Festivals & events
Festivals and events that shape a trip — celebrations, closures, peak prices and when to book ahead.
Pi Mai (Lao New Year)
Book aheadWater-splashing new year, biggest in Luang Prabang (mid-April). Book transport and lodging well ahead.
Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
CelebrationHome-made rockets fired to summon the rains, with music and dancing. Usually May.
Boun Ok Phansa & Boat Racing
CelebrationEnd of Buddhist Lent: candlelit offerings float down the Mekong and boat races follow. Lunar date, usually October.
Full moon of the 11th Lao lunar month, the end of Buddhist Lent (in October); the boat races are the next day.
Next date: 15–16 Oct 2027
(approx., may be a day off)
That Luang Festival
CelebrationVientiane's largest religious festival around the golden stupa. Lunar dates, usually November.
A week of celebrations culminating on the full moon of the 12th Lao lunar month, in November.
Next date: 18–24 Nov 2026
(approx., may be a day off)
