Looking to deepen your understanding of Lao songs? We’ve got you covered! Whether it’s classics from back in the day or more popular modern hits, we’ve considered them all and have compiled a list of Lao songs you should definitely know.
Music plays a huge part in any culture, and Lao culture is no different. This includes a brief introduction to the role of music in Lao culture and how it can help you learn Lao!
Table Of Contents
Introduction To Lao Songs And Music
Lao Traditional Music And Culture
The traditional music of Laos plays an important role in Lao culture. It’s more than just entertainment! Music serves as a key element in social functions, celebrations, and religious ceremonies, making music a central pillar that connects all the people of Laos to their traditional roots. Most traditional music in Laos is performed with the bamboo organ called the khaen (ແຄນ), whose sound is prominent in the Lao tradition of mor lam (ໝໍລຳ).
A key feature of festivals in Laos, such as the Lao New Year, or boun pi mai (ບຸນປີໃໝ່), is that music provides the backdrop for a traditional Lao dance called fon (ຟັອນ). Combine that with the incredible cuisine Laos offers, and you’re in for a fantastic experience!
Music And Learning Lao
One of the most effective ways to learn a new language, as outlined in this journal article, is to learn through music. By actively listening to Lao music, you can gain a deeper understanding of Laotian values, culture, and life.
Not only that, but you’ll also practice your listening skills and learn new words, expressions, and conversational language you wouldn’t learn from a textbook!
5 Classic Lao Songs
Here are five of the most iconic songs that you’ll definitely hear being played at a variety of celebrations across Laos. Knowing these five songs is sure to impress your Lao friends—you might even be considered Lao if you memorize the words!
1. Lam Salavan (ລຳສາລະວັນ) – Latsamy Phoudindong
With its name literally meaning ‘Dance of Salavan,’ Latsamy Phoudindong’s unique vocal flair adds to the infectious energy of the song, making it impossible for the audience to resist running to the dance floor. The song perfectly captures the essence of Lao joy and festivity, making it a timeless hit at any gathering.
2. Lam Tung Wai (ລຳຕັງຫວາຍ) – Phon Una
Lam Tung Wai contains an important part of Lao traditional music: the call-and-response. Don’t be surprised when the crowd erupts in a cheer, saying ‘Heeeeoo!’ Expect this to be played at least twice during big celebrations such as Lao New Year.
3. Kyo Sao Kham Ngum (ກ້ຽວສາວແຄມງື່ມ) – Athit Kitsiri & Phouvieng Vatthalysack
Performed as a duet by Laos’ greatest power couple, Athit Kitsiri and Phouvieng Vatthalysack, this is arguably one of the best displays of traditional Lao storytelling put into song. Filled with romantic themes, the song describes a courtship between a man from the capital city of Vientiane and a woman who lives in the countryside next to the Nam Ngum River. If you need a taste of how romantic the song truly is, here’s a translated excerpt: ‘Like the way the Nam Ngum cannot be without its riverbank, my love for you is as such.’ The vivid imagery and use of traditional music and instruments make it one of the most popular songs in Laos to date.
4. Yen Sabai Sao Na (ເຢັນສະບາຍຊາວນາ) – Anousone Phayasit
This song is the embodiment of Laos’ spirit of relaxation. The lyrics beckon the community to come together to help the farmers in the fields, sit under the shade of trees to enjoy a hearty meal, and then go back home once the sun goes down. The appeal and popularity of the song come from reminiscing on the roots and history of the Lao people, instilling the collective spirit to come together in times of need and have a good time.
5. Siengkhaen Taenjai (ສຽງແຄນແທນໃຈ) – Moukdavanh Santiphone
Meaning ‘the khaen’s sound substituting for the heart’, this song is for the heartbroken. With the characteristically Lao sounds of the khaen in the background, Moukdavanh Santiphone describes a scene where a Northern Lao girl laments about a khaen-playing boy who has moved to the south, leaving her crying and lovesick. Though more modern than other songs, it is a beautiful rendition of a timeless story that blends traditional Lao music and storytelling.
Modern Lao Music
With the rise of the internet and music streaming services, music from other countries and genres has played a very important role in shaping the ears of Lao listeners. Most notably, Thai pop and rock songs have been a presence in Lao music venues and playlists since the 1980s, cementing themselves as an integral part of Lao popular culture.
