Laos · Lao festivals
Lao New Year (Boun Pi Mai) in Luang Prabang
In mid-April, Luang Prabang turns into a giant water fight. What Pi Mai means, how it is celebrated, and how to enjoy it as a traveller.
When
Mid-April
Length
Several days
The symbol
Water that purifies
Where to see it
Luang Prabang
Every year in mid-April, Laos celebrates Pi Mai, its New Year. In Luang Prabang, that means a huge water fight: buckets, water pistols, garden hoses, everyone joins in and nobody stays dry. But behind the party is a tradition full of meaning.
Pi Mai in Luang Prabang
Mid-April · all over town · several days of celebration
During Pi Mai, the whole town celebrates: water fights in the streets, processions, temples where people come to wash Buddha statues. Luang Prabang is one of the places where it is celebrated most fervently.
“Water symbolises purification: it washes away the bad energy of the past year and welcomes the new one with luck and renewal.”
Practical info
- When: mid-April, in the hot season
- Booking: hotels fill up fast, book early
- Your things: phone and papers in a waterproof pouch
- Clothes: things that can get soaked
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The moments of Pi Mai
At the temple
People gently pour scented water over Buddha statues to purify them.
Elders
People pour a little water over the hands of elders, as a sign of respect and to receive their blessing.
The street
The big water fight: buckets, water pistols, and sometimes a little flour or colour.
Processions
Parades, music and traditional costumes pass through town.
Baci
People tie white threads around each other's wrists to wish health and luck for the year.
Do
- Accept getting wet, with a smile
- Protect your phone
- Splash monks and elders gently, or not at all
Avoid
- Hosing monks or elderly people
- Riding a scooter during the water fights
- Arriving without a booking
Travel with us
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang temples and Mount Phousi
A day in the old town with your guide, in French, English, Chinese or Thai: the day market, the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat May, then Mount Phousi, by private tuk-tuk.
From 65 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Mekong cruise and Pak Ou caves
The town in the morning, then about two hours by private boat on the Mekong to the Pak Ou cave and a village where rice spirit is distilled.
From 78 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Kuang Si waterfall and Hmong village
About an hour's drive to the Kuang Si waterfall, a stop in a Hmong village and at the buffalo farm, then the Ock Pop Tok textile workshop before returning to your hotel.
From 72 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Street food at the night market
A street food evening guided by our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to Lao food among the stalls of Luang Prabang.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Sindad evening, the Lao barbecue
An evening around the sindad, the Lao barbecue you share, with our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to the meal Lao people love to share with friends.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Frequently asked questions
When is Pi Mai in Laos?
In mid-April every year, over several days.
Why do people throw water at Pi Mai?
Water purifies: it washes away the bad energy of the past year to welcome the new one with luck.
How do you say Happy New Year in Lao?
Sabaidee Pi Mai, or Sokdee Pi Mai.
Can I visit the temples during Pi Mai?
Yes, and it is the best time to see local people come to purify the statues. Dress respectfully.
Coming for Pi Mai?
Write to us: we answer you ourselves, from Luang Prabang. Please book at least one week in advance.
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