Dates: 11 to 20 April 2025.
Sisavangvong Road (Main Street) – Join the wildest water fights and street parties.
Mekong River Banks – Build sand stupas and enjoy the riverside celebrations.
Wat Xieng Thong & Other Temples – Participate in traditional Buddhist ceremonies.
1. Buddhist Rituals & Blessings
- Locals visit temples to offer alms, pour water on Buddha statues, and pray for good fortune.
- The Prabang Buddha statue, the city's most sacred relic, is taken from the Royal Palace Museum and displayed at Wat Mai for public blessings.
- Many people also clean their homes to remove bad luck from the past year.
- The city turns into a giant water festival, similar to Songkran in Thailand.
- Locals and tourists throw water at each other to wash away the past year's bad luck and welcome fresh beginnings.
- Expect buckets of water, water guns, and even elephants spraying water in the streets!
3. Sand Stupas Along the Mekong
- People build small sand stupas (Tee Pha Sat) on the riverbanks, decorating them with flowers, flags, and candles for good luck.
- This is a symbolic offering to spirits and an act of merit-making.
4. Nang Sangkhan Beauty Contest & Parades
- One of the most famous events is the Miss Pi Mai Lao (Nang Sangkhan) beauty contest, where young women dress in traditional Lao silk costumes and are judged on grace and beauty.
- Colorful parades with dancers, drummers, and mythical creatures (like the naga) fill the streets.
- Temples and public spaces host traditional Lao dance performances, cultural shows, and live music.
- Local markets and food stalls sell delicious Lao specialties, including khao niew (sticky rice), laap (minced meat salad), and tropical fruit shakes.
- The entire city is decorated with flowers and lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
Best Places to Celebrate in Luang Prabang:
Wat Mai & Royal Palace Museum – See the sacred Prabang Buddha statue.Sisavangvong Road (Main Street) – Join the wildest water fights and street parties.
Mekong River Banks – Build sand stupas and enjoy the riverside celebrations.
Wat Xieng Thong & Other Temples – Participate in traditional Buddhist ceremonies.