrases we suggest:
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Learn some common Lao phrases for communication
Additionally, learn the number sequences to handle certain special communication situations. You can refer to: zero (soon), one (neung), two (song), three (saam), four (sii), five (haa), six (hok), seven (jet), eight (bpaet), nine (kao), ten (sip), etc.
Don’t worry too much about the risks when you hire a local tour guide for more convenience in all aspects. They will help you organize your itinerary, provide information about sightseeing spots, local lifestyle, and can assist you with purchasing souvenirs or additional services.
Look for reputable tour companies or local guides to avoid being scammed or having unpleasant experiences during your trip. Asia King Travel is a reputable local travel company, well-suited for your Southeast Asia trips. Contact us for a great travel experience in Laos.
Hire a local guide when traveling to Laos (Cre: Indochina Voyages)
Luang Prabang Old Town is a famous place in Laos because of its peaceful and ancient atmosphere. Luang Prabang Old Town attracts tourists with many restaurants, quiet cafes and beautiful scenery. In addition, this place is also close to famous tourist destinations in Laos such as Kuang Si Waterfall, Elephant Village, Royal Palace, ... You will be convenient for your travel schedule and explore more interesting places in Laos.
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Luang Prabang Old Town is a famous place in Laos (Cre: Wanderlust)
Located in the heart of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, Pha That Luang is a prominent and iconic landmark. Recognized as a national symbol of Laos, it is a must-see for anyone visiting the country.
This large, multi-tiered stupa represents Buddhism and is the main venue for many monk activities.
Today, Pha That Luang is a major tourist attraction and the site of many important festivals for the Lao people.
Pha That Luang is a prominent and iconic landmark (Cre: Toquoc.vn)
Wat Phou is the oldest temple in Laos, once the center of Hinduism, worshiping the god Shiva. In 2001, Wat Phou was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage.
Wat Phou is a relic of a Khmer temple complex located in southern Laos, at the foot of the sacred mountain called Phou Kao (Elephant Mountain), 6 kilometers from the Mekong River.
Although it has been ravaged by time and war, Wat Phou is still considered one of the places that preserve the cultural and historical values of Laos.
Wat Phou is the oldest temple in Laos (Cre: Redsvn.net)
The Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is famous for its stunning scenery, ethnic villages and traditional coffee farms. The plateau is also home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Southeast Asia, including Tad Fane (Paksong), Tad Tayicseua (Paksong) and Tad Champee (between Pakse and Paksong).
Bolaven is a place where tourists can immerse themselves in nature and experience thrilling activities such as zip lining and rock climbing.
The Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is famous for its stunning scenery (Cre: Remote Lands)
Even if you don’t speak the language, there are still plenty of ways to have a great time traveling to any country these days. Advances in society and technology have made language barriers less of a barrier to the travel experience.
We hope this article provides you with useful information and communication tips for traveling in Laos without knowing Lao. Wishing you a wonderful and memorable trip to Laos!
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