Events & Festivals in Laos

Laos has many festivals, or Boun scattered throughout the year to commemorate various aspects of traditional Lao lifestyle and culture. Most festivals are connected with religion and follow the rice farming seasonal cycle. The timing each festivals is calculated according to the Buddhist lunar calendar which changes every year. Please check the latest information before attending these events.

September

Boat Racing Luang Prabang - 2 Sep TBC

Boun Khao Padabdinh - 2 Sep 2025 TBC

Nationwide

During this festival of Boun Khao Padab Dinh, people make special offerings to all of the deceased along with their ancestors. Buddhist devotees flock to the Vats (temples) carrying strays of offerings for monks and deceased ancestors. Music is traditionally performed in the grounds of the Vat while people make their donations. During Boun Khao Phansapadabdin, each household cooks a number of “khao Tom” to give to relatives and friends and some are reserved for giving alms to the monks.

Boun Khao Salak Ancestor Festival - 7Sep TBC

Held during the 10th full moon of the lunar calendar, this festival is a celebration and a remembrance of the dead. During this festival, the Lao make offerings to the monks at the local Wat on behalf of deceased ancestors. Participant gives "good merits" to the devotees.

Most of the people go to the temple early this day, offering to the monks. Large food trays are brought to the monks, with several "best" dishes that families can cook.
People will bring offerings with a piece of paper talking about ancestors that will be read publicly.

Boat Racing Festival, Khammouane Province

This festival which is held specifically on the Sebangfai River in the Khammouane Province jointly features boat races along with an agricultural and local handicraft trade fair. Traditional Lao music and dance performances are given, and you’ll see that the citizens give offerings to deceased ancestors in order to gain merit.