Luang Prabang Opens Traditional Market Ahead of Festivals

Luang Prabang Province has opened the "Lor Lad" public market on September 10, 2026, as part of activities marking the traditional Rice-Offering Festival (Boun Hor Khao Padap Din) and the 9th Month Traditional Boat Racing Festival. The opening ceremony in Luang Prabang City was attended by central, provincial and municipal leaders, former officials, local residents and international guests. Among those present were General Vilay Lakhamphong, Politburo Member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Prime Minister; and Bounleum Manivong, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, President of National Assembly Constituency 6 and President of the Luang Prabang Provincial People’s Council. The market brings together vendors and traders from Luang Prabang, other provinces and neighbouring countries, with a wide range of agricultural products, handicrafts, industrial goods, clothing, non-timber forest products, household items, food, beverages and seasonal fruits. Vienvilay Dee-raphanh, Vice President of the Provincial Administration Committee and Chairwoman of the Organising Committee for the 2026 Boun Hor Khao Padap Din and Boat Racing Festival, said this year’s event had been expanded to include boat teams and rowers from other provinces, while local residents were encouraged to showcase and sell their products. Authorities have designated specific trading areas along the market route to maintain order and facilitate access for visitors. Activities related to the festival have been held since September 1, with the overall programme aimed at preserving local traditions and cultural practices. The Lor Lad market occupies the central section of Sisavangvong Road, from the Phousy–Ban Choumkhong intersection in front of the Royal Palace Museum (Ho Kham) to the That Luang Courtyard. Many of the products on sale are also used to prepare traditional offerings for Boun Hor Khao Padap Din. The festival will take place on September 11, the 14th waning day of the lunar month. At 6:00 a.m., Party and State leaders will join local residents in offering alms to monks and novices in front of Wat Sensoukharam. At 9:00 a.m., the traditional boat racing competition will begin at the boat racing pavilion (Pham Xay) in Ban Xieng Thong-Khiri, bringing together local residents, visitors and participating boat teams for a full day of competition. The annual celebrations combine religious and cultural traditions with opportunities to promote local products, support community commerce and strengthen cultural ties among residents and visitors to Luang Prabang. Information Source: KPL Laos News