Vientiane Province Festivals and Activities

Festivals and Events

Here are some major festivals and events that celebrated in Vientiane Province:

  • Boun Pha Vet Festival

It usually takes place in February or March. This festival is a celebration of the Buddhist holiday known as Makha Bucha and is held to honor the Buddha's teachings. During the Boun Pha Vet Festival, residents of Muang Phôn-Hông and surrounding areas gather at local temples to offer food, flowers, and candles to the Buddha. They also participate in traditional activities such as almsgiving, chanting, and circumambulation (walking around the temple).

  • Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)

It takes place in May. During this festival, rockets are launched into the sky to encourage rainfall for the upcoming planting season. There are also traditional dances, music, and food stalls.

  • Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year)

It is celebrated in April and is an important holiday throughout the country. This three-day festival is a time for cleaning, decorating, and spending time with family and friends. People also visit temples to offer alms and perform traditional water-pouring ceremonies to wash away bad luck and bring blessings for the new year.

  • Boun Khoun Khao

This is a rice harvest festival that is usually celebrated in October or November. The festival is a way to give thanks to the spirits of the land and the rice for a bountiful harvest. During the festival, people offer food, drinks, and sticky rice to the spirits.

  • Boat Racing Festival

This festival is held annually on the Nam Ngum River. The event usually takes place in October or November and involves teams from various villages and towns racing their longboats along the river. There are also cultural performances, food stalls, and a carnival-like atmosphere.

  • Hmong New Year

The Hmong people are an ethnic minority group in Laos, and their New Year is celebrated annually in December or January. The festival involves traditional dances, music, and costumes, as well as games and competitions. The Hmong New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions.

  • Hin Heup Bamboo Festival

This festival takes place annually in Hin Heup district of Vientiane Province, usually in February or March. The festival showcases various bamboo products and features traditional music, dances, and games.

  • Vang Vieng Trail Running Festival

This event is organized by Vang Vieng Trail Running Club and attracts both local and international runners. The race starts and finishes in the center of Vang Vieng and takes participants through the surrounding mountains and rice paddies. The course is challenging but rewarding, with stunning views of the karst landscapes.

  • Vang Vieng International Half Marathon

This event is organized by the Vang Vieng Half Marathon Association and is a great way to explore the countryside around Vang Vieng while getting some exercise. The race starts and finishes in the town center and takes runners through villages, fields, and forests. The half marathon course has a few hills, but overall it's a relatively flat and fast route.

  • Vang Vieng Music & Arts Festival

This event is a celebration of creativity and community and is organized by local artists and musicians. The festival features live music performances by both local and international artists, as well as art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural activities. The festival aims to showcase the diversity and talent of the Vang Vieng creative community.

  • Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party is a popular event among backpackers and travelers in Vang Vieng. The party usually starts at one of the bars or clubs in town and includes a barbecue dinner, drink specials, and live music or DJs. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with lots of dancing and socializing.

Activities

  • Taking a Boat Ride on the Mekong River

The Mekong River is the lifeblood of Laos, and taking a boat ride on this mighty river is a must-do activity for visitors to Vientiane Province. You can hire a local boat and cruise along the river, stopping at villages and temples along the way. You may also see local fishermen casting their nets, and if you're lucky, you might spot some of the river's wildlife, such as the freshwater dolphins that inhabit this stretch of the river.

  • Visiting the Nam Ngum Reservoir

The Nam Ngum Reservoir is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and water sports. The lake was created in the 1970s to generate hydroelectric power, and today it is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can rent a boat or kayak to explore the lake and its many islands, or go fishing for local species such as catfish and snakehead. There are also several resorts and restaurants around the lake where you can enjoy a meal or spend the night.

  • Exploring the Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area

Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area covers an area of over 2,000 square kilometers. The protected area is home to many endangered species such as the Indochinese tiger, Asian elephant, and clouded leopard. Visitors can hike through the forest, swim in waterfalls, and camp overnight in designated areas. There are also several eco-tourism projects in the area that provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about local culture and traditional ways of life.

  • Visiting the Hin Heup Cave

The Hin Heup Cave is a popular destination for visitors who want to see some of Laos' natural wonders. The limestone cave features stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and visitors can explore the cave with a guide. The cave is also home to a variety of bat species, and visitors can see them flying overhead as they explore the cave. Don't forget to bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes!

  • Taking a Cooking Class

Laotian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, and taking a cooking class is a great way to learn about the local food culture. Visitors can learn how to cook traditional dishes such as laap (a meat salad), tam mak hoong (spicy papaya salad), and khao piak sen (noodle soup). Many cooking classes also include a visit to a local market to buy ingredients and learn about the different types of herbs and spices used in Laotian cuisine.