Fun-filled Festivals

One of the finest ways to experience local culture and customs while learning about them is by attending festivals. Fortunately, Laos hosts numerous festivals all year long. The bulk of the festivals celebrated in Laos are based on the Buddhist faith and represent traditional features of the Lao way of life. Most of these festivals are related to agricultural seasons or historic Buddhist feasts.

Bun Pi Mai, the ancient Laotian New Year celebrated in April, is one of the country's most important celebrations. Pi Mai, also known as the Lao New Year, is a three-day festival that ushers in the new by purging the old. Do not forget to bring a water gun if you are heading to Laos in the middle of April. Be prepared to get excessive amounts of whiskey and Beer Lao, as well as to be hosed down and hit with water balloons.

Consider attending Bout That Luang in November or the Rocket Festival in May if citywide water fights aren't your thing. The Bun Bang Fai Rain Festival, often known as the "Rocket Festival," takes place in May and is one of the oldest in the nation. To remind the gods that the earth needs rain, people launch rockets and firecrackers during this celebration. You may enjoy the fireworks and rocket explosions from hundreds of pyrotechnics and rockets throughout the festival, as well as the float parade and various dance acts.