Calendar of events - Visit Laos Year 2024

No matter what time of the year you visit Laos, you're sure to find some celebration happening.  The events are a great way to get involved, have fun, participate in or just watch the activities, learn about Lao culture and discover something new for yourself.

Image:  Lao culture collage

And not to mention, there's lots of people watching.  Lao people often joke about this that we often see more people than we do of the event activities itself.  These events bring out crowds.  So if you're not into crowded spaces, it might be best to sit these out.  On the other hand, if you're ready to see and experience the merriment, then dive in!

Here's your go to list.

• International New Year - 1 January 2024 (celebrated on New Year's Eve 31 December 2023)
• Hmong New Year (several provinces) - January 2024
• Phabath Phonsan Festival (Bolikhamsay) - 23-25 January 2024
• Lao Food Festival 2024 (Vientiane) - 23-27 January 2024
• Kapok Flower Festival (Bokeo) - 26-28 January 2024
• Elephant Festival (Xayaboury) - 12-18 February 2024
• Vientiane Performing Arts Festival 16-17 February 2024
• Wat Phou Festival (Champassak) - 22-24 February 2024
• Sikhottabong Stupa Festival (Khammouane) - 24 February 2024
• 5th Vientiane Book Festival 2024 (National University of Laos) - 27-31 March 2024
• Lao Traditional Dancing Competition (Vientiane) - 6 April 2024
• Lao New Year (country-wide) - 14-16 April 2024
• Lao New Year - Water Throwing Festival (country-wide) - 14-16 April 2024
• Lao New Year - Luang Prabang celebrations - 11-20 April 2024
• Rocket Festival / Boun Bang Fai (several provinces) - May 2024
• Start of Buddhist Lent / Kow Pansa (country-wide) - 20 July 2024
• Lao Fashion Week - 1-4 October 2024
• End of Buddhist Lent / Awk Pansa (country-wide) - 17 October 2024
• End of Buddhist Lent - Fire Boat Festival (Luangprabang) - 18 October 2024
• Boat Racing Festival / Boun Suang Heua (several provinces, most major cities along the Mekong River) - 17 October 2024 in Vientiane, 2 September 2024 in Luangprabang
• Khao Kai Noy Festival (Xieng Khouang) - November-December 2024
• Jieng Teung Stupa Festival (Luang Namtha) - November 2024
• 9th ASEAN Tradition Textile Symposium - 3-6 November 2024
• That Luang Festival (Vientiane) - 13-15 November 2024
• Buddhist Library Ceremony (Salavan) - 19-23 November 2024
• Wild Peach and Cherry Blossom Festival (Houaphan) - December 2024
• Ing Hang Stupa Festival (Savannakhet) - 15 December 2024

We'll continue to update this list as more dates and events are confirmed.  Feel free to comment below for any other events you think should be included.

Image: Wat Phu, Champassak, Laos

Last updated:  4 November, 2024