Laos is a country rich in cultural heritage and traditions, where festivals and holidays play a significant role in the lives of its people. The diverse celebrations, from New Year’s Day to National Day, reflect the deep-rooted values of family, community, and spirituality. These events provide opportunities for Lao people to come together, honor their customs, and look forward to the future with hope and gratitude.
Whether it’s the joyous water splashing during Pi Mai, the solemn reflections during Buddhist Lent, or the vibrant parades on National Day, each holiday is a unique expression of Lao identity and collective spirit. Here is a closer look at some of the public holidays in Laos in 2025.
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Public Holidays in Laos In 2025
The following is the list of public holidays in Laos in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2025 | Wednesday |
| International Women’s Day | Mar 08, 2025 | Saturday |
| Lao New Year | Apr 13, 2025 | Sunday |
| Lao New Year Holiday | Apr 14, 2025 | Monday |
| Lao New Year Holiday | Apr 15, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Visakhabousa Day | May 04, 2025 | Sunday |
| Khao Phansa | Jul 10, 2025 | Thursday |
| Lao Women Union’s Day | Jul 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Boun Ok Phansa | Oct 07, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Boat Racing Festival | Oct 08, 2025 | Wednesday |
| That Luang Festival | Nov 05, 2025 | Wednesday |
| National Day | Dec 02, 2025 | Tuesday |
New Year’s Day
In Laos, New Year’s Day on January 1st, like in many other countries, marks the start of the new year on the Gregorian calendar. It’s a time for new beginnings, setting goals, and feeling hopeful. Families and friends celebrate with festive meals, traditional Lao dishes, and good wishes.
Many people make New Year’s resolutions to improve themselves or help their community. In the capital city, Vientiane, there may be public celebrations with fireworks and music. Some people visit temples to pray for good luck in the coming year. Cleaning and decorating homes is also common, symbolizing a fresh start.
Although not a traditional Lao holiday, New Year’s Day has become a cherished time for reflection, gratitude, and optimism for the future.
Lao New Year
Lao New Year, known as Pi Mai or Songkran, is one of Laos’s most important holidays. It usually happens in mid-April, marking the end of the summer dry season and the start of the rainy season. This three-day festival celebrates Lao culture and community with joy. People clean their homes, and Buddha images in temples to symbolize purification.
A highlight is the water festival, where people splash water on each other to bless good luck and wash away bad luck. Parades, traditional music, and dance fill the streets. Families gather for feasts with special dishes like “laap” (spicy meat salad) and sticky rice.
It’s also a time to show respect to elders and monks. The holiday embodies Lao values of family, respect, and community harmony.
Lao New Year Holiday
The Lao New Year Holiday extends the main Lao New Year celebrations, allowing more time to enjoy traditions. It’s a time for family reunions, with many people traveling back to their hometowns.
Children and grandchildren honor parents and grandparents by tying sacred threads around their wrists and pouring scented water over their hands, asking for blessings. Community activities include traditional games, dance performances, and beauty pageants. Some visit temples to release fish or birds to make merit.
The extra holiday underscores the festival’s importance in Lao culture, providing ample time to connect with loved ones and celebrate.
Labour Day
Labour Day, observed on May 1st in Laos, honors workers’ contributions to the country’s development. It’s part of the global International Workers’ Day. In Laos, this day is significant for the growing workforce in sectors like agriculture, textiles, and services. Government officials might give speeches acknowledging workers’ roles.
Some cities organize parades or rallies where workers march with banners representing their trades. Many businesses and government offices close, giving workers a day off to rest or participate in community events. Labour Day in Laos highlights the dignity of work and the importance of fair labor practices.
Visakhabousa Day
Visakhabousa Day, also known as Vesak or Buddha Day, is one of the holiest days in Buddhism, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha. In Laos, where Theravada Buddhism is predominant, this day is deeply spiritual.
People visit temples early to offer food to monks and listen to sermons. They release lanterns into the sky or float them on rivers, symbolizing the light of Buddha’s teachings. Many practice extra generosity by giving alms to the needy.
Homes, and temples are decorated in festival with flowers and flags. In the evening, candlelit processions circle temples. Visakhabousa Day encourages reflection on Buddhist teachings like compassion and mindfulness.
Khao Phansa
Khao Phansa marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent, a three-month period during the rainy season. It usually falls in July or August. During this time, monks stay in temples to study and meditate, mirroring Buddha’s retreat during the monsoon. In Laos, it’s a time of increased spiritual devotion.
Many young men temporarily become monks to gain merit for their families and learn about Buddhism. People offer monks robes, candles, and other necessities. Some Buddhists abstain from meat, alcohol, or other indulgences. Temples are active with teachings and rituals. The holiday emphasizes self-discipline, learning, and spiritual growth.
Lao Women Union’s Day
Lao Women Union’s Day, celebrated on July 20th, honors women’s contributions to Lao society and the fight for gender equality. The Lao Women’s Union, established in 1955, advocates for women’s rights, education, and economic empowerment.
Events highlight women’s achievements in politics, business, and community development. Schools and workplaces hold discussions on gender issues. Women often receive flowers or small presents.
The holiday raises awareness about challenges women face, such as domestic violence and limited access to education. It’s a day to celebrate progress and inspire future generations to continue striving for equality.
Boun Ok Phansa
Boun Ok Phansa, or the Festival of Light, marks the end of Buddhist Lent, usually in October, coinciding with the full moon. After three months of study and meditation, monks are free to leave temples. People welcome them with alms and new robes.
A unique tradition is boat racing on the Mekong River, symbolizing the end of the rainy season. In the evening, people release small banana leaf boats with candles, incense, and flowers onto rivers, carrying away bad luck. The night sky glows with lanterns. It’s a joyous time with music, dance, and feasts, celebrating spiritual renewal and community unity.
Boat Racing Festival
The Boat Racing Festival, part of Boun Ok Phansa celebrations, is a thrilling event in Laos. The races have deep cultural roots, believed to please water spirits and ensure good harvests. Each boat, decorated with traditional designs, carries up to 50 rowers paddling in unison.
The festival atmosphere is lively with music, food stalls, and games. It’s more than a sport; it’s a display of teamwork, village pride, and Lao resilience. The festival draws locals and tourists alike, showcasing Lao culture’s vibrant spirit.
That Luang Festival
That Luang Festival, held in November, is a grand religious and national celebration in Laos. It centers around Pha That Luang, a golden stupa in Vientiane believed to house a Buddha relic. The stupa symbolizes Lao sovereignty and Buddhism.
The festival lasts several days, starting with a colorful candlelit procession. Thousands of monks from across Laos gather to chant and receive alms. Pilgrims walk around the stupa, offering flowers and prayers.
The festival grounds are busy with traditional performances, markets selling handicrafts, and food stalls. A highlight is the “wax castle” procession, where devotees carry intricate wax structures to the temple. The festival ends with fireworks and a grand finale, blending religious devotion, national pride, and community spirit.
National Day
Laos celebrates National Day on December 2nd, marking the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975. It signifies the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the current government.
The day is filled with patriotic displays. In Vientiane and other cities, streets are decorated with national flags and banners. Parades feature marching bands and floats showcasing Lao culture and achievements. Government leaders give speeches highlighting progress in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Schools and community centers organize cultural performances or exhibitions on Lao history.
Families often gather for meals, and sometimes watch fireworks in the evening. National Day is a time for Lao people to reflect on their history, celebrate their identity, and look forward to their nation’s future.