Lao Folktales

Traditional stories, myths, and moral tales from Lao, reflecting its unique cultural spirit and folklore heritage.

the clever monk Xieng Mieng holding up a funny painting to make a proud king laugh, symbolizing wisdom through humor in Lao folklore

The Tale of Xieng Mieng – The Clever Monk Who Made a King Laugh

by Elizabeth Fabowale

October 17, 2025

Asian Folktales·Lao Folktales·Southeast Asian Folktales

Long ago, in the lush valleys and misty mountains of Laos, there lived a young monk named Xieng Mieng. He was neither noble nor powerful, but his mind was as sharp as a blade and as light as a breeze. He was known throughout the land for his quick wit, playful humor, and gentle heart. Though humble in appearance, Xieng

Naga Princess emerging from the glowing Mekong River beneath a full moon, as the Human Prince watches surrounded by rising Naga Fireballs, symbolizing love and broken harmony.

Asian Folktales·Lao Folktales·Southeast Asian Folktales

The Naga Princess and the Human Prince

Long ago, when the waters of the Mekong River shimmered like silver under the sun, a noble prince named Chanthara ruled a peaceful kingdom by its banks. The prince was wise and kind, beloved by his people for his fairness and humility. Each morning, he went down to the river’s

a Lao folktale showing a wasp stinging a greedy man under a mango tree while a humble farmer and a wise elder look on, representing moral justice guided by nature.

The Mango Tree and the Wasp

In the heart of a quiet Lao village, where the air smelled

the Rice Goddess Mae Posop blessing golden rice fields as villagers give thanks, symbolizing the Lao folktale about gratitude and respect for nature.

The Golden Rice Ear

Long ago, when the earth was young and the Mekong River still

Sepia-toned parchment-style illustration depicting the Lao folktale hero Sinxay battling a colossal serpent in an enchanted forest. Sinxay, wearing an ornate headdress and traditional patterned garments, crouches in a combat stance, thrusting a long spear into the serpent’s open mouth. The serpent towers over him with bulging eyes, sharp teeth, and coiled body covered in gleaming scales. Ancient trees with gnarled trunks and dense foliage frame the scene, while mist curls around the forest floor. “OldFolktales.com” is inscribed at the bottom right corner.

Sang Sinxay: The Divine Hero of Lao

December 2, 2025

Lao Folktales·Southeast Asian Folktales

In the ancient kingdom of Laos, when the world was still young and the boundaries between the mortal realm and the spirit world were thin as morning mist, there lived a prince whose destiny was written in the stars before his first breath. His name was Sinxay, and his story

Lao Folktales

The Tale of Xieng Mieng – The Clever Monk Who Made a King Laugh

The Naga Princess and the Human Prince

The Mango Tree and the Wasp

The Golden Rice Ear

Sang Sinxay: The Divine Hero of Lao

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