Housewarming ceremony in Laos
When a Lao family moves into a new home, the occasion is marked by a housewarming ceremony, known locally as a meaningful and joyful moment rather than a formal event. For Lao people, building and moving into a new house is closely connected to spiritual belief, family unity, and community support. If you are a
Phra That Sikhottabong: A Peaceful and Sacred Stop in Thakhek, Khammouane
THAKHEK, LAOS — Tucked along the Mekong River in Thakhek, Phra That Sikhottabong is a meaningful cultural and spiritual site that many travelers are pleasantly surprised to discover while exploring central Laos. Phra That Sikhottabong is considered one of the most important stupas in Khammouane province. Local people believe it contains sacred relics and has
Chinese New Year 2026 in Laos: Dates, Traditions, and What to Expect
Chinese New Year in 2026 will be celebrated on 29 January 2026, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year. In Laos, this festival is widely observed, especially among Lao–Chinese, Lao–Vietnamese, and families with Chinese heritage who have lived in the country for generations. While it is not an official public holiday nationwide, the celebration
Luang Prabang Music Festival 2026 Set to Go Ahead in February
LUANG PRABANG, LAOS — Music lovers and travelers are invited to mark their calendars as the Luang Prabang Music Festival 2026 has been confirmed and will take place as scheduled on February 6–7 at the Luang Prabang Provincial Football Stadium. With its large-scale production, energetic live performances, and iconic setting, the festival is expected to
Elephant Festival Set to Return to Xayabouly in February
XAYABOULY, LAOS — Xayabouly province is preparing to host its annual Elephant Festival next month, with around 50 elephants expected to take part in the week-long event celebrating Laos’ long-standing relationship with its national animal. The festival will be held in Xayabouly district from February 9 to 16, bringing together elephant handlers, local communities, and
Special Gymnastics Performance to Mark 77th Anniversary of the Lao People’s Army
VIENTIANE — A special gymnastics performance will be staged in Vientiane later this month to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Lao People’s Army, offering residents and visitors a unique cultural and sporting event in the capital. The performance will take place at the National Gymnastics Centre, located in Chanthabouly district. The event is expected
Masked Ghost Festival to Return to Pak Lai in Early 2026
PAK LAI, LAOS — The Phi Ta Khon Festival, also known as the Masked Ghost Festival, is scheduled to take place from January 31 to February 2, 2026, in Paklai district, offering residents and visitors a vivid display of local tradition at the start of the year. The festival, held annually in parts of Xayabouly
Visit the Lao Wildlife Conservation Center – A Meaningful Day Trip from Vientiane
If you are looking for a place near Vientiane where nature, learning, and responsible travel come together, the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife is well worth a visit. Reopening to the public on 19 January 2026, the Lao Wildlife Conservation Center welcomes visitors to its newly built site after relocating from Ban Keun, Thoulakhom District.
20 January – What to Expect as a Visitor in Laos
(Lao People’s Armed Forces Day) 20 January is a national public holiday in Laos. Rather than a festival, it is a solemn and respectful day, focused on remembrance, national unity, and recognition of the Lao People’s Armed Forces. For travelers, the experience is subtle but meaningful, offering insight into how the country honors its institutions
Celebrating and Spending Time with Lao People: Parties, Friends, and Family
Partying with Lao people is usually calm, warm, and deeply social rather than loud or formal. Whether it is a family gathering, a small celebration with friends, or an event linked to religion or life milestones, the focus is on being together, sharing food, and enjoying the moment. You will quickly notice that Lao gatherings