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/
Savannakhet’s That Nang Lao Stupa Recognized as Local Level National Heritage
That Nang Lao stupa and Thong Na Ngueak were officially recognized as Laos’ local national heritage sites in Savannakhet Province.
On 2 May, Vilabouly District held a cultural ceremony to officially declare the Nang Lao stupa and Thong Na Ngueak (Mermaid Rice Fields) as local-level national heritage sites.
Deputy Governor of Savannakhet Province, Lingthong Saengtavanh, led the ceremony, joined by district chief Valiya Sichanthongthip, local officials, and community members.
That Nang Lao Lao began the restoration in 2017, which was successfully completed within two years. After being proposed as a National Heritage site two years ago, it has now been officially approved, standing as a renewed symbol of spiritual and cultural significance.
Over 1,000 performers participated in the celebration, featuring traditional drum processions from Nam Mahi, Keovilai, and Hai villages, as well as cultural dances performed by local students and the Vilabouly District Women’s Union.
That Nang Lao Stupa
This historic stupa, located about 180 kilometers east of Savannakhet’s provincial capital, carries a rich royal history dating back to the early 1800s.
According to the local legend, during King Anouvong’s reign (1805-1828), Queen Khamphao (his sixth concubine) was sent to govern the area of Mueang Vang-Angkham, now Vilabouly.
When the Queen reached what is now the Phouthai area, Na Te village, her loyal elephant refused to journey further.
Taking this as a sign, she established her settlement there. The local people call her “Nang Lao” (Lao Woman) because she was not of Phouthai descent, and after her death, they built this stupa in her honor.
What makes a stupa special is its northern Lan Xang (now Laos) architectural style, similar to the structure in Luang Prabang, the Queen’s birthplace.
Local traditions continue to honor this legacy. Villagers celebrate an annual festival during the third full moon, commemorating the day of the royal elephant’s death.
The surrounding landscape also preserves this history, approximately 800 meters from the stupa, where the royal elephant’s remains were buried.
Thong Na Ngueak or Mermaid Rice Field
Thong Na Ngueak, which would roughly translate to “Mermaid Rice Field,” a 3.66-hectare site within the Sepon Gold and Silver Concession Area, gained archaeological significance in 2019 when experts discovered over 75,000 artifacts estimated to be 2,500 years old.
These findings portray an important connection between the region’s ancient history and its enduring cultural traditions.
The site’s name comes from local mythology about two serpent-like creatures called “Ngueak” who settled along the Xe Bang Hieng River and the Sekok River after being banished from the Kading River, Bolikhamxai province.
These creatures terrorized nearby villages by demanding annual sacrifices of young virgins, creating such fear that many villagers abandoned their homes.
The situation reached a breaking point when the daughter of a powerful Bru tribal (indigenous ethnic group in Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand) chieftain became a victim. The chieftain enlisted a man named Taluek Nuek to hunt down the “evil” creatures.
After a seven-day search that left holes across what is now called Na Mor, they captured the ngueak pair.
When the female ngueak was killed, her blood stained the mountain red, giving it the name Phu Pha Dang, or “Stain Mountain.” The male, though badly wounded, escaped.
The official recognition of the That Nang Lao Stupa and Thong Na Ngueak as local national heritage sites is a significant step in preserving Savannakhet’s cultural and historical legacy.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/09/savannakhets-that-nang-lao-stupa-recognized-as-local-level-national-heritage/
Laos, Switzerland Strengthen Efforts to Improve Dam Safety
Laos and Switzerland have reaffirmed their commitment to safer hydropower development with the successful convening of the Steering Committee meeting for the Dam Safety Technical and Institutional Assistance (DSTIA) project in Vientiane.
The meeting, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton on 8 May, brought together key government officials, technical experts, and development partners to review progress and set priorities for the year ahead.
Co-chaired by Bouathep Malaykham, Director General of the Department of Energy Industry and Safety Management under the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and Björn Schranz, Head of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Program at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in the Mekong region, the session marked another step forward in the growing partnership between the two countries.
Since its launch in 2022, the DSTIA project has received CHF 5.36 million (around USD 6.5 million) in funding from the Swiss Government, with implementation led by Helvetas Laos.
Working closely with the Lao government and partners such as the National University of Laos, the Lao Association on Dams, and Electricité du Laos Generation (EDL-Gen), the project has made notable progress.
It has supported the implementation of the 2022 Dam Safety Law, helped build the capacity of the newly established Department of Energy Industry and Safety Management, and improved monitoring, reporting, and emergency planning systems.
A major milestone highlighted at the meeting was the launch of Laos’s first-ever Dam Engineering Course at the National University of Laos in February 2025.
