Xieng Thong Temple in Luang Prabang has officially opened the Ho Phra Man shrine, inviting locals and tourists to pay their respects to the sacred Phra Man Buddha statue as part of the annual Lao New Year (Pi Mai) tradition.
The Phra Man Buddha, considered the second most revered Buddha image in Luang Prabang after the famed Prabang statue, is normally housed in a shrine at the rear of Wat Xieng Thong and is visible only from a distance. However, in line with tradition, the statue is brought out for public viewing and merit-making ceremonies during the New Year celebrations.
This year, the temple is allowing visitors to perform the traditional water-pouring ritual over the sacred image from 22 to 26 April, between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm each day. The ritual follows the return of the Prabang Buddha to Ho Prabang, in accordance with beliefs that it is inauspicious for both powerful images to be publicly displayed at the same time.
As part of the ceremony, the Phra Man Buddha is carefully carried out from its chapel and paraded three times around Wat Xieng Thong. It is then placed in a pavilion in front of the temple, where devotees pour scented water over the statue – a symbolic act of merit-making and spiritual purification.
The Origins of the Phra Man Buddha: A Sacred Mystery
The true origins of the Phra Man Buddha remain a subject of legend and speculation, with two distinct stories still told today, both steeped in mystery and reverence.
One version of the story says the Phra Man Buddha arrived in Luang Prabang in 1968, brought by a group from the Lao Theung hill tribe. The statue is in a standing position, which holds special meaning in Luang Prabang. People believe that standing Buddha statues have the power to call for rain and help those who pray for children.
In 1979, Luang Prabang experienced a severe drought. Remembering this belief, village chiefs from Khili, Xieng Thong, Phon Heuang, and Ban Kang consulted with the head monk of Wat Xieng Thong at the time. Together with the head of Wat Sensoukharam, the monks decided to bring the Phra Man Buddha out for a merit-making ceremony.
Soon after the rituals were performed, rain began to fall, according to the story. This marked the first time the Phra Man Buddha was honoured with a water-pouring ceremony, a tradition that has continued every year since.
Another story tells that the Phra Man Buddha dates back approximately 700 years. According to legend, it was crafted in Burma (modern-day Myanmar) and was originally intended to be returned to the Hanthawaddy Kingdom after its completion.
The statue was placed on a raft and transported along the Mekong River. However, as it reached the waters near Luang Prabang, the raft mysteriously stopped in the middle of the river and could not be moved forward, no matter what the soldiers tried.
The person escorting the statue then prayed: “If the Buddha does not wish to return to the Hanthawaddy Kingdom, please choose a temple to remain in Luang Prabang.”
At that time, the city was home to over 100 temples (compared to around 60 today). Head monks from various temples came forward to invite the Buddha image ashore, but all attempts failed.
Then, the head monk of Wat Xieng Thong approached with a prayer of his own. To everyone’s amazement, the raft, carrying the statue, floated to Xieng Thong temple on its own.
The Buddha image was then brought to Wat Xieng Thong and locals under the guidance of a Buddhist monk constructed what is now known as the Phra Man House.
The Phra Man Buddha is made of gold and adorned with nine-colored jade. It is decorated with intricate ornaments, including a jeweled belt buckle and bracelets. The statue weighs 75 kilograms, the altar 20.5 kilograms, for a total weight of 95.5 kilograms.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Phra-Man-Procession-at-Xieng-Thong-Temple.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-04-30 11:04:042025-04-28 11:09:19Phra Man Buddha Now Open for Merit-Making Activities at Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang
From 14 to 16 April, Laos burst into a celebration as the country officially marked Pi Mai Laos—the Lao New Year. From alms-giving ceremonies and traditional processions to water splashing battles, the nation came together to usher in the new year.
Luang Prabang: Heart of Traditional Celebration
While Pi Mai was celebrated across the country, Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage city, stood out as the cultural highlight of the festivities. Known for preserving age-old customs, the city switched from traditional ceremonies to wild parties within hours, merging the spiritual and festive meanings of the event.