In recent decades, the younger generation of Laotians has produced a surge of ‘non-traditional’ music. Influences from Thai and international music genres, combined with unique Lao storytelling, create a vibrant fusion of modern sounds and traditional Lao sensibilities.
Below is a curated selection of songs that best represent the modern Lao music scene. These include Thai-inspired pop hits, rock, indie, and even Lao-reggae fusion!
Regrets (ຜິດຫວັງ) – Gomen
One of the biggest home-grown hits of the new generation of Lao musicians, Gomen’s 2019 hit has amassed over 6.4 million reproductions on YouTube alone. Adored by both Lao and Thai listeners for his Thai-pop-inspired style with hard-hitting Lao lyrics, he shows a more subdued and emotional side of modern Lao music.
She Makes Me Wanna Die – Jindie
Jindie’s alternative-rock hidden gem perfectly represents the modern Lao youth’s sensibilities. With its all-English lyrics, melancholic instrumental, and painful exploration of love, obsession, and emotional turmoil, the song reflects the growing international influence shaping the Lao music scene.
Wonderland – Kyozawei
A Lao-reggae band based in Vientiane, Laos, Kyozawei’s Wonderland fuses the traditional Lao sounds of the khaen with a reggae beat, creating a sound that’s solely unique to the band. The creativity of the instrumentals, together with a message of finding solace in music, make for a memorable listen.
How Do You Say ‘Song’ In Lao?
The word for ‘song’ in Lao is ‘pheng’ (ເພງ).
Vocabulary Related To Lao Songs
Whether you’re listening to old records or modern pop hits, it’s always useful to understand musical terminology to communicate and appreciate the songs you’re listening to. Use the vocab table below when discussing music with your Lao friends and see where your conversation leads.
| English | Lao | Roman Transcription |
|---|---|---|
| Song | ເພງ | Pheng |
| Music | ດົນຕີ | Don tee |
| Lao classical music | ເພງລາວເດີມ | Pheng lao derm |
| Lao folk music | ໝໍລຳ | Mor lam |
| Dance | ເຕັ້ນ | Then |
| Dancer | ນັກເຕັ້ນ | Nuk Then |
| Traditional Lao dance | ຟັອນ | Fon |
| Traditional Lao dancer | ນັກຟັອນ | Nuk fon |
| Sing | ຮ້ອງ | Hong |
| Singer | ນັກຮ້ອງ | Nuk hong |
| I like this song | ຂ້ອຍມັກເພງນີ້ | Khoi mak pheng ni lai |
| I don’t like this song | ຂ້ອຍບໍ່ມັກເພງນີ້ | Khoi bor mak pheng ni |
| I like the singer of this song | ຂ້ອຍມັກນັກຮ້ອງເພງນີ້ | Khoi mak nuk hong pheng ni |
| Let’s dance | ມາເຕັ້ນນຳກັນ | Ma then num kun |
| Let’s sing | ມາຮ້ອງເພງນຳກັນ | Ma hong pheng num kun |
Frequently Asked Questions About Lao Songs
1. What Is Lao Music Called?
The word for music in Lao is don tee (ດົນຕີ). Lao classical music is called pheng lao derm (ເພງລາວເດີມ), and Lao folk music is called mor lam (ໝໍລຳ). Both of these are a part of Lao traditional music.
2. What Is The Popular Folk Music In Laos?
Mor lam (ໝໍລຳ) is the name of the popular folk music of Laos. A prominent sound in Lao folk music is the khaen (ແຄນ), a bamboo mouth organ.
3. What Is The Music And Dance Of Laos?
Accompanying mor lam (ໝໍລຳ) is the traditional Lao dance of fon (ຟັອນ). This dance is often performed in groups or as a pair.
Take Your Lao Skills To The Next Level!
Now that you know Laos’ iconic classics and modern hits, you can elevate your cultural knowledge even further. Learning Lao by listening to music is one of the best ways to do it. Not only will you learn more vocabulary, but you’ll gain more insight into how to use those words to truly be fluent.
Start by creating a playlist of the traditional and modern songs mentioned and listen actively to the lyrics. Try singing along, practicing pronunciation, and learning the meaning behind each word. Don’t be afraid to ask your family about their favorite songs or the stories behind the music.
Take your learning further by combining music and practicing your Lao with the Ling app. It’s a surefire way to improve your Lao and communicate more effectively with native speakers!