This course represents a significant achievement in developing homegrown technical expertise and reducing long-term reliance on external specialists.
The project also serves as a platform for connecting Lao institutions with Swiss experts to find sustainable, long-term solutions for dam safety. The overarching goal is to ensure that the country’s growing hydropower infrastructure is managed safely and responsibly, protecting more than 1.5 million people living downstream.
During the meeting, the Steering Committee reviewed the main achievements of 2024 and formally endorsed the operational work plan for 2025.
This plan focuses on enhancing safety protocols, advancing professional training, and continuing institutional reforms to ensure that dam development is both secure and sustainable.
In his remarks, Bouathep Malaykham emphasized the vital role DSTIA plays in strengthening the country’s dam safety institutions and expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s ongoing support.
Schranz echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of combining Swiss technical expertise with Lao leadership to build a more resilient energy sector.
The Steering Committee also adopted several recommendations to guide the next phase of work, including improved cooperation across sectors, increased capacity-building support for local agencies, and greater transparency in how data is shared and used.
Looking ahead, an independent Mid-Term Review of the DSTIA project will provide insights into its effectiveness and ensure alignment with both national development goals and international standards.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/09/laos-switzerland-strengthen-efforts-to-improve-dam-safety/
First Lao Student in Morocco Wins Top University Award
Khanpangna “Eno” Khounsy, a 24-year-old student from Laos, has made history by becoming the first Lao national to receive the prestigious Prix d’Excellence from Université Mohammed V de Rabat, one of Morocco’s most respected public universities.
The Prix d’Excellence is awarded annually to a small number of top-performing students in recognition of academic achievement, research potential, and civic engagement. It is one of the highest honors in Morocco’s higher education system and rarely awarded to international students.
Eno, who completed his undergraduate degree in Public Law, was selected for his outstanding academic performance and active participation in international student conferences.
He is now pursuing a Master’s in Diplomatic Studies, with a thesis focused on strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and Africa.
“I am extremely proud of myself,” Eno shared. “I didn’t think, for once, in my entire life, that I’d accomplish this sort of achievement.”
His distinction stemmed not only from academic excellence but also from his active engagement in research and participation in international student conferences. He said he had been involved in discussions exploring how developing countries could take on a more significant role in global organizations.
Eno’s academic path was inspired by a Mali mentor he met during his first year in Morocco, while undergoing French language training before beginning university. The mentor, a former recipient of the same award, had a lasting impact on him and was the one who sparked Eno’s interest in diplomacy.
Encouraged by his seniors, he chose to study Public Law—a field he felt offered both international relevance and practical application for Laos.
“The reason why I chose Public Law is also because it is international and can be applied to Laos,” he noted.
Culture Shock
Eno’s journey to excellence began in 2019, when he left his home in Vientiane Capital to study in Morocco through an exchange program. The transition was anything but easy.
“New language, environment, culture, religion. This country is absolutely not for beginners. If you’re not tough enough, you go back to where you came from.”
Arriving with no prior knowledge of French, the primary academic language in Morocco, Eno enrolled in an intensive language program. Through hard work and everyday interactions, he reached a B2 level, which he equates to a Band 7 IELTS score.
He is also teaching himself Arabic in his spare time.
He explained that in Laos, most of his social circles revolved around having fun, with daily conversations often centered on where to hang out next, contrasting it with the more academically driven environment he found in Morocco.
“Here, the community is very diverse, but it’s what I didn’t know I needed,” he added. “The priority is not about fun; it’s about academic self-improvement.”
He surrounded himself with peers who had clear goals and ambitions, which helped him stay focused and pushed him further toward his interests in diplomacy and international cooperation.
Despite his academic success, Eno’s journey was nearly derailed in 2021, when he suffered a medical emergency after his appendix ruptured.
“There weren’t many people but only two friends who were looking after me during that hard time,” he said. “It wasn’t the community or the language that almost broke me—it was my health.”
His family urged him to return to Laos, but Eno stayed, determined to recover and complete his studies. That decision, he believes, defined his resilience and deepened his sense of purpose.
Looking Ahead: A Diplomatic Dream
Despite the ordeal, Eno made a full recovery and continued his academic journey with even greater determination.
Now completing his master’s degree, Eno hopes to bring his international experience back to Laos. His ambition is to work in the public sector, focusing on diplomacy and global cooperation.
“I want to join the public sector and become a diplomat,” he shared. “I want to use what I’ve learned to contribute to Laos’ foreign relations strategy and explore partnerships with African countries”
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/09/first-lao-student-in-morocco-wins-top-university-award/
Former President Nouhak’s Residence in Khammouane to Be National Memorial
Khammuoane authorities are turning former president Nouhak Phoumsavanh’s old residence into a national memorial to honor his legacy as one of Laos’ most influential revolutionary leaders.
