Upcoming Holidays and Celebrations in Laos

Laos

Day Date Holiday Type
Sunday Jan 01,2023 New Year's Day Public Holiday
Monday Jan 02,2023 Day off for New Year's Day Public Holiday
Wednesday Mar 08,2023 International Women's Day (Women Only) Public Holiday
Wednesday Apr 12,2023 Lao New Year Holiday Public Holiday
Thursday Apr 13,2023 Lao New Year Holiday Public Holiday
Friday Apr 14,2023 Lao New Year Public Holiday
Monday May 01,2023 Labor Day / May Day Public Holiday
Thursday Jun 01,2023 Children's Day Observance
Thursday Jul 20,2023 Lao Women Union's Day Public Holiday
Monday Oct 09,2023 Boat Racing Festival Local holiday
Saturday Oct 28,2023 Bouk Ok Pansa Public Holiday
Monday Oct 30,2023 Day off for Bouk Ok Pansa Public Holiday
Monday Nov 27,2023 That Luang Festival Public Holiday
Saturday Dec 02,2023 National Day Public Holiday
Monday Dec 04,2023 Day off for National Day Public Holiday
**Note: While we strive for accuracy in researching and updating holiday dates, some information in the table above might be preliminary. Should you come across any discrepancies, kindly inform us so we can ensure precise information. Thank you for your understanding!

New Year's Day

New Year's Day in Laos is known as "Pi Mai" and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It marks the beginning of the Lao lunar calendar and is a time for family gatherings and traditional ceremonies. People visit temples, pour water on Buddha statues for cleansing, and enjoy festive meals. It symbolizes renewal and fresh starts.

International Women's Day (Women Only)

International Women's Day is celebrated in Laos as a day to honor and appreciate the contributions of women. It is an occasion to recognize the achievements of women in various fields and promote gender equality. Women often participate in events and workshops to empower themselves and support one another.

Lao New Year

Lao New Year, known as "Pi Mai Lao," is one of the most significant celebrations in Laos. It lasts for several days and is marked by water festivals, where people splash water on each other as a symbol of cleansing and purification. It's a time for family reunions, temple visits, and cultural performances.

Labor Day / May Day

Labor Day in Laos is celebrated on May 1st to honor the contributions of workers and laborers. It's a public holiday, and various labor organizations and unions hold parades and events to highlight workers' rights and promote social justice.

Children's Day

Children's Day in Laos is a day dedicated to celebrating and cherishing children. Schools and communities organize special activities, games, and entertainment for children. It's a day to emphasize the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for the younger generation.

Lao Women Union's Day

Lao Women Union's Day is dedicated to recognizing the role of women in society and their contributions to the nation's development. It's a day to promote gender equality and women's rights. Various events are organized to raise awareness about women's issues.

Boat Racing Festival

The Boat Racing Festival in Laos, also known as "Boun Suang Heua," is an annual event celebrated with boat races on the Mekong River. It's a traditional sport that brings communities together and showcases teamwork and skill. The festival has cultural and historical significance.

Bouk Ok Pansa

Bouk Ok Pansa marks the end of Buddhist Lent in Laos. It's a time when Buddhist monks return to their temples after the three-month rainy season retreat. Devotees offer alms to the monks and engage in merit-making activities. It signifies the renewal of religious devotion and community spirit.

That Luang Festival

That Luang Festival is one of the most sacred and grand celebrations in Laos. It revolves around the That Luang Stupa, the national symbol of Laos. Pilgrims from all over the country visit the stupa, make offerings, and participate in religious ceremonies. It's a time of spiritual significance and cultural pride.

National Day

National Day in Laos, celebrated on December 2nd, commemorates the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. It's a day for patriotic fervor, with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances showcasing the nation's history and identity.