Master essential Khmer, Lao & Thai phrases for Cambodia, Laos and Thailand with our practical guide! Perfect survival language tips plus exclusive Cambodia Tours, Laos Tours and Thailand Tours with only 10% deposit – book now with Legend Travel Group!
One ‘or kun’ and you’ve got a friend for life in Cambodia (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience guiding more than 100,000 international travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide is crafted from real conversations on our Cambodia Travel, Laos Travel and Thailand Travel journeys, combined with guest feedback collected by Legend Travel Group since 2008.
Aroy mak!’ – the two words that make Thai aunties beam (Source: Internet)Speaking just a few local words instantly transforms your journey. Locals light up with smiles, tuk-tuk drivers become friends, market prices drop, and hidden doors open. Whether you’re exploring Angkor Wat with our Cambodia Tours, cruising the Mekong on Laos Tours, or island-hopping on Thailand Tours, these simple phrases keep your adventure smooth, respectful, and unforgettable.
At Legend Travel Group, we’ve seen travellers who say “arkun” in Cambodia, “sabaidee” in Laos, or “khob khun ka” in Thailand receive warmer welcomes, better photos with monks, and even spontaneous invitations to local homes. Best of all? You only need 10% deposit to secure your tour – pay the rest up to 30 days before departure and travel with complete peace of mind.
|
English |
Khmer |
Pronunciation |
When You’ll Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hello |
Sua s’dei |
soo-a s’dey |
Greeting anyone, anytime |
|
Thank you |
Or kun |
aw koon |
After every purchase or help |
|
Thank you (female) |
Or kun chhran |
aw koon chran |
Ladies – extra polite! |
|
Yes (male / female) |
Baat / Cha |
baht / ja |
Essential daily answers |
|
No |
Te |
tay |
Politely decline offers |
|
Delicious |
Chhnganh |
ch-ngean |
Street food vendors love this! |
|
How much? |
Tlai ponman? |
t’lay pon-man |
Markets & tuk-tuks |
|
Can you make it cheaper? |
Som jol toi? |
som jol toy |
Bargaining with a smile |
|
Beautiful |
Sa’at |
sa-at |
Temples, sunsets, people |
|
Cheers! |
Chul muoy! |
chul moo-oy |
Beers at Pub Street |
Pro Tip from our Cambodia Tours guides: End every “or kun” with a big smile and slight bow – Cambodians will instantly become your best friend.
Master the wai, master Thailand (Source: Internet)|
English |
Lao |
Pronunciation |
When You’ll Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hello / Goodbye |
Sabaidee |
sa-bai-dee |
Works for both – super useful! |
|
Thank you |
Khob chai |
kop jai |
After every coffee or boat ride |
|
Thank you very much |
Khob chai lai lai |
kop jai lai lai |
Extra gratitude (they love it) |
|
Yes / No |
Doi / Bor |
doy / baw |
Quick answers |
|
Delicious |
Saep lai |
sep lai |
Morning pho or sticky rice |
|
How much? |
Thao dai? |
tao dai |
Night markets & slow boats |
|
A little cheaper? |
Lot noi dai bor? |
lot noy dai baw |
Gentle bargaining |
|
Beautiful |
Ngeum |
nguhm |
Waterfalls & Kuang Si especially |
|
Cheers! |
Sok dee |
sok dee |
Beerlao toasts |
Pro Tip from our Laos Tours guides: Stretch the “Sabaidee” with a long, warm tone – it’s the fastest way to make Lao friends.
|
English |
Thai (Female / Male) |
Pronunciation |
When You’ll Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hello / Thank you |
Sawasdee ka / krub |
sa-wat-dee ka / krap |
Greeting & thanking |
|
Thank you very much |
Khob khun mak ka/krub |
kop koon mak |
Extra appreciation |
|
Yes / No |
Ka / Mai chai |
ka / my chai |
Polite responses |
|
Delicious |
Aroy mak |
aroy mak |
Street food heaven |
|
How much? |
Tao rai? |
tao rai |
Markets & songthaew |
|
Can you lower price? |
Lot noi dai mai ka? |
lot noy dai my |
Chatuchak or night bazaars |
|
Beautiful |
Suay mak |
soo-ay mak |
Temples & beaches |
|
Cheers! |
Chok dee |
chok dee |
Every sunset toast |
|
No spicy |
Mai phet |
my pet |
Save your taste buds! |
Pro Tip from our Thailand Tours guides: Add “ka” (female) or “krap” (male) to the end of every sentence – it’s the magic politeness particle.
Sabaidee + khob chai = perfect Lao evening (Source: Internet)→ Smile + “Thank you” in local language = instant friendship everywhere!
Always start with a smile and the local greeting – it’s more important than perfect pronunciation.
Use both hands when giving or receiving anything (money, business cards, food).
Never touch someone’s head (even children) – it’s the most sacred part of the body.
Remove shoes before entering temples and most guesthouses.
Point with your whole hand, not one finger.
Accept offers of food or tea – it’s a sign of respect.
Quiet ‘sabaidee’ and a gentle wai – pure respect (Source: Internet)Only 10% deposit required – pay balance up to 30 days before departure
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