For learning Lao language it is necessary to know alphabets in Lao. You have to know alphabets in Lao to learn writing in Lao language. Lao alphabets are the building blocks of Lao language. There are 53 characters in Lao alphabets. Lao alphabets are made up of Lao vowels and Lao consonants. The Lao alphabets contain 28 vowels and 27 consonants. Lao vs German gives a comparison between Lao and German alphabets.
Lao script is also known as Lao writing system or Lao orthography. The set of visible signs used to represent units of Lao language in a systematic way is called Lao Script. The Lao language uses Thai and Lao Braille i.e. Lao alphabets are derived from Thai and Lao Braille script. The script decides the writing direction of the any language, hence the writing direction of Lao is Left-To-Right, Horizontal. Learn Lao Greetings where you will find some interesting phrases.
Is Lao hard to learn? The answer to this question is that it depends on one's native language. One should start learning Lao language with Lao alphabets and Lao phonology.
Time taken to learn any language that is mentioned here is the approximate time required to learn specific language for the person who is proficient in English. You can also go through all Indian Languages and find if Lao is one of the language of India.