Laos: Lao New Year events to take place nationwide April 14-16

Event

Laos will mark Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) nationwide April 14-16. Celebratory events will occur in public places like temples, parks, and streets, with revelers traditionally throwing water at each other and passersby. Popular event sites include Wat Inpeng, Wat Mixai, Wat Ong Teu, and Wat Si Muang in Vientiane, as well as Wat May Souvannapoumaram and Wat Xiengthong in Luang Prabang. Other major cities such as Pakse and Savannakhet are also likely to host large events. Public celebrations, such as parades and water fights, may attract tens of thousands of people in urban centers like Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Officials have declared April 17-18 a public holiday as a replacement for April 15-16, which falls on the weekend.

Authorities will likely increase security around places of worship and other celebration venues as a precaution. Localized transport disruptions are likely around major celebration sites. Increased congestion is likely at transport hubs and major highways throughout the country before, during, and after the holiday, as most Laotians will return to their provincial hometowns for Lao New Year. Public transport will probably be highly crowded. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, typically heightens during the holiday period.

Advice

Confirm all appointments and transport reservations April 14-18. Prepare for increased security and localized disruptions at event sites and transport hubs. Consider limiting road travel before, during, and after the holiday due to safety concerns. Drive defensively, especially on highways. Closely guard valuables in crowded areas. Follow all official instructions and carry proper identification at all times. Heed all official advisories and remain cooperative if stopped by authorities for security checks.