What Language Is Spoken In Laos?

The official language of Laos is Lao, which is a tonal language of the Tai-Kadai language family. Lao is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in urban areas and among the ethnic Lao majority. 

However, there are also many other languages and dialects spoken by different ethnic groups in Laos, including Hmong, Khmu, and various Mon-Khmer languages. Additionally, due to Laos' proximity to Thailand, many people in Laos also speak Thai, particularly in the southern regions of the country.

Moreover, English is not widely spoken in Laos, particularly outside of urban areas. While some people, particularly those working in the tourism industry, may have a basic understanding of English, most Laotians do not speak it fluently. Nowadays, the Laos government has made efforts to promote the teaching of English in schools and universities in recent years, so there is a growing number of young people who are learning the language. 

In general, it is always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Lao if you are planning to visit Laos, as this will help you to communicate with local people and show your respect for their culture.

If you are a newcomer and plan to travel to Laos in the future, please refer to the best cities to visit in Laos!