In this post, I’ll share with you my handy list of Lao actresses I would want to know more about. Some of them, I’ve seen on social media, and some made their marks due to their remarkable performances in the films they’ve worked on. Through watching them, I realized that we can learn a new language faster if we spend time listening to how they speak and use the Lao language. So if you’re like me and you’re also planning a trip to Laos, this post is perfect for you!
Who Is The Most Famous Actress From Laos?
As we all know, popularity is subjective, and it’s tricky to categorize the top actress in the Laos film industry, which is still on the rise. We can’t expect Hollywood levels of recognition, but they’re getting there. However, when you ask the locals who are their favorite actor or actress, most would choose the two lead stars in one of the most exceptionally made Lao films directed by Mattie Do, “Dearest Sister” (Nong Hak).
These actresses are:
Amphaiphun Phommapunya (ອຳໄພພູມພົນມະພູມັນຍາ)
This Lao actress, born in Vientiane, also known as Poy, starred in the directorial debut of Do, “Chanthaly.” Her versatility in acting is lauded by many. Poy easily transitions between different characters and genres. Her acting background includes drama, comedy, and romantic dramas. She has a long list of film and T.V. appearances to her name, but what brought her to stardom were the roles she effortlessly delivered in films like “The Red Scarf” and “Sabaidee Luang Prabang.”
Poy has won several awards for her outstanding acting performances. She’s among Laos-born popular figures, an actress whom many consider a role model, especially those who aspire to break into the local entertainment scene.
Vilouna Phetmany (ວິລຸນາ ເພັດມະນີ)
She also goes by the name of Tot Lina, another proud alumna of the film “Dearest Sister” and another movie directed by Mattie Do, “The Long Walk.” Her career started after high school when she entered the world of modeling. However, the road to success didn’t come easy, especially for a brown-skinned personality.
Despite the hurdles, Tot Lina showed what she could offer regardless of skin color. Her persistence paved the way for more commercial appearances and modeling gigs, and she even became a pop star. She made a mark by playing the role of Ana in “Dearest Sister,” the first film Laos submitted in the 90th Academy Awards for consideration in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
Other Popular Lao Actresses And Personalities
Similar to many parts of the globe, social media sites like Facebook and Instagram have also turned some Laotian people into household names. They come from varying industries, including T.V. and film, modeling, music, etc.
Here are some of the most popular Lao influencers:
Alexandra Bounxouei (ອັກຄະນິດລັງຊູອຸ້ຍ)
She’s a half-Lao, half-Bulgarian actress, singer, and model, and more popularly known as Xandra. Aside from having more than 300K followers on Instagram, she’s an accomplished singer who has gone international. She has also appeared in Thai films and represented Lao in different events abroad.
May Savan (ໄມ້ ສະວັນ)
Who is May Savan? She’s an Instagram sensation from Lao who amassed followers because of her photos of her luxurious trips and lifestyle.
Chi Chi (ຈີ ຈີ)
She’s among the first names to pop up when it comes to Lao personalities who became famous on Instagram. People adore her for sharing a glimpse of her rich lifestyle.
Louknum Thidalath (ລູກນຳ ທິດະລາດ)
Aside from acting, Louknum also excelled in modeling and even became the face of Samsung. Moreover, she has graced her presence in many T.V. shows in Thailand. She’s a remarkable talent who has gone a long way since she was crowned Miss Laos at a young age.
Commonly Used Lao Phrases In Movies
It is highly recommended to watch Lao films if you want to familiarize yourself with the frequently used words and phrases in the movies, including the following:
1. “Where will you go?”
Lao Translation: Thi Chao Chaeng Ma Diay (ທີ່ເຈົ້າຈະເມື່ອຍ)
2. “Thank you.”
Lao Translation: Khob Chai (ຂໍຂອບໃຈ)
3. “You have a beautiful smile.”
Lao Translation: Thi Ni Chao Kao Lan Ni Sama Ban (ທີ່ນີ້ເຈົ້າກໍລະນີສາມບານ)
4. “You are adorable.”
Lao Translation: Kao Pha Chao Chaeng Kao Kuam Sai (ຂ້າພະເຈົ້າຈະຄວາມໃຈ)
5. “I love you.”
Lao Translation: Mon Ka Ma Saam (ມອນຄ່າມສາມ)
6. “You are beautiful.”
Lao Translation: Kao Dai Som Bun (ຂ້າພະເຈົ້າໄດ້ສົມບູນ)
7. “You will be mine.”
Lao Translation: Kao Pha Chao Chaeng Kao Chaeng Phet Mai (ຂ້າພະເຈົ້າຈະເພື່ອເມື່ອ)
8. “I don’t need it.”
Lao Translation: Baw Tong Kaan (ບໍ່ຕ້ອງການ)
9. “Receive blessings.”
Lao Translation: Hap Pa Tha Na (ຮັບປະທານ)
10. “Love is something that is difficult to explain.”
Lao Translation: Mon Ka Ma Nga Mai Sing Thi Kot O Tai (ມອນຄ່າມແມ່ນສິ່ງທີ່ຄົດອະທິ)
Common Lao Words Related To Movies
Here are some Lao words and phrases related to film and media that can also help you in learning the language:
| English | Lao Script | Lao Translation |
| Actor/Actress | ທຸກພະບາດ | Thuk Pha Bat |
| Scene | ສິດຂອງ | Sit Khong |
| Film | ເກືອບ | Kaub |
| Director | ປື້ມສະຖານີ | Phem Sa Thanee |
| Script | ເອກະສານ | Ek Sa Naan |
| Special Effects | ເກີດຂອງການເບິ່ງ | Ked Khong Kaan Bek |
| Plot | ພິການ | Pikaan |
| Rehearsal | ການສົບຕໍ່ອັນ | Kaan Soht On |
| Camera | ຄາມຢຸດ | Kham Yut |
| Screenplay | ຄອມພິວສານ | Khom Pikaan |
Master The Lao Language With Ling
Enjoy the works of your favorite Lao actresses by using Ling, a language learning application you can download on the Play Store or App Store for FREE. With this app on hand, you can immerse yourself in the cinematic experience without finding it difficult to translate the dialogue. Through frequent use of the app, it’s not impossible that you’d one day be able to watch Lao films without turning the English subtitles on. Give it a try now!
