January Festivals
Bun Pha Wet: is celebrated both in temples around the city and in the homes of locals. The story of Prince Vessantara, believed to be Lord Buddha’s penultimate reincarnation is traditionally retold among friends and relatives and many young men are ordained into monkhood. February Festivals
Vietnamese Tet/Chinese New Year: this lunar calendar festival which is held at the same time in both Vietnam and China is celebrated enthusiastically in Vientiane with parties and fireworks. May Festivals
Boun Bang Fai: locals assemble to perform rites in the hope of encouraging the coming of the rain following the long dry spell and testing weather of the hot season. Live music, dancing and the launching of bamboo rockets are common in this May festival. August Festivals
Haw Khao Padap Din: locals come together to pay their respects to the souls of the deceased by making offerings at temples across the city. November Festivals
Boun That Luang: this nationwide festival is celebrated with enthusiasm in Vientiane and sees various Buddhists ceremonies performed with monks receiving alms and a procession between Wat Si Muang and Pha That Luang. The festival continues on into the night with live music and fireworks. December Festivals
Lao National Day: held on 2 December, this public holiday is celebrated with great fervour in Vientiane as locals are swept up in the nationalist atmosphere created by the hoisting of the both national and communist flags and the observance of a variety of festivities. | 
