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
Public Holidays in Laos – 2026
Planning your travel, business activities, or long-term stay in Laos for 2026? Below is the official list of public holidays and substitute holidays in Laos for 2026, as announced by the Prime Minister’s Office. These dates are important for visitors, as government offices, banks, and many businesses may be closed during public holidays. Official Public
Vat Sisaket – The Last Original Temple of Old Vientiane
Vat Sisaket is one of the most historically important temples in Vientiane and a must-see landmark for anyone who wants to understand the deeper story of Laos. Located in the heart of the capital, right beside the former royal palace and Hor Phra Keo, the temple was built in 1818 during the reign of King
Lao Art Museum – A New Cultural Landmark in Vientiane
The Lao Art Museum is one of Vientiane’s newest and most creative cultural attractions, bringing together traditional Lao craftsmanship and modern artistic expression under one roof. Located in the capital, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artworks ranging from classic Lao wood carvings to modern 3D illusion paintings that invite visitors to interact, observe
Announcement: Merit-Making Ceremony in Honor of President Kaysone Phomvihane’s 105th Birthday Anniversary
To be held on 12–13 December 2025 at the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, Xaythany District, Vientiane A merit-making ceremony will be held to honor the late President Kaysone Phomvihane on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of his birth. The event will take place on 12–13 December 2025 at the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum (Lak 6), Xaythany
Celebrating 30 Years of Luang Prabang as a UNESCO World Heritage City (1995–2025)
On 9 December 2025, Laos proudly celebrates the 30th anniversary of Luang Prabang being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage City. The town was officially inscribed on December 9, 1995, recognized for its exceptional blend of traditional Lao architecture, French colonial heritage, natural landscape, and living spiritual traditions. For three decades, Luang Prabang has stood
Important Lao Festivals Foreigners Should Experience
Pi Mai Lao • Boat Racing Festival • That Luang Festival Festivals in Laos are full of joy, color, and a warm community spirit that visitors always remember. They are not just celebrations but moments where foreigners can truly feel the heart of Lao culture. Whether it’s the excitement of water splashing during Pi Mai,