Master basic Vietnamese, Lao & Thai phrases before your trip! Discover survival language tips, cultural etiquette, and how Legend Travel Group’s expert local guides make communication effortless on your Vietnam Tours, Laos Tours, and Thailand Tours.
A simple ‘ngon’ lights up every face on your Vietnam Travel (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience guiding more than 100,000 international travelers across Southeast Asia. This guide is crafted from real guest conversations and Legend Travel Group’s on-the-ground expertise.
Say ‘aroy!’ and watch the smile grow on your Thailand Travel (Source: Internet)Southeast Asia’s charm lies in its people — and nothing opens doors faster than a warm “xin chào”, “sabaidee”, or “sawasdee kráp/kâ”.
Even if your itinerary is fully guided, knowing a handful of polite phrases shows respect, helps in markets, and turns strangers into friends. Legend Travel Group’s English-speaking local guides handle everything, but these simple tips will give you extra confidence and unforgettable interactions on your Vietnam Travel, Laos Travel, and Thailand Travel adventures.
|
English |
Vietnamese |
Pronunciation |
When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hello |
Xin chào |
sin jów |
Anytime, very polite |
|
Thank you |
Cảm ơn |
gám uhn |
After any help |
|
Thank you very much |
Cảm ơn nhiều |
gám uhn nyìu |
Extra gratitude |
|
Yes (by a female) |
Dạ / Vâng |
yah / vung |
Polite agreement |
|
Yes (by a male) |
Dạ |
yah |
Polite agreement |
|
No |
Không |
khôm |
Soft tone to stay polite |
|
Delicious |
Ngon |
ngawn |
At any meal – locals love this! |
|
How much? |
Bao nhiêu? |
bow nyìu |
Markets & street food |
|
Can you make it cheaper? |
Bớt chút được không? |
búht chút du-oc khôm |
Friendly bargaining |
|
Cheers! |
Một… hai… ba… YO! |
moht… high… bah… yo! |
With beer or rice wine |
|
Beautiful |
Đẹp |
dep |
Temples, scenery, people |
Pro Tip: Smile + “Cảm ơn” works 99% of the time in Vietnam.
|
English |
Lao |
Pronunciation |
When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hello / Goodbye |
Sabaidee |
sa-bai-dee |
All day, super versatile |
|
Thank you |
Khob chai |
khob jai |
After any kindness |
|
Thank you very much |
Khob chai lai lai |
khob jai lai lai |
Extra appreciation |
|
Yes |
Doi / Baw |
doy / baw |
Doi = yes, Baw = no |
|
No |
Baw pen nyang |
baw pen nyang |
“No problem” – very common |
|
Delicious |
Sab |
saap |
Food stalls & restaurants |
|
How much? |
Tao dai? |
tao dai |
Markets |
|
Cheers! |
Sok dee der! |
sok dee der |
With Beerlao |
Pro Tip: “Baw pen nyang” (no problem) is the Lao national motto — use it often!
|
English |
Thai (Male speaker) |
Thai (Female speaker) |
Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hello / Goodbye |
Sawasdee kráp |
Sawasdee kâ |
sa-wat-dee kráp / kâ |
|
Thank you |
Khob khun kráp |
Khob khun kâ |
kop-koon kráp / kâ |
|
Thank you very much |
Khob khun mâk kráp |
Khob khun mâk kâ |
kop-koon mâk |
|
Yes |
Kráp / Châi kráp |
Kâ / Châi kâ |
kráp / kâ |
|
No |
Mâi châi kráp |
Mâi châi kâ |
my-châi |
|
Delicious |
Aroy |
Aroy |
a-roi |
|
How much? |
Tao rai kráp |
Tao rai kâ |
tao-rai |
|
Can you lower price? |
Lot noi dâi mâi kráp |
Lot noi dâi mâi kâ |
lot noi dâi mâi |
|
Cheers! |
Chon gaew! |
Chon gaew! |
chon gâew |
Pro Tip: Ending every sentence with “kráp” (male) or “kâ” (female) + a big smile = instant Thai friendship.
Local guides make every phrase meaningful (Source: Internet)Always start with the greeting — “xin chào / sabaidee / sawasdee” + smile opens every heart.
Use both hands when giving or receiving anything (money, food, business cards).
Never touch someone’s head (even children) — it’s the most sacred part of the body.
Remove shoes before entering temples and many guesthouses.
Pointing with your feet or showing soles is rude — keep feet on the ground.
Speak softly and slowly — loud voices are associated with anger.
Every Legend Travel Group journey includes:
Private English-speaking local guides who translate, bargain, and explain cultural nuances in real time.
Small groups (max 12) for personal attention.
24/7 WhatsApp support in English.
Only 10% deposit required — final payment just 30 days before departure. Travel with complete peace of mind.
Whether you’re exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a Vietnam Tour, cruising the Mekong in Laos on a Laos Tour, or island-hopping in Thailand on a Thailand Tour, our guides turn language barriers into cultural connections.
Sawasdee kráp/kâ opens every door (Source: Internet)Vietnam: “Cho tôi một tô phở bò” → “One beef phở please”
Laos: “Một Beerlao lạnh” → “One cold Beerlao”
Thailand: “Aroy mâk!” → “Very delicious!” (makes vendors beam)
Vientiane Laos - Baw pen nyang = no worries in Laos (Source: Internet)Book your fully guided, small-group adventure with Legend Travel Group today — only 10% deposit and total peace of mind guaranteed.
Visit → https://www.legendtravelgroup.com
WhatsApp → +84 825 862 222
By Legend Travel Group – Crafting Unforgettable Southeast Asian Journeys Since 2004.
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