The list of Lao public holidays below shows both official and non-official, but widely observed, Lao public holidays which are considered significant as some businesses, embassies in Laos and Lao government offices might be closed on these days.
On these public holidays government offices are shut as are businesses and banks, so make sure all your visa needs or travel arrangements are not urgent, particularly over the Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) holiday in April. If the holidays fall on a weekend day, often the Monday following will be the designated holiday.
1 January, Monday |
International New Year's Day |
20 January, Saturday |
National Military Day |
16 February, Friday |
Chinese/Vietnamese Lunar New Year |
8 March, Thursday |
International Women's Day |
22 March, Thursday |
Lao People's Revolutionary Party Day |
14-16 April, Sat-Mon |
Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) |
1 May, Tuesday |
International Labor Day |
1 June, Friday |
International Children's Day & National Tree Planting Day |
20 July, Thursday |
Lao National Women's day |
27 July, Friday |
Khao Phansa Festival |
15 August, Wednesday |
National Constitution Day |
9 September, Sunday |
Boat Racing Festival in Luang Prabang |
24 September, Monday |
Boun Hor Khao Salak Festival |
7 October, Sunday |
National Teacher's Day |
12 October, Friday |
Independence Day |
24 October, Wednesday |
Awk Pansa Festival |
25 October, Thursday |
Boat Racing Festival in Vientiane » Read more |
22 November, Thursday |
That Luang Festival » Read more |
2 December, Sunday |
Lao National Day |
Note: Variation may occur because some holidays are based on Buddhist calendar.
Happy Lao Holidays!