Cultural Events Calendar

Marha Puha (or Makka Bu-sao) Held on the night of the full moon, this festival commemorates a speech given by the Buddha to 1,250 enlightened monks who came to hear him without prior summons. In the talk, the Buddha laid down the first monastic regulations and predicted his own death. Chanting and offerings mark the festival, culminating in the candlelit circumambulation of wats (temples) throughout the country (celebrated most fervently in Vientiane and at the Khmer ruins of Wat Phu, near Champasak). The festival is marked by parades of candle-bearing worshippers circling their local temples, making merit and music and chanting.

Vietnamese Tet and Chinese New Year Celebrated in Vientiane, Pakse and Savannakhet with parties, firecrackers, merit making, parties and visits to Vietnamese and Chinese temples by the larger Vietnamese and Chinese communities, who close their businesses for several days during this period.

Sikhotabong festival Organized in Khammouan from Feb 5 to Feb 8, this religious festival is held at Sikhottabong stupa, located about 6 km south of Thakhek.

Wat Phu festival Organized annually on the grounds of the remains of Wat Phu in Champasak from Feb 5 to Feb 8, in the full moon of the 3rd month of lunar calendar. Festivities include elephant races and performances of Lao traditional music and dance.