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

Boun Khao Padabdin - 11 September 2026

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 Souang Heua - Boat Racing Festival - Mid-September 2026

In Luang Prabang, this festival is held during the ninth Buddhist lunar month and is an important part of the traditional agricultural cycle. The festival pays tribute to the naga, (mythical snake water deities) with the intention of attracting the naga from the inundated rice fields back into the river. It also commemorates the end of the rainy season and brings luck for an abundant harvest. Boat races take place on the river. By holding boat races, people ritually reclaim the land from the naga, chasing them out from fields and streams and back into the Mekong River.

Boun Khao Salak Ancestor Festival - 26 September 2026

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.