Vientiane Festivals and Activities

Vientiane is the capital city of Laos. There are a lot of festivals, events and activities you can enjoy and participate in Vientiane.

Festivals

Here are some major festivals in Vientiane:

That Luang Festival

This festival celebrates the most important religious site in Laos, the That Luang Stupa. The festival takes place in November during the full moon and includes a grand procession with monks and laypeople, traditional dances, and music performances. There are also food stalls and games. The highlight of the festival is the candlelit procession around the That Luang Stupa.

Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)

This festival is a time-honored tradition in Laos and is celebrated in May to mark the start of the rainy season. It is believed that launching homemade rockets into the sky will help bring rain. The festival includes music and dance performances, as well as a beauty contest and other competitions. The rocket launching is the highlight of the festival and can be quite spectacular.

Lao New Year

This is one of the biggest festivals in Laos and is celebrated in mid-April. It is a time of great joy and renewal, with water fights, parades, and traditional ceremonies to wash away bad luck from the past year. People also visit temples to make offerings and receive blessings.

Boat Racing Festival

This festival takes place in October or November and features traditional boat races on the Mekong River. The boats are decorated in bright colors and designs, and the races are fiercely competitive. There is also traditional music and dance, as well as food stalls and other activities.

Lao Food Festival

This festival is a celebration of Lao cuisine and takes place in November. There are food stalls selling a wide variety of Lao dishes, cooking demonstrations, and traditional music and dance performances. It is a great opportunity to try new foods and learn more about Lao culture.

National Day

This holiday commemorates Laos' independence from France in 1953. The celebrations include parades, speeches, and cultural performances throughout the country. In Vientiane, there are usually ceremonies held at the Lao National Museum and the That Luang Stupa.

Events

Here are some major events in Vientiane:

Vientiane International Half Marathon

This event takes place in March and attracts runners from all over the world. The route goes through the city, passing by many of the city's landmarks. It is a great way to see Vientiane and participate in a healthy and fun activity.

ASEAN Summits

Vientiane has hosted several ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summits, which are meetings held among the leaders of the ASEAN member countries. The most recent ASEAN Summit in Vientiane was in 2016.

Vientiane Trade Fair

Vientiane Trade Fair usually takes place in November in order to to showcase Lao products, and instill pride in Laotian workers from near and far.

That Dam Bike Ride

The That Dam Bike Ride is a monthly event that takes place on the night of the full moon. Participants ride their bikes through the streets of Vientiane, starting and ending at the That Dam (Black Stupa) monument.

National Games

The National Games are held every two years in Laos and bring together athletes from across the country to compete in a variety of sports.

Lao Handicraft Festival

This festival is a showcase of traditional Lao handicrafts and takes place annually in December. Visitors can see artisans at work, purchase handmade goods, and enjoy traditional Lao music and dance performances.

Activities

Here are some activities that you may want to enjoy in Vientiane:

Visiting the Buddha Park

Also known as Xieng Khuan, the Buddha Park is a fascinating attraction with more than 200 statues depicting Buddhist and Hindu deities, including a giant 40-meter long reclining Buddha statue. The park is located on the banks of the Mekong River, and visitors can enjoy a picnic, take a boat ride, or try some local snacks while admiring the statues.

Exploring the Pha That Luang

This gold-covered Buddhist stupa is considered the most important national monument in Laos and is a symbol of the country's Buddhism and sovereignty. The stupa has a unique architecture, with a central stupa surrounded by smaller stupas and a large cloister. Visitors can admire the intricate carvings, murals, and Buddha images, and learn about the stupa's significance.

Taking a Stroll along the Mekong River

The Mekong River is a major landmark in Vientiane, and walking along the riverbank offers great views of the city and the river. Visitors can see local fishermen, vendors, and families enjoying the river. In the evening, the riverbank transforms into a night market with food stalls, handicrafts, and live music.

Visiting the Patuxai Victory Monument

This monument was built to commemorate Laos' independence from France in 1954 and is also known as the "Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane". Visitors can climb to the top of the monument to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The monument is adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and murals that depict Laos' history and culture.

Visiting the COPE Visitor Centre

COPE (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise) is a local NGO that provides prosthetic and rehabilitation services to UXO (unexploded ordnance) survivors in Laos. The visitor center offers educational exhibits, videos, and displays that raise awareness about the impact of UXO on Laos' population and the work being done to remove it. Visitors can learn about the history of the conflict in Laos, the clearance efforts, and the rehabilitation of survivors.

Trying Local Street Food

Vientiane has a vibrant street food scene, and trying some of the local dishes is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Some popular dishes include laap (a minced meat salad with herbs and spices), khao jee (a French-style baguette sandwich), and khao piak sen (a rice noodle soup with meat and herbs).

Taking a Tour of the City on a Bicycle

Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore Vientiane's landmarks and hidden gems. Some popular stops include the Presidential Palace, the Haw Phra Kaew temple, and the That Dam stupa. Visitors can also cycle through the quiet backstreets, see the local markets, and get a glimpse of the daily life in the city.

Visiting the Wat Si Saket

This temple is one of the oldest in Vientiane, and its unique architecture and thousands of Buddha images make it a must-visit attraction. The temple was built in the Siamese style in the 19th century and survived the wars and invasions that destroyed many other temples in the city. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the carvings, the colorful murals, and the thousands of Buddha images that adorn the walls.

Relaxing in One of the City’s Many Parks

Vientiane has several parks where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Chao Anouvong Park is a popular park that is located on the banks of the Mekong River, while the Buddha Park is a great place to see sculptures and enjoy a picnic.

Visiting the Talat Sao Market

Talat Sao Market is a popular market in Vientiane where you can buy souvenirs, local handicrafts, and try some local snacks. The market has a variety of vendors selling everything from clothing to electronics, and it is a great place to bargain for a good deal.