Calendar of Events
Lao New Year is an immensely interesting time for those who love Luang Prabang's traditions and culture. But with so many events happening it is often hard to know where to be next. This page provides an calendar of the main events each day.
|
New Year -5 & -4 Days [11th & 12th April 2025]
7pm - 11pm The Nang Sangkhan contest is held at That Luang Park over two consecutive nights |
|
|
New Year -3 Days [13th April 2025]
7am - 9am The elephant procession marches from Vat Mai to Vat Xieng Thong 8.00 am Ceremony at Vat Aham to open Phou Ngeu Nya Ngeu costumes |
|
|
New Year -2 Days End of the Old Year [14th April 2025]
Meu Sangkhan Long (ມື້ສັງຂານລ່ອງ) 7am Lat Lo market on Sisavangvong Road 12pm - 11pm Water splashing on central Sisavangvong Rd and other areas 12pm - 5pm Celebrations on Don Xay Khoun Island 4pm - 5pm Phou Ngeu Nya Ngeu collect water from the Nam Khan |
|
|
New Year -1 Day (Stop Day, Meu Nau) [15th April 2025]
Meu Sangkhan Nau (ມື້ສັງຂານເນົາ) [Note: Some years have two stop days e.g. 2024. In this case there are no events on the second Meu Nau] 8am -10am Tai Lue dancing and crafts display at Ban Phanom School 12pm - 11pm Water splashing on central Sisavangvong Rd and other areas 1pm - 4pm Nang Sangkhan procession from Vat Maha That to Vat Xieng Thong |
|
|
New Year's Day (Meu Pimai) [16th April 2025]
Meu Sangkhan Keun Pimai (ມື້ສັງຂານຂຶ້ນປີໃໝ່) 6am Alms giving with V.I.P.'s at Vat Sene Soukharam 7am Climbing Phousi for offerings at That Chomsi 12pm - 11pm Water splashing on central Sisavangvong Rd and other areas 1pm - 4pm Nang Sangkhan procession from Vat Xieng Thong to Vat Maha That 7pm - 10pm Phra Nak Srisatanak descends from Phousi followed by Phra Lak Phra Lam dancing at the former royal palace 7pm - 9pm Phou Ngeu Nya Ngeu pay respects at Vat Visoun |
|
|
-New Year +1 Day [17th April 2025]
7am - 9am The Prabang is moved from the Ho Prabang to Vat Mai 9am - 10am V.I.P.'s begin the aspersion of the Prabang, ritual pouring of water over the Buddha image. Over the next 3 days thousands will come to pay their respects. 1pm - 5pm Nang Sangkhan travel to Pak Ou to pay respects at Tam Ting caves and Vat Pak Ou 4pm - 5pm Phou Ngeu Nya Ngeu pay respects outside Vat Aham. The next morning they will be returned to their boxes. |
|
|
New Year +4 Day [20th April 2025]
9am The Prabang is returned from Vat Mai to the Ho Prabang |
|