On 14 April, the celebration began with the Lolat Festival, a market fair held on Luang Prabang’s main avenue. From morning until mid-day, the streets buzzed with stalls showcasing agricultural goods, handmade crafts, clothes, woodwork, and products from across Laos.
In the afternoon, crowds made their way to Xaymoungkhoun Island in the Mekong River to take part in the age-old tradition of building sand stupas, believed to bring fortune and spiritual merit.
The next day, 15 April, was highlighted by the Miss Lao New Year procession, one of the city’s most anticipated events. Starting from Wat That Nong and concluding at Wat Xieng Thong, this year’s grand parade featured 35 processions and nearly 2,000 participants.
It began with young women holding banners bearing slogans, followed by flags of Laos and its ASEAN neighbors, and culminated in processions paying tribute to ancestors and the nation’s spiritual lineage.
On 16 April, a more spiritual tone returned as local families and provincial leaders gathered for a morning alms-giving ceremony in front of San Sukharam Temple. People also visited temples to cleanse Buddha statues, symbolically washing away past misfortunes. Families exchanged incense figurines for good luck and used the occasion to reconnect and bond.
Vientiane Turns Up the Volume with Full Blown Parties
While Luang Prabang led with tradition and parties here and there, Vientiane Capital offered a full-fledged entertainment-driven experience. The city pulsed with energy as it hosted several events, some of the major ones include the BeerLao Music Zone, the Heineken X Sabaidee Star Celebration party, and Sihom street casual party.
From 13 to 16 April, the Beerlao Music Zone took place along the Mekong riverbank, focusing on music and drinks. Local DJs kept the energy high as crowds danced, holding plastic cups of beer and water guns.
At the same time, the Heineken X Sabaidee Star Celebration brought a bigger festival vibe to the National Cultural Hall. The event featured international artists like Rave Republic, DJ Soda, DJ Wukong, and more, drawing large crowds each night.
Meanwhile, the Sihom Party on Sihom Road offered a street-fair atmosphere. Locals gathered to splash water, enjoy food and drinks from street booths, and listen to live music from a small stage.
Security and Safety Measures in Place
Amidst the lively atmosphere, authorities remained focused on ensuring public safety and order, with Vientiane Capital alone deploying 1,172 traffic police officers across 143 stations in the country during the Lao New Year celebrations to ensure safe road traffic from 11 to 17 April.
The Mobile Defense Forces, including Platoon I of Battalion 135 under the Ministry of Public Security, maintained a 24-hour patrol throughout Vientiane from 12–17 April. Using various vehicles, they monitored the city for disturbances and ensured peace during the festival.
On 16 April, during an inspection at the Si Keut checkpoint along the Laos-China Expressway, with officers enforcing strict regulations, including speed monitoring, alcohol testing, cargo checks, and mandatory helmet usage for motorcycle drivers and passengers.
Leadership Presence, International Engagement
Before the festivities began, President Thongloun Sisoulith extended warm wishes to all citizens, joining in the celebration with the Lao people.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone spent his Pi Mai days representing Laos on the international stage, attending the P4G Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. Though Laos is not yet a P4G member, the Prime Minister participated in high-level discussions and exhibitions, highlighting Laos’s commitment to green growth.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sang-Khan-Procession-in-Luang-Prabang.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-04-29 09:22:062025-04-22 09:23:32Lao New Year Wrap: Tradition, Festivities, International Engagement
The Laos-China Railway has marked its second anniversary of cross-border operations, having transported 480,000 passengers from 112 countries since the service began.
The railway has significantly improved travel between Laos and China, offering a quicker and more convenient mode of transport, especially for tourists.
Cross-border services were officially launched on 13 April 2023. Since then, the railway has seen strong usage, including 37,500 group travelers journeying between the two countries, according to the Laos-China Railway Company.
Since the beginning of 2025, the railway has reached record-breaking levels of activity. It transported 4 million tons of goods, such as 8,000 tons of imported fruit, and handled 4.1 million passenger trips. This makes it the busiest period for the railway since it began operating.
Connecting key tourist destinations such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Xishuangbanna, and Kunming, the railway has boosted accessibility and supported the growth of tourism, hospitality, and related sectors along the route. It also has an important role in deepening cultural ties and enhancing trade and economic collaboration between Laos and China.
