At the end of Buddhist Lent, the green monsoon season draws to a close, and the harvest season begins. To give thanks for their livelihoods and annual bounty, Lao people make merit by making offerings to the mother spirit of rivers. In Luang Prabang, this is especially magical, as the entire...
The Lao Rocket Festival One of the most uniquely Lao holidays is the Rocket Festival. Taking place in the hottest time of year, just before the rice planting season, locals create rockets, known as bang fai, which are launched into the sky. To get a closer look, my friend Phou invited me to his...
The International Jazz Festival Vientiane is now a major event in Southeast Asia. The festival draws thousands of Jazz lovers and musicians from around the world. Champa Meuanglao spoke with Micka Perier, founder of the festival, to find out what makes it such a success. Good afternoon...
The Wat Phou Festival or Boun Wat Phou is the highlight of the year for Champasak District; a three-day fiesta held as part of the Makha Bouxa Buddhist Festival. The celebration is held on the full-moon day of the third lunar month because Buddha is said to have taught the core teachings of...
Since ancient times, the Lao lunar calendar has celebrated traditional holidays, one per month, in a cycle called Hit Sip Song (the twelve traditions). These are celebrated in different ways in different areas of the country, with some of these rituals nearly disappearing. Get a deeper look at...
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