Pii Mai Lao (Lao New Year)

14 Apr 2013 - 16 Apr 2013
Place: Luang Prabang

Lao New Year is the biggest and most famous of the festivals in Laos, and is one of the Hid Sip Song (12 traditional festivals). The festival is also known as the water festival and it coincides with the end of the dry season and the start of the rains. Luang Prabang is rich in cultural traditions, and is a very popular destination for both international and domestic tourists and this time of year.

April 14th: This is the last day of the old year. In the afternoon, the Phra Phrome parade with people dressed as beautiful, heavenly beings, departs from Wat Xiengthong and makes it was along the peninsula to Wat Thad. The evening is traditionally spent cleansing Buddha images in the temples.

April 15th: Traditional people sepnd today visiting Moungkhoun Island to build sandcastles, and to set free birds and fish in order to gain good merit with the spirits for the upcoming year.

April 16th: On ‘New Year's Day' Bacci ceremonies abound - with people seeking forgiveness and blessings from parents and other elders. Kuang Si Waterfall, Pak Ou Caves and other scenic locations are very popular places to spend the afternoon.