On 5 May, Khammoune Governor Vanxay Phongsavanh and provincial officials visited Nongping village in Boualapha District to inspect the renovation of the historic home once occupied by the late Lao President.
Funded by the provincial government, the project includes restoration of the roof, interior structure, and surrounding landscape. The plan also features land demarcation and the construction of a 35-kilometer road connecting Nha Waed village to Thang Bang Nam Jala village to improve accessibility.
Born in Thailand in 1914, but holding a Lao nationality, Nouhak later moved to Savannakhet as a young man, working as a truck driver and owning a trucking business, operating between Laos and Vietnam, where he met the Vietminh. In 1933, he married Chanthom, with whom he had four children. Later, in 1944, he married Bounma Phoumsavanh, and they had five children together.
Around 1945, Nouhak connected with Souphanouvong and represented the Lao Issara movement. During the First Indochina War, he led guerrilla operations in coordination with the Vietminh along the Lao-Vietnamese border.
In 1955, Nouhak Phoumsavanh emerged as one of the key founding members of the Lao People’s Party (later renamed the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, LPRP), establishing himself as a prominent leader in the resistance movement against French colonial rule. As part of the influential triumvirate that spearheaded the opposition, he played a pivotal role in the three-decade civil war that culminated in 1975.
The Pathet Lao movement, with Nouhak as one of the central figures, established Laos’ new era in 1975.
After the country’s revolution, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. From 1982 to 1989, he served as the first Vice President of the Ministerial Assembly and was a permanent member of the council. In 1989, he became President of the Supreme People’s Assembly. He later assumed the role of the third President of Laos, serving from 1992 to 1996, during a crucial phase in the nation’s development. Nouhak passed away on 9 September 2008 at the age of 94.
In 2011, a memorial honoring Nouhak was erected at his birthplace in Mukdahan to honor his legacy. Mukdahan Governor Charnwit Vasayangkorn and his sister, Sida Phoumsavanh, attended the ceremony at the site, marking another important step in preserving his contributions beyond the border.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/05/07/former-president-nouhaks-residence-in-khammouane-to-be-national-memorial/
Vang Vieng Goes Green with New Waste System
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Laos’ Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment officially concluded the ASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Management Enhancement (AMUSE) Project on April 25 after two years of work. The project introduced innovative solutions to tackle waste challenges across the city.
The initiative set up 75 recycling banks in hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses across Vang Vieng, helping businesses separate waste at the source.
This has created a stronger recycling system where 108 tons of materials are now recovered and safely recycled every month. A total of 286 hospitality service providers were trained, and almost half a million residents and tourists have benefited from the cleaner environment.
Highlighting the system’s success, Viraphon Neuansengsy from the Department of Environment said, “The AMUSE project has improved the system through establishing a city-wide recycling bank system and increased participation from the private sector and the tourism industry.”
In addition to setting up physical recycling points, the project focused on shaping the future of waste management in Vang Vieng. It introduced new ways to handle organic waste and developed a city-wide plan based on circular economy principles — treating waste as a resource rather than a problem.
The improvements have made a real difference for local businesses too, according to Ken Insane from Patthana Recycling Shop.
He shared, “The biggest change is cleaner recyclable materials and an increase in the volume that we can recover. Before, everything was mixed in the landfill truck. Now, with source separation, our job is easier and more profitable. We receive and process four times more materials than we used to receive in 2022 before the project started.”
Beyond environmental impacts, AMUSE also delivered important social benefits. The project trained public and private sector workers on sustainable solid waste management, with a focus on supporting informal waste workers and women by offering safety training and creating new income opportunities.
Looking ahead, local officials are determined to keep the momentum going. Vice Mayor Souviengthong Vongchampa emphasized, “This project has not only improved our environment but also raised awareness among our community and visitors. We will continue building on these successes to make Vang Vieng a model for sustainable tourism and waste management across Lao PDR.”
Echoing this optimism, Eva Diaz Ugena from GGGI concluded, “Through close collaboration with our government and regional partners, we’ve achieved 100 percent completion of planned activities, including recycling banks and local capacity building. Vang Vieng now stands as a strong example of how circular economy models can be locally led and regionally relevant.”
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/04/28/vang-vieng-goes-green-with-new-waste-system/
World Book, Publishing Day 2025: Laos Backs Local Authors, History
“A book isn’t something you force yourself to read, but something you do because you love it,” noted Robert George Cooper, a British-born anthropologist and well-known author of several books on Laos.