To celebrate both the two-year anniversary and the Lao New Year 2025, the railway organized an onboard celebration. Passengers were treated to traditional Lao music, dance, and songs, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere enjoyed by both local and international travelers.
Laos-China Railway Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary with traditional Lao music, dance, and songs, creating a festive. (The Laos-China Railway)
Regional Transportation Game-Changer
Since its inauguration in 2021, the Lao-China Railway has transformed regional connectivity by transporting over 54 million tons of goods and carrying more than 48.6 million passengers.
Construction of the 409-kilometer railway began in 2016 and was completed in two stages. The first phase linked Luang Namtha to Vientiane Capital, while the second stage extended the line by 17 kilometers from Vientiane Capital to Thanaleng.
The railway features 33 stations—12 for passengers and 20 for cargo—with five major stations designated as stops for express services. It includes 198 kilometers of tunnels and 62 kilometers of bridges, with trains operating at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
Regional travel between Laos and China has surged, particularly after the introduction of international passenger services in 2023.
On 13 April 2024, a passenger train began running from Vientiane to Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan province. Since then, 172,023 passengers have used the service, according to Lao Deputy Minister of Tourism Darany Phommavongsa, who spoke to a group of ASEAN journalists visiting the railway in June.
The railway has also boosted regional trade. The Lancang-Mekong Express freight service now runs across 31 regions in China and 19 other countries, including Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore, with 1,777 trains in operation. During the Spring Festival travel season alone, more than 40,000 passengers passed through the Mohan Railway Port in Yunnan.
One of the railway’s major milestones came in October 2024, when it completed its first international cold-chain shipment: 390 tons of Lao bananas arrived in Beijing. Also, Lao coffee beans reached Europe in just 15 days.
To meet growing demand, the railway plans to add a fifth EMU (electric multiple unit) train in the near future.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Railway-Station.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-04-28 09:19:562025-04-22 09:21:47Laos-China Railway Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary of Cross-Border Service with 480,000 Passengers
Phra Man Buddha Now Open for Merit-Making Activities at Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang
Xieng Thong Temple in Luang Prabang has officially opened the Ho Phra Man shrine, inviting locals and tourists to pay their respects to the sacred Phra Man Buddha statue as part of the annual Lao New Year (Pi Mai) tradition.
The Phra Man Buddha, considered the second most revered Buddha image in Luang Prabang after the famed Prabang statue, is normally housed in a shrine at the rear of Wat Xieng Thong and is visible only from a distance. However, in line with tradition, the statue is brought out for public viewing and merit-making ceremonies during the New Year celebrations.
This year, the temple is allowing visitors to perform the traditional water-pouring ritual over the sacred image from 22 to 26 April, between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm each day. The ritual follows the return of the Prabang Buddha to Ho Prabang, in accordance with beliefs that it is inauspicious for both powerful images to be publicly displayed at the same time.
As part of the ceremony, the Phra Man Buddha is carefully carried out from its chapel and paraded three times around Wat Xieng Thong. It is then placed in a pavilion in front of the temple, where devotees pour scented water over the statue – a symbolic act of merit-making and spiritual purification.
The Origins of the Phra Man Buddha: A Sacred Mystery
The true origins of the Phra Man Buddha remain a subject of legend and speculation, with two distinct stories still told today, both steeped in mystery and reverence.
One version of the story says the Phra Man Buddha arrived in Luang Prabang in 1968, brought by a group from the Lao Theung hill tribe. The statue is in a standing position, which holds special meaning in Luang Prabang. People believe that standing Buddha statues have the power to call for rain and help those who pray for children.
In 1979, Luang Prabang experienced a severe drought. Remembering this belief, village chiefs from Khili, Xieng Thong, Phon Heuang, and Ban Kang consulted with the head monk of Wat Xieng Thong at the time. Together with the head of Wat Sensoukharam, the monks decided to bring the Phra Man Buddha out for a merit-making ceremony.
