Laos is considered the land of festivals and celebrations. In other words, the country is famous for unique and original festivals, showing its culture and religions strongly. In a year, there are totally 15 Public Holidays in Laos. Here we recommend the 5 biggest festivals that is worth participating in. Myanmar travek packages

That Luang Festivals

That Luang is one of the biggest festivals in Vientiane, attracting thousands of Lao people from all the country to the main temple. The religious festival lasts three days in November during the full moon. It begins at Wat Si Meuang with a wax castle procession to worship the foundation pillar of the city and show homage to the protectors of Vientiane. The procession is very colorful and then ends with fireworks, symbolizing an offer of flowers of lights to Buddha.

That Luang Festival in Laos- source: internet

Naga Fireball Phenomenon

Also around the full moon in October, tens of thousands go to the misty expanse where the mighty Mekong River marks the border between Laos and Thailand. They are there to see the mysterious Naga Fireball, the phenomenon that can be observed for 100 years. During this event, there are balls of light shooting up from the river and rising high up into the night sky. Some years, people can even witness hundreds of these balls in a night, which creates a spectacular scene.

Naga Fireballs- source: internet

Rocket Festival

Rocket Festival, or Boun Bang Fai, is a call for rain and also a celebration of fertility. It marks the 6^th month in lunar calendar. In the afternoon, people gather to launch their self-made rockets in the fields of villages and towns. Different villages compete for the highest travelling and the best decorated rocket. Throughout the celebrations, a variety of traditional food is prepared to serve the guests by the host. In Vientiane capital, the festival takes place in the outskirts of the city to avoid damaging property. Indochina travel Myanmar

Lao Rocket festival- source: internet

Lao New Year

The Lao New Year, or Boun Pi Mai, is one of the most important occasions in Laos that it has become synonymous with holiday. This is a chance to celebrate Lao identity, reinforce family bonds as well as reflect the year ahead. Lasting from 14^th to 16^th April, the celebration is associated with colorful parades and Laotian people’s visits to the temples to give offerings. Compared to Thai New Year, the two festivals have throwing water festival.

Throwing water in Lao New Year- source: internet

Boun Khao Padabdin

This is an important religious festival held in Luang Prabang. On the 14^th of the ninth month, the Buddhist will make a donation to the death. That is, the monks will deliver the food symbolically to them. The festival is not only for Laotian but also a major attraction for visitors who want to understand Lao culture and participate in the famous dragon boat races on Nam Khan river.

Boat racing- source: internet

These festivals and events are worth your visit to Laos. However, make sure that you have a good understanding of cultural norms such as appropriate clothes and footwear so that you can show respect to the monks and be appreciated by Laotian. Wish you have a nice trip.

See more:

• Classic Adventure Vietnam and Laos (16 Days, 15 Nights)
• Laos Overland (7 Days, 6 Nights)
• Southern Laos Adventure (7 Days, 6 Nights)

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