A local guide to That Luang festival - 5 things you shouldn't miss out

Beyond its grandeur, the That Luang Festival echoes profoundly with the spiritual heart of Laos. Held annually at the iconic Pha That Luang, it commemorates the sacred relics of the Buddha housed within its golden stupa. Over three days, thousands gather for heartfelt merit-making and vibrant cultural traditions. What are the stories behind these rituals, and how can visitors fully experience this unique celebration?

Let us journey through the history, importance, and highlights of Laos' most special Buddhist festival in this guide…

Written by Trang Nguyen (Local Expert) Updated on 16-12-2024

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Table of contents

When is That Luang Festival celebrated?
What makes it so important?
What happens in the 3 days of That Luang festival?
Top things to do during That Luang festival
Dos and Don’ts at That Luang Festival
Frequently asked questions

When is That Luang Festival celebrated?

That Luang Festival, or Boun Pha That Luang, occurs annually between late October and mid-November, aligning with the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. In 2025, it will be celebrated from November 3rd to 5th. The festival is held primarily at two locations: Wat Si Muang on the first evening and Pha That Luang over the following two days.

What makes it so important?

Pha That Luang, Laos’ most iconic and spiritually significant monument, stands as a testament to the nation’s resilience and deep-rooted faith. Believed to house sacred relics of Buddha, including a strand of his hair and a fragment of his breastbone, the stupa’s history reflects the spiritual evolution of Laos.

pha that luang

Originally a 3rd-century Hindu temple, it was converted to a Buddhist site in the 13th century by the Khmer and later reconstructed in the 16th century by the King of Luang Prabang. Despite repeated destruction by invading forces, the French restored the stupa in the early 1900s, with further reconstruction continuing post-WWII. Today, Pha That Luang stands as a revered symbol of Lao culture, faith, and unity. (Read more about Pha Thang Luang)

The stupa’s significance is celebrated annually during the That Luang Festival, which is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and cultural identity of the Lao people.

Centered around Pha That Luang, this vibrant event features religious ceremonies, cultural performances, and communal activities that unite the nation. The festival symbolizes the enduring bond between Buddhist teachings and the Lao community, showcasing unity and devotion that transcend generations.

Participants gather to offer incense and flowers, praying for peace, prosperity, and happiness, reaffirming the sacred connection between Pha That Luang and the spirit of Laos.

What happens in the 3 days of That Luang festival?

Day one: Candlelight procession

The festival begins at Wat Si Muang with a candlelight procession featuring wax castles (Phasat Pheung). As sunset approaches on this first evening, devotees gather for prayers and offerings. The atmosphere is filled with devotion as participants carry their intricately designed wax castles adorned with flowers and candles.

boun pha that luang — *The festival begins at Wat Si Muang with a candlelight procession featuring wax castles (Phasat Pheung)*

One of the main highlights of this day is the procession of Phase Phueng, which is a ceremonial structure made from foam and decorated with vibrant yellow beeswax flowers. Atop this structure are nine white lotus flowers symbolizing purity.

Surrounding it are garlands made from flowers or paper money, similar to traditions seen in Vietnam where offerings are made for deceased ancestors.

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a phasat phueng — *One of the main highlights of this day is the procession of Phase Phueng*

During this procession, participants carry Phasat Phueng around Pha That Luang three times before stopping at a designated area where monks receive their offerings in a solemn ceremony.

Day two: Main celebrations

On the second day, crowds flock to Pha That Luang with their wax castles for a grand procession around the Golden Stupa. This day serves as a focal point for family gatherings and cultural events throughout Vientiane. Families come together to celebrate their heritage while engaging in various activities around the stupa.

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The atmosphere is vibrant with traditional music performances, food stalls offering local delicacies like Khao Poun (rice noodle soup), and cultural exhibitions showcasing Laotian crafts and heritage.

This day also features the Xaybath ceremony, where thousands of monks receive offerings from devotees who come from all corners of Laos. The sense of community is palpable as families unite to celebrate their culture.