Soon after the rituals were performed, rain began to fall, according to the story. This marked the first time the Phra Man Buddha was honoured with a water-pouring ceremony, a tradition that has continued every year since.
Another story tells that the Phra Man Buddha dates back approximately 700 years. According to legend, it was crafted in Burma (modern-day Myanmar) and was originally intended to be returned to the Hanthawaddy Kingdom after its completion.
The statue was placed on a raft and transported along the Mekong River. However, as it reached the waters near Luang Prabang, the raft mysteriously stopped in the middle of the river and could not be moved forward, no matter what the soldiers tried.
The person escorting the statue then prayed: “If the Buddha does not wish to return to the Hanthawaddy Kingdom, please choose a temple to remain in Luang Prabang.”
At that time, the city was home to over 100 temples (compared to around 60 today). Head monks from various temples came forward to invite the Buddha image ashore, but all attempts failed.
Then, the head monk of Wat Xieng Thong approached with a prayer of his own. To everyone’s amazement, the raft, carrying the statue, floated to Xieng Thong temple on its own.
The Buddha image was then brought to Wat Xieng Thong and locals under the guidance of a Buddhist monk constructed what is now known as the Phra Man House.
The Phra Man Buddha is made of gold and adorned with nine-colored jade. It is decorated with intricate ornaments, including a jeweled belt buckle and bracelets. The statue weighs 75 kilograms, the altar 20.5 kilograms, for a total weight of 95.5 kilograms.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/04/22/phra-man-buddha-now-open-for-merit-making-activities-at-wat-xieng-thong-in-luang-prabang/
Lao New Year Wrap: Tradition, Festivities, International Engagement
From 14 to 16 April, Laos burst into a celebration as the country officially marked Pi Mai Laos—the Lao New Year. From alms-giving ceremonies and traditional processions to water splashing battles, the nation came together to usher in the new year.
Luang Prabang: Heart of Traditional Celebration
While Pi Mai was celebrated across the country, Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage city, stood out as the cultural highlight of the festivities. Known for preserving age-old customs, the city switched from traditional ceremonies to wild parties within hours, merging the spiritual and festive meanings of the event.
On 14 April, the celebration began with the Lolat Festival, a market fair held on Luang Prabang’s main avenue. From morning until mid-day, the streets buzzed with stalls showcasing agricultural goods, handmade crafts, clothes, woodwork, and products from across Laos.
In the afternoon, crowds made their way to Xaymoungkhoun Island in the Mekong River to take part in the age-old tradition of building sand stupas, believed to bring fortune and spiritual merit.
The next day, 15 April, was highlighted by the Miss Lao New Year procession, one of the city’s most anticipated events. Starting from Wat That Nong and concluding at Wat Xieng Thong, this year’s grand parade featured 35 processions and nearly 2,000 participants.
It began with young women holding banners bearing slogans, followed by flags of Laos and its ASEAN neighbors, and culminated in processions paying tribute to ancestors and the nation’s spiritual lineage.
On 16 April, a more spiritual tone returned as local families and provincial leaders gathered for a morning alms-giving ceremony in front of San Sukharam Temple. People also visited temples to cleanse Buddha statues, symbolically washing away past misfortunes. Families exchanged incense figurines for good luck and used the occasion to reconnect and bond.
Vientiane Turns Up the Volume with Full Blown Parties
While Luang Prabang led with tradition and parties here and there, Vientiane Capital offered a full-fledged entertainment-driven experience. The city pulsed with energy as it hosted several events, some of the major ones include the BeerLao Music Zone, the Heineken X Sabaidee Star Celebration party, and Sihom street casual party.
From 13 to 16 April, the Beerlao Music Zone took place along the Mekong riverbank, focusing on music and drinks. Local DJs kept the energy high as crowds danced, holding plastic cups of beer and water guns.
At the same time, the Heineken X Sabaidee Star Celebration brought a bigger festival vibe to the National Cultural Hall. The event featured international artists like Rave Republic, DJ Soda, DJ Wukong, and more, drawing large crowds each night.
Meanwhile, the Sihom Party on Sihom Road offered a street-fair atmosphere. Locals gathered to splash water, enjoy food and drinks from street booths, and listen to live music from a small stage.
