Celebrating Boun Pi Mai Lao – A New Year Dawns in Laos

The traditional Lao New Year or Boun Pi Mai Lao will take place next month and is one of the most eagerly anticipated holidays for locals. The festival runs from 14th to 16th April, though in cities like Luang Prabang the festivities can go on for much longer. Hotels in the area the likes of Avani+ Luang Prabang provide special deals during this period giving tourists the chance to experience traditional festivities and sample local delicacies at onsite Luang Prabang restaurants.

Boun Pi Mai Lao unites families and communities; it is a time of renewal and purification as well and is very much linked with water. Buddhist statues and images are cleaned with sacred water, while it is common to also see people engage in water splashing and friendly water fights. Grand processions with locals dressed in traditional costumes, ceremonies at the Mekong River and beauty pageants are amongst the other highlights.