Day three: Almsgiving and reflection

The final day begins before sunrise with Tak Bat or Sai Bat (monks' almsgiving). This ritual involves participants presenting offerings of food to monks while receiving blessings in return. It is a time for spiritual reflection and honoring ancestors through prayers and offerings.

Later in the morning, families gather on the temple grounds surrounding Pha That Luang for traditional picnics. This communal gathering fosters a sense of unity among attendees as they share food and stories.

As night falls on this final day of festivities, another candlelight procession takes place around the stupa under a full moon. Devotees walk three times clockwise around Pha That Luang while carrying incense and candles as an act of devotion. (Read more: The 10 Most Extraordinary Temples in Laos )

that luang festival laos

Top things to do during That Luang festival

Cultural exhibitions: You can discover traditional village life through engaging folk heritage displays.
Live performances: Enjoy lively traditional music performed with local instruments, adding excitement to the celebrations.

Lao musical instrument Khaen declared humanity’s heritage
Watching Tikhy (Laos hockey game): Played between the red team (officials) and white team (farmers), it consists of three rounds lasting 20–30 minutes each. According to folklore, if the officials win, it foretells unrest and hardship, so the farmers’ team always triumphs.

Beyond its playful nature, Tikhy represents prayers for peace, good harvests, unity, and prosperity, embodying the collective spirit of harmony and resilience in Lao culture.

tikhy laos — *Beyond its playful nature, Tikhy represents prayers for peace, good harvests, unity, and prosperity*

Food stalls: You should try traditional Lao dishes like sticky rice (Khao Niew), spicy pepper dip (Jaew Bong), sun-dried pork (Muu Haeng), herbal pork sausage (Sai Oua), green mango salad (Tam Muk Muang), and crispy coconut rice (Naem Khao).
Fireworks: Marvel at the spectacular fireworks that light up the night sky over Vientiane.

watching fireworkds in laos

Moreover, Boun That Luang features trade fairs where you can find products from domestic artisans and neighboring countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. These fairs not only highlight local craftsmanship but also support economic recovery, and give visitors a chance to appreciate the region’s creativity and resilience.

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Dos and Don’ts at That Luang Festival

Dress modestly: Women are encouraged to wear traditional Lao skirts (sinh) when attending ceremonies. Visitors wearing trousers or shorts can rent a long skirt for a small fee. Hats and shoes are not allowed when entering sacred spaces, including the Grand Stupa, to honor its sanctity.
Respect sacred spaces: Maintain quiet during rituals and avoid taking photos unless explicitly allowed.
Participate respectfully: Engage in activities with mindfulness and respect for local customs and traditions.
Learn basic Lao phrases: Familiarizing yourself with a few Lao phrases can enrich your interactions with locals and enhance your experience.

Familiarizing yourself with a few Lao phrases
Stay hydrated: Bring water to stay refreshed, especially during crowded and sunny festival days.
Don’t point your feet: When sitting, ensure your feet are not pointing toward Buddha statues or monks, as it is seen as disrespectful.
Be mindful of your belongings, as large crowds may attract pickpockets.
Avoid crowded spots like Sakkaline Road; instead, choose quieter locations recommended by your hotel.
Sit low, keeping your head below the monks’, and avoid touching their robes.
Lower your eyes and head while giving alms.
Refrain from taking photos of yourself; any photography should be done discreetly from a distance of at least 5 yards.

that luang festival

Frequently asked questions

1. Can tourists participate in all activities?

- Yes, tourists are welcome but should respect local customs.

2. Is there an entry fee for attending the festival?

- Generally no entry fee for public areas; some specific events may have fees.

3. What should I know about local customs?

- Be mindful of local traditions regarding dress codes when visiting temples or participating in religious ceremonies.

My last words

I hope this guide inspires you to experience the true essence of the That Luang Festival, a vibrant celebration of spirituality, culture, and community. If you have any questions or need assistance planning your visit to this festival, feel free to reach out. Let me know what you think!