This is a full moon ceremony ending the rainy season of monastic seclusion (Phansa).
Monks who were ordained during this period leave the temple and rejoin their families. The festival also involves launching candle-lit offerings on the river at night.
Temples throughout Luang Prabang, Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers.
Celebrated on October 29th 2024
Boun Lai Heua Fai
Celebrated on October 30th.2024
This is a festival to ask the nagas (water spirits) to bring good luck. Each village makes and decorates a boat which are then paraded through town and at night launched onto the river and ceremonially set on fire as offerings to the spirits. Flowers are also scattered onto the river to prevent bad luck and thank the water spirits.
Throughout Luang Prabang.
Click here to see a video about the Light Boat Festival Video