Lao language
Videos
Lao, sometimes referred to as Laotian, is the official language of Laos and a significant language in the Isan region of northeastern Thailand, where it is usually referred to as the Isan language. Th
Wat Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom. Built in the 16th century over earlier Khmer ruins when Isan was part of Lan Xang, the temple is an important place of pilgrimage, attracting Lao from Laos as well as Isan to its temple festivals.
Temple mural of Wat Photaram in Maha Sarakham Province. Dating to the reign of Siamese Ruler Rama III (1788–1851), the writing is in the Tham Lao script, formerly used as a liturgical script in Lao.
A bilingual Lao-French street sign in Vientiane. Although the influence of French on the Lao language has waned considerably, hundreds of words of French origin are used in Laos.
Lao script on a sign at Wat That Luang, Vientiane.
Literature of Laos
Videos
The people of Laos have a rich literary tradition dating back at least six hundred years, with the oral and storytelling traditions of its peoples dating back much earlier. Lao literature refers to th
Novice monks practicing the art of making palm-leaf folios at Wat Manolom, Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong, an ornate Ho or library is in the background.
A mural of San Sin Xay epic from Wat Chaisi in Isan, Thailand.
Hmong girls at the Plain of Jars, Xieng Khouang Province, Laos