Luang Prabang Celebrates Local Culture with Traditional Boat Racing Festival

The traditional boat racing festival was held in Luang Prabang on September 11, 2026, attracting 27 racing boats from communities across the province and neighboring areas, creating a lively atmosphere along the Khan River as part of the Ho Khao Padap Din (Ancestor Memorial Festival). The festival, held in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, was attended by General Vilay Lakhamphong, Politburo Member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Central Party Committee, together with current and former leaders at central, provincial, city and district levels, invited guests and domestic and international visitors. Mr. Saveuy Silavanh, Mayor of Luang Prabang and Vice Chairman of the Festival Organizing Committee, officially opened the event, highlighting the long-standing cultural and traditional significance of the ninth-month boat racing festival on the Khan River. He said the festival reflects traditional ways of life and serves as an occasion for people to pay respect to and seek blessings from sacred spirits believed to protect communities and promote peace, prosperity and well-being. The boat races have been passed down through generations and remain an important cultural celebration for the people of Luang Prabang. This year’s competition featured two categories with 27 boats: 18 traditional boats and nine sport boats. Participants came from villages and local administrative areas in Luang Prabang, business units, Chomphet, Pak Ou and Ngoi districts, as well as Vientiane and Xayabouly provinces. The organizers called on the competition committee, officials, boat captains and rowers to follow the rules, uphold sportsmanship and work together to preserve and promote Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage. Following the opening ceremony, the races began with the traditional Nang Dam–Nang Don boat race, followed by the scheduled competitions. Both categories used a double-elimination format, allowing boats that lose once to continue through repechage rounds. The tournament was scheduled to conclude on the same day. Separately, a Lao-Chinese joint venture is preparing to develop a 330-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Xieng Khouang Province, with an estimated investment of US$202.95 million and construction targeted for completion in 2029. The Xe Lanong 1 Hydropower Dam in Savannakhet Province is scheduled to begin releasing water on September 12 in preparation for forecast heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to warn communities along the Banghiang River to take precautionary measures. The Lao Women’s Union (LWU), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with financial support from the Australian Government, is providing 1,400 dignity kits to women and girls affected by flooding in Khammouane, Luang Namtha and Bolikhamxay provinces. Luang Prabang Province 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. UNICEF’s Executive Board approved a new Country Programme Document for work with the Government of Lao PDR covering 2027 to 2031.