Exploring Laos New Year In 2024

Don't miss the Laos New Year in April; this is a chance to discover Laotian culture and participate in meaningful. During this time, Laos is aglow with contagious energy and joy through Boun Pi Mai, the Water Festival.

The biggest festivities take place in Laos and are celebrated with family and friends all over the world. Get ready to shout "Sok Di Pi Mai" (Happy New Year) when we explore this traditional celebration, its history, and the particular customs of the Laos New Year!

Does Laos Celebrate Lunar New Year?

In Laos, the New Year begins in April, much later than in other Asian countries. On the first day of the year, young people pour water on their elders, monks, and themselves to clear any bad karma and bless of long life and serenity.

To better understand Laos New Year, please scroll down and continue to follow this article: 

What Is Laos New Year?

In Laos, the New Year is usually called "Pi Mai" or "Boun Pi Mai," which means "new year." It marks the annual traditional holiday occurring in the middle of April. Following the Buddhist calendar, Laos celebrates the beginning of the new year on the day the Sun enters the sign of Aries, bringing the forthcoming festivities.

During this festival, laughter and water splashes fill the streets, while prayers for luck and peace resound, heralding a bright start to the coming year.

Laos New Year in 2024

When is Laos New Year?

Laos celebrates the New Year from April 13th to April 16th, 2024, which falls in the hot season in the country. The celebration lasts three days, with each dedicated to different events.

Many view the coming of a new year as a chance to let go of the past and look forward to a bright future. Because of this,Buddha statues are cleaned with water, which has significant symbolic meaning in Lao culture.

Where To Enjoy Laos New Year?

Vientiane

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, offers a quiet and unique atmosphere. The festivities there include traditional music performances, art exhibits, sports competitions, and a beauty pageant.

The Laotian New Year in 2024 will allow locals in Vientiane to cool off from the oppressive 35-degree heat through the water festival.

On the streets, people fight with bottles, buckets, and water pistols. In Laos, you can wish someone a happy new year by dousing them in water. Visitors are also invited to join the celebrations.

Vientiane

Luang Prabang

If Vientiane is the embodiment of the political capital of Laos, the ancient capital of Luang Prabang is still the cultural center of the country, still retaining its original features. Luang Prabang celebrates Laos New Year for over a week. Many events take place, such as concerts, beauty pageants, and parades. The atmosphere of serenity and richness of culture are reasons why this place is perfect for a quick yet in-depth cultural immersion.

In addition to the Prabang Buddha statue procession, don't miss the magnificent Kuang Si Waterfall, the Royal Palace Museum, ancient religious temples, or a scenic river cruise at sunset in Luang Prabang.

Visiting the Pak Ou Caves is a must-do experience during the Laos New Year. Nestled in a stunning limestone cliff, these caves are home to nearly 4,000 Buddha images left by worshippers over millennia.

Luang Prabang

Vang Vieng

In Vang Vieng, you can experience some cultural events related to Laos New Year peacefully. This small town, 150 kilometers from Vientiane, is surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers. It provides travelers a tranquil atmosphere and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Although Vang Vieng lacks sophisticated architectural works, It draws many tourists every year, significantly more than the local population. Whether riding a bike, riding a hot air balloon, or kayaking along a river, nature still takes center stage.

Three Special Days During Laos New Year

First day – Start of the water festival

Houses are thoroughly cleaned, temples are painted, and scented water is made with a fragrant mixture of saffron, blossoms, souchet flowers, and aromatic herbs.

The grounds are arranged and swept to enhance the beauty of the temples. Cleaning Buddha statues is a very important ritual that is said to bestow blessings on the water used. After that, people ceremoniously gather the water to be poured over their loved ones and family members.

Second day – Peak of the water festival

The second day marks the climax of the water festival. It symbolizes the transition from the previous year to the new in a vibrant atmosphere.

The air is filled with the sound of drums, melodious melodies, and rhythmic steps of the traditional Lamvong dance. The infectious laughter of the young infuses into every small corner a bustling stream of energy, inviting everyone to join the festival.

Preparations for the day include erecting big water cannons and balloons loaded with powder, water, creams, and a variety of vibrant dyes to set the scene for an exciting water battle.

Third day – Family blessing ceremony

The younger members gently pour water over their seniors, wishing them long lives and health, and the seniors bless them and provide their thoughts on important family events like weddings and births.

The creation of sandcastles that symbolize the Phoukaokailat mountain is one of the day's highlights.

These structures are heavily doused with scented water, symbolizing wishes for prosperity, good health, and protection from evil spirits as the new year approaches.

Three special days during Laos New Year

Laos New Year Festival Tips

Plan your trip quickly

The busiest travel time of year in Laos is around Boun Pi Mai. You should plan your trip in advance, such as buying an airline ticket, reserving a hotel, and arranging other services.

Safety

Pay close attention to your personal valuables, particularly in crowded places. Prepare waterproof bags to cover your room key and your phone. Avoid bringing amounts of cash and retain your cards in the hotel.

Respect

Lao people deeply respect the Buddhist faith. When at temples, it's crucial to keep silent and show respect. Avoid speaking inappropriately, making jokes, and dressing immodestly. Do not chat loudly and turn your back on Buddha statues in the temple.

Visa

What are you waiting for and applying for a visa to experience Laos New Year? At GVC, you can get a Laos eVisa quickly and easily, just within a few days. Now you don't need to stand in long lines at the embassy anymore; you just need a smartphone and some basic documents. Simply click "Apply Now" on the navigation bar and start planning your Laos adventure today!