As the world celebrates World Book and Copyright Day today, 23 April, attention turns to figures like Cooper, individuals who have devoted their lives to literature and cultural exchange.
Cooper first arrived in Laos in 1973 during his PhD studies, later working with the United Nations on refugee repatriation and serving as head of the British Trade Office in Vientiane from 2000 to 2004.
A linguist speaking English, French, Lao, Malay/Indonesian, and Thai, Cooper established his iconic bookshop in downtown Vientiane in 2007, which continues to thrive despite the digital age.
One of his most popular works is “CultureShock! Laos: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette.” This book guide offers practical insights into Lao culture, traditions, and social norms, making it valuable for travelers or anyone interested in understanding the nuances of life in Laos.
His newest release, “Laos: Making History in Search of Time Gone By,” was published in early 2025. The book traces Lao history from the Lan Xang era through French colonialism, the Indochina War, and into the complexities of modern-day Laos.
Now retired in Vientiane, Cooper expresses concern about reading habits among Lao youth. He notes that few young people embrace reading as a pathway to education and, by extension, the country’s economic development.
“In Laos, few people are able to read in English,” he notes. “Translating into the Lao language is a long process and often not worth doing because Lao people have very little to read in their own language; they even prefer to read Thai books.”
Despite this, Laos has made growing efforts to promote Lao-language literature. Events like the annual Vientiane Book Festival, held each November, aim to ignite a love of reading, especially among children and students.
While many young readers gravitate toward Thai books for their variety and professional quality—bolstered by Thailand’s larger publishing industry—others are turning their attention toward supporting local authors. Still, the road ahead remains challenging.
With only 15 to 20 publishing houses operating across the country, the Lao publishing industry is relatively small.
In a previous interview with the Laotian Times, writer and publisher Phoumpanya Douangpaseuth emphasized the need for stronger local support.
He urged readers to back Lao creators to help build a more self-sustaining literary culture.
Meanwhile, Laos continues to nurture its literary scene with the hope that more readers will turn to local authors and support homegrown stories.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/04/23/world-book-publishing-day-2025-laos-backs-local-authors-history/
Lao-Thai Health Project Trains More Than 1,170 Professionals Under Princess Sirindhorn’s Initiative
Over 1,170 Lao health professionals have been trained through a long-running initiative led by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand. Now nurturing a new generation of trainees, the project continues to play a vital role in strengthening Laos’ healthcare system.
Launched in 2000, the program has built the capacity of doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, nutritionists, public health workers, and administrators across the country. Its graduates now serve in hospitals, health departments, and training institutions in every province of Laos.
The initiative was inspired by Princess Sirindhorn’s visits to Laos beginning in 1990, during which she observed the country’s healthcare challenges firsthand. Recognizing the need for skilled human resources, she spearheaded the program to equip Lao professionals with the knowledge and tools required to deliver quality care and meet public health demands.
To mark 25 years of Thai-Lao collaboration, an academic conference was held in Vientiane on 22 April under the theme “Promoting Healthier Futures: 25 Years of Thai-Lao Collaboration in Medical and Public Health Capacity Building.”
Princess Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony. She emphasized the importance of scientific exchange and modern expertise in developing strong health systems. She highlighted that a healthy population is essential to national development, and medical personnel must be equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/04/23/lao-thai-health-project-trains-more-than-1170-professionals-under-princess-sirindhorns-initiative/
Luang Prabang Surges Past Tourism Goals with Over 1.1 Million Visitors, Fueling Economic Growth
Luang Prabang experienced a tourism boom in the first quarter of the year, generating USD 584,665,369 million in revenue, marking a 162 percent increase in tourist numbers compared to the same period last year.
Between January and March, the province welcomed 1,167,581 visitors, including 459,091 domestic travelers and 708,490 international tourists.
This represents a significant increase of 722,679 visitors year-over-year, according to Soudaphone Khomthavong, Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department.
In 2024, Luang Prabang saw a total of over 2.3 million tourists, far exceeding its original target of 900,000. This influx played a key role in driving the province’s GDP to LAK 3,989 billion (approximately USD 183 million), with an average income of USD 1,897 per person.
The province continues to focus on development in key areas such as education, infrastructure, and tourism.
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the province, a meeting was held on 21 April at the Luang Prabang Military Command to address the shortage of teachers and improve educational outcomes.
The session focused on identifying key challenges in human resource development and exploring practical solutions to support workforce growth across multiple sectors.
In February, Luang Prabang was officially declared a “poverty-free” and “comprehensively strong” city, reflecting significant strides in regional development.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/04/23/luang-prabang-surges-past-tourism-goals-with-over-1-1-million-visitors-fueling-economic-growth/
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/