Security and Safety Measures in Place
Amidst the lively atmosphere, authorities remained focused on ensuring public safety and order, with Vientiane Capital alone deploying 1,172 traffic police officers across 143 stations in the country during the Lao New Year celebrations to ensure safe road traffic from 11 to 17 April.
The Mobile Defense Forces, including Platoon I of Battalion 135 under the Ministry of Public Security, maintained a 24-hour patrol throughout Vientiane from 12–17 April. Using various vehicles, they monitored the city for disturbances and ensured peace during the festival.
On 16 April, during an inspection at the Si Keut checkpoint along the Laos-China Expressway, with officers enforcing strict regulations, including speed monitoring, alcohol testing, cargo checks, and mandatory helmet usage for motorcycle drivers and passengers.
Leadership Presence, International Engagement
Before the festivities began, President Thongloun Sisoulith extended warm wishes to all citizens, joining in the celebration with the Lao people.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone spent his Pi Mai days representing Laos on the international stage, attending the P4G Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. Though Laos is not yet a P4G member, the Prime Minister participated in high-level discussions and exhibitions, highlighting Laos’s commitment to green growth.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/04/18/lao-new-year-wrap-tradition-festivities-international-engagement/
Laos-China Railway Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary of Cross-Border Service with 480,000 Passengers
The Laos-China Railway has marked its second anniversary of cross-border operations, having transported 480,000 passengers from 112 countries since the service began.
The railway has significantly improved travel between Laos and China, offering a quicker and more convenient mode of transport, especially for tourists.
Cross-border services were officially launched on 13 April 2023. Since then, the railway has seen strong usage, including 37,500 group travelers journeying between the two countries, according to the Laos-China Railway Company.
Since the beginning of 2025, the railway has reached record-breaking levels of activity. It transported 4 million tons of goods, such as 8,000 tons of imported fruit, and handled 4.1 million passenger trips. This makes it the busiest period for the railway since it began operating.
Connecting key tourist destinations such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Xishuangbanna, and Kunming, the railway has boosted accessibility and supported the growth of tourism, hospitality, and related sectors along the route. It also has an important role in deepening cultural ties and enhancing trade and economic collaboration between Laos and China.
To celebrate both the two-year anniversary and the Lao New Year 2025, the railway organized an onboard celebration. Passengers were treated to traditional Lao music, dance, and songs, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere enjoyed by both local and international travelers.
Regional Transportation Game-Changer
Since its inauguration in 2021, the Lao-China Railway has transformed regional connectivity by transporting over 54 million tons of goods and carrying more than 48.6 million passengers.
Construction of the 409-kilometer railway began in 2016 and was completed in two stages. The first phase linked Luang Namtha to Vientiane Capital, while the second stage extended the line by 17 kilometers from Vientiane Capital to Thanaleng.
The railway features 33 stations—12 for passengers and 20 for cargo—with five major stations designated as stops for express services. It includes 198 kilometers of tunnels and 62 kilometers of bridges, with trains operating at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
Regional travel between Laos and China has surged, particularly after the introduction of international passenger services in 2023.
On 13 April 2024, a passenger train began running from Vientiane to Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan province. Since then, 172,023 passengers have used the service, according to Lao Deputy Minister of Tourism Darany Phommavongsa, who spoke to a group of ASEAN journalists visiting the railway in June.
The railway has also boosted regional trade. The Lancang-Mekong Express freight service now runs across 31 regions in China and 19 other countries, including Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore, with 1,777 trains in operation. During the Spring Festival travel season alone, more than 40,000 passengers passed through the Mohan Railway Port in Yunnan.
One of the railway’s major milestones came in October 2024, when it completed its first international cold-chain shipment: 390 tons of Lao bananas arrived in Beijing. Also, Lao coffee beans reached Europe in just 15 days.
To meet growing demand, the railway plans to add a fifth EMU (electric multiple unit) train in the near future.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/04/18/laos-china-railway-celebrates-two-year-anniversary-of-cross-border-service-with-480000-passengers/