Laos Public Holidays 2026: Dates, Festivals & Long Weekends

Laos’ 2026 public holiday calendar gives locals and travellers plenty of chances to enjoy cultural festivals, temple ceremonies, family gatherings, and short getaways. From the joyful water celebrations of Pi Mai Lao to the spiritual atmosphere of That Luang Festival, 2026 is a great year to experience the country’s traditions while planning smart long weekends.

The holiday dates below follow the Laos calendar listed by PublicHolidays.asia, with an additional note that some sources also list 9 March 2026 as the observed day off for International Women’s Day because 8 March falls on a Sunday.

List of 2026 Laos Public Holidays

Here’s the list of Laos public holidays in 2026. Mark these dates early to plan temple visits, family trips, festival experiences, or relaxing staycations.

Source: PublicHolidays.asia Laos 2026 calendar, with cross-reference from Timeanddate and Office Holidays for observed dates.

Travel note: Buddhist and local festival dates can sometimes vary by city or final local announcement, especially for boat racing events, so travellers should recheck dates before booking transport or accommodation.

Plan Your Long Weekends in 2026: Leave Hacks for More Breaks

Want to make the most out of your holidays? By taking strategic annual leave, you can stretch single-day holidays into longer breaks.

New Year’s Day, 1 Jan, Thu → Take leave on 2 Jan for a 4-day break.

International Women’s Day, 8–9 Mar, Sun–Mon → Enjoy a natural 3-day weekend if the observed holiday applies.

Lao New Year, 14–16 Apr, Tue–Thu → Take leave on 13 Apr and 17 Apr for up to a 9-day holiday.

Labour Day, 1 May, Fri → Enjoy a natural 3-day weekend.

Visakhabousa Day, 15 May, Fri → Perfect for a peaceful 3-day break.

Children’s Day, 1 Jun, Mon → Enjoy a natural 3-day weekend.

Boun Ok Phansa & Boat Racing Festival, 5–6 Oct, Mon–Tue → Take leave on 7–9 Oct for a longer festival holiday.

National Day, 2 Dec, Wed → Take leave on 3–4 Dec for a 5-day break.

How Many Public Holidays in Laos for 2026?

Laos has a compact but meaningful public holiday calendar, combining national holidays, Buddhist observances, and cultural festivals. Depending on whether you count multi-day holidays and observed days separately, the 2026 calendar includes around a dozen key holiday dates, with Lao New Year being one of the biggest multi-day celebrations.

Lao New Year, 14–16 Apr

Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai Lao, is one of the most important celebrations in Laos. It is celebrated with water blessings, temple visits, family gatherings, music, food, and joyful street celebrations. PublicHolidays.asia lists Lao New Year 2026 from 14 to 16 April.

✅ Activity: Visit Luang Prabang or Vientiane to enjoy water celebrations, temple rituals, and local New Year traditions.

Visakhabousa Day, 15 May

Visakhabousa Day is an important Buddhist holiday that honours the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. It is usually observed with temple visits, prayers, offerings, and candlelit ceremonies.

✅ Activity: Visit a local temple respectfully, dress modestly, and experience the calm spiritual atmosphere.

Boun Khao Phansa, 13 Jul

Boun Khao Phansa marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent, a period when monks traditionally remain in monasteries during the rainy season. It is a meaningful time for merit-making and temple offerings.

✅ Activity: Join local families in temple offerings or observe morning almsgiving in Luang Prabang.

Boun Ok Phansa & Boat Racing Festival, 5–6 Oct

Boun Ok Phansa marks the end of Buddhist Lent and is followed by lively boat racing events. In 2026, PublicHolidays.asia lists Boun Ok Phansa on 5 October and the Boat Racing Festival on 6 October. The Boat Racing Festival is especially associated with Vientiane, although races and celebrations can take place in different riverside communities.

✅ Activity: Watch longboat races along the Mekong River and enjoy local markets, food stalls, and community celebrations.

That Luang Festival, 24 Nov

That Luang Festival is one of Laos’ most important Buddhist festivals, centred around the golden Pha That Luang stupa in Vientiane. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, 24 November. The festival usually includes religious ceremonies, offerings, processions, and cultural performances.

✅ Activity: Visit Pha That Luang in Vientiane to experience one of Laos’ most iconic spiritual celebrations.

National Day, 2 Dec

Lao National Day is celebrated every year on 2 December. It commemorates the creation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975 and is marked with national pride, official ceremonies, flags, and public celebrations.

✅ Activity: Stay in Vientiane or another major city to see national decorations and local celebrations.

How to Make the Most of Your 2026 Holidays in Laos

Maximise long weekends by planning annual leave around Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday holidays. Book hotels and transport early for major festivals such as Lao New Year, That Luang Festival, and Boat Racing Festival, as popular destinations can get busy.

For short trips, consider Luang Prabang for temples and culture, Vientiane for festivals and riverside events, Vang Vieng for nature, or Pakse for southern Laos adventures. Bring modest clothing for temple visits, keep some Lao kip cash for markets and local transport, and stay connected with a local SIM card or eSIM for maps, translation, and travel updates.

With its mix of spiritual festivals, cultural celebrations, and national holidays, Laos in 2026 offers many opportunities to rest, travel, and experience the country’s warm community spirit. Start planning early to make every long weekend count.