Laos: Lao New Year events to take place nationwide April 13-16

Laos will mark Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) nationwide April 13-16. 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 the Royal Palace Museum (National Museum), Wat May Souvannapoumaram, and Wat Xiengthong in Luang Prabang. Other major cities, such as Pakse and Savannakhet, will also likely host large events. Public events featuring parades and water fights may attract tens of thousands in urban centers like Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Officials have declared April 17-18 as public holidays.

Authorities will likely increase security around places of worship and other celebration venues as a precaution. The use and possession of fireworks and explosives, as well as the consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages near temples, have been prohibited. Localized transport disruptions are probable around major celebration sites. Authorities will deploy over 700 security personnel nationwide to facilitate traffic; officials will ban vehicular access to Mekong Riverbank. 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. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, typically heightens during the holiday period.