The Untamed Wilderness of Xekong Province

• Helloສະບາຍດີ
  [sa-bai-dee]
• Goodbyeລາພ
  [la-pho]
• Yesດິນ
  [din]
• Noບໍ່
  [bo]
• Please/You're welcomeກະລຸນາ
  [ka-louna]
• Thank youຂອບໃຈ
  [kop jai]
• Excuse me/Sorryຂໍໂທດີ
  [kho-tho-dee]
• How are you?ເດືອນລ້ຽງລາວໜ
  [deuan leng lao na]
• Fine. And you?ປາກເດືອນ. ແລະເຈົ້າເດືອນ?
  [pak deuan. lae jaou deuan]
• Do you speak English?ເຈົ້າໃສ່ເພື່ອນອັງກິດແລ້ວບໍ?
  [jaou sai phuen angkit laew bo?]
• I don't understandຂ້ອຍເປັນການເຂົ້າ
  [koi bpen kan kao]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseຂ້ອຍຮ້ານເຫດຜິດຕໍ່ແລະເຈົ້າ
  [koi han de pit the lao]
• I don't eat meatຂ້ອຍບໍ່ກິບຊີ້
  [koi bo gip see]
• Cheers!ຂີ້ຄິດ
  [ki dit]
• I would like to pay, pleaseຂ້ອຍຈ້າງເກິກກີບແລະເຈົ້າ
  [koi jang kek kiap lao]

• Help!ຊ້ວທະນະ!
  [su-than-na]
• Go away!ໄດ້ສະບາຍ!
  [dai sa-bai]
• Call the Police!ໂທ້ຊົມພະພານ!
  [tho som pha-phan]
• Call a doctor!ໂທ້ທ່ານປັກກອງ!
  [tho than pak-kong]
• I'm lostຂ້ອຍສົນທັງ
  [koi son thang]
• I'm illຂ້ອຍເຈືອງ
  [koi jong]

• I'd like to buy...ຂ້ອຍກິບຂຽນ...
  [koi gip kian...]
• I'm just lookingຂ້ອຍເບິ່ງດວາງ
  [koi beng duang]
• How much is it?ດີໃຈເຈົ້າ?
  [din jai lao?]
• That's too expensiveບໍ່ໃຫ້ຄົນມາ
  [bo hai khon ma]
• Can you lower the price?ເຈົ້າສາມາດຫຼາຍລາຄາໄດ້ບໍ?
  [jaou samat lai la ka dai bo?]

• What time is it?ເວລາໜຶ່ງກ່ວາ?
  [welao neung kua?]
• It's one o'clockເວລາໜຶ່ງຊົມ
  [welao neung som]
• Half past (10)ມື້ຫຼາຍ (10)
  [me lai sip]
• Morningເຊົ້າ
  [sao]
• Afternoonແລ້ວ
  [lao]
• Eveningກາງກັນ
  [kang kan]
• Yesterdayມືດມື່ນ
  [me de man]
• Todayມືດມື່ນ
  [me de man]
• Tomorrowມືດອື່ນ
  [me eun]
• 1ໜຶ່ງ
  [neung]
• 2ສອງ
  [song]
• 3ສາມ
  [sam]
• 4ຫ້າ
  [si]
• 5ຫ້າຫຸດ
  [si hoot]
• 6ເຈັດ
  [jet]
• 7ເຈັດົ້າ
  [jet nao]
• 8ເຈັດຫົນ
  [jet non]
• 9ເກົ້າ
  [kao]
• 10ສິບ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?ຢູ່ບ່ອນ...
  [yu bon...]
• What's the address?ຢູ່ບ່ອນໝູ
  [yu bon mu]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ເຈົ້າສາມາດສະແດງຂ້ອຍໃນອອກ?
  [jaou samat san daeng koi nai oak?]
• When's the next (bus)?ມື້ອ້ອຍຫຼາຍໜ້າ?
  [me oi lai nao?]
• A ticket (to ....)ເງີນໃຫ້ປື້ມ (ຫຼາຍ ....)
  [ngern hai pum (lai ....)]

Xekong Province, situated in the southeastern part of Laos, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The region was inhabited by various indigenous ethnic groups, such as the Alak, Katu, and Nge. These communities have maintained their unique cultural identities and traditions through centuries, contributing to the diverse cultural tapestry of the province.

During the 14th century, Xekong Province became part of the Lan Xang Kingdom, one of the largest and most powerful empires in Southeast Asia. The kingdom's influence brought Buddhism and a unified system of governance to the region. Temples, stupas, and other Buddhist monuments from this era can still be found scattered throughout the province, reflecting the historical significance of Lan Xang’s rule.

In the late 19th century, Laos, including Xekong Province, came under French colonial rule. The French administration introduced new infrastructure, including roads and bridges, which facilitated easier access to the remote regions of Xekong. The colonial period also saw the introduction of new agricultural practices and the cultivation of crops like coffee and rubber, which continue to be important to the local economy.

Xekong Province played a significant role during the Vietnam War, as it was a key area along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The trail was a critical supply route for North Vietnamese forces, and as a result, Xekong experienced heavy bombing and military activity. The remnants of this period, including bomb craters and war relics, can still be observed in the province, serving as a poignant reminder of its turbulent history.

Following the end of the Vietnam War and the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, Xekong Province began a slow process of reconstruction and development. Efforts were made to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) and rebuild infrastructure. Today, Xekong is recognized for its natural beauty, with efforts focused on sustainable tourism and preserving its rich cultural heritage. The province's history is celebrated through various cultural festivals and local traditions that continue to thrive.

Xekong Province is home to a mosaic of ethnic groups, each with their own distinct languages, customs, and traditions. The Alak, Katu, Nge, and other ethnic communities practice ancient rituals, music, dance, and craft-making that have been passed down through generations. Visitors can experience traditional ceremonies, such as the Alak's annual buffalo sacrifice festival, which is a vital part of the local spiritual and cultural life.

Xekong Province is located in the southeastern part of Laos. The nearest international airport is Pakse International Airport (PKZ) in Champasak Province, approximately 200 kilometers away. From Pakse, you can take a bus or hire a private taxi to reach Xekong. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to Attapeu Airport, which is closer to Xekong, and then continue by road.

Within Xekong Province, transportation options include buses, tuk-tuks, and motorbike rentals. Buses and minibuses connect major towns and villages, while tuk-tuks are a convenient option for short distances. Renting a motorbike provides flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. Note that road conditions can be challenging, especially during the rainy season.

The official currency in Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs are available in larger towns within Xekong, but it is recommended to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to remote areas.

Xekong Province is generally safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always a good practice. Be cautious of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in remote areas and stick to well-trodden paths.

In case of emergency, dial 1191 for police assistance and 1623 for medical emergencies. Xekong has local police stations and medical facilities, although services may be limited in rural areas. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in larger towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and avoid pointing your feet at religious objects. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Sabaidee' and a slight bow. Avoid touching someone's head as it is considered impolite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Xekong Province like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Lao goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Tad Faek and Tad Se Noi waterfalls for a refreshing experience. For a unique adventure, take a boat ride along the Sekong River, offering scenic views and a chance to observe local wildlife.