Luang Prabang Pi Mai 2026 - Big Water Festival

Pi Mai Lao, the Lao New Year, is one of the most important cultural celebrations in Laos, and Luang Prabang is one of the best places to experience it. Traditionally marked by temple visits, Baci ceremonies, merit-making and the symbolic pouring of water over Buddha images and elders, the festival reflects renewal, good fortune and community spirit. In Luang Prabang, the celebration is especially meaningful because the old town's heritage setting gives the holiday a deeper cultural atmosphere.

For 2026, Luang Prabang will host a special 10-day Pi Mai Lao celebration from 11 to 20 April 2026. The program is being organized across the UNESCO-listed district with traditional activities, safety coordination and festival events throughout the city. The main highlights include the Nang Sangkhane pageant, the Hae Vor cultural procession, and the ceremonial bathing of the sacred Phra Bang Buddha image at the Luang Prabang National Museum.

The festival is also known for its lively and colorful public activities. Visitors can expect an elephant procession, sand stupa building at Don Say Moungkhoun, and local markets featuring traditional food and handicrafts. These elements make Pi Mai in Luang Prabang feel both festive and deeply rooted in local tradition, giving travelers many ways to see culture, religion and everyday life coming together in one destination.





Below is the schedule for this year Pi Mai in Luang Prabang:
Saturday, 11 April
19:30 Traditional exhibitions and open market fairs at That Luang Ground (old stadium)
19:30 First day of Nang Sangkhan beauty contest at That Luang Ground

Sunday, 12 April
19:30 Final day of Nang Sangkhan beauty contest at That Luang Ground
19:30 Exhibitions and traditional open market fairs continue

Monday, 13 April
07:30 Elephant procession "Chang Hieng Koei" from Wat Mai to Wat Xieng Thong

Tuesday, 14 April
06:00 Traditional local market fair "Loc Lat" from That Luang Ground to the National Museum
09:00 Buddha image watering ceremony at temples across Luang Prabang
13:00 Sand stupa building "Top Pha That Say" and Baci ceremony at Don Say Moung Khoun, Mekong River bank

Wednesday, 15 April
08:00 Textile exhibition at Ban Pha Nom with Tai Lue traditions and Baci ceremony
13:30 Luang Prabang New Year procession (Nang Sangkhan) from Wat That Noy to Wat Xieng Thong
18:00 Buddha image watering ceremony at all temples

Thursday, 16 April
05:30 Morning alms giving "Sai Bat" at Wat Sene and climb to Phou Si Mountain
13:30 Return procession from Wat Xieng Thong to Wat That Noy
19:00 Naga and lantern parade from Phou Si Mountain to National Museum pond with Ramayana performance

Friday, 17 April
07:30 - 08:30 Sacred "Prabang" Buddha image moved from National Museum to Wat Mai for public blessing
10:30 Visit to Pak Ou Cave for Buddha image blessing
19:00 Evening Buddha watering ceremony and Ramayana performance at Wat Mai

Saturday, 18 - Sunday, 19 April
08:00 - 23:00 Daily Buddha image watering and Ramayana performances at Wat Mai

Monday, 20 April
07:30 - 08:30 Return of the "Prabang" Buddha image to National Museum
Visiting Luang Prabang during Pi Mai offers a rare chance to experience living traditions, cultural ceremonies and festive celebrations across the UNESCO heritage town.