New Year in Laos: Explore the Boun Pi Mai Water Fights 2026

Updated: December 11, 2025 Jade in Beautiful Laos 0 comment.

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Can you believe we can celebrate the New Year festival in the middle of the year? It is not uncommon to visit Laos in April – an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the lively and festive tradition of Laos. As the world prepares to welcome the year 2026, Laos shines with contagious energy and overflowing joy through the celebration of the Water Festival, Boun Pi Mai.

This unique and culturally rich experience offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to discover Laotian culture and participate in ancestral rituals imbued with meaning and spirituality.

Travel Guide to the New Year in Laos 2026: Immerse Yourself in the Boun Pi Mai Water Festival

What is Boun Pi Mai?

The New Year in Laos, known locally as Boun Pi Mai or Pi Mai, is an annual traditional festival held in mid-April. Guided by the Buddhist calendar, Laos welcomes its new year when the Sun enters the sign of Aries, marking the beginning of vibrant festivities.

During this celebration, the streets resonate with laughter and joyful splashes of water, while prayers for luck and peace fill the air, offering an auspicious start to the coming year.

Similar to its neighboring countries—Songkran in Thailand and Chol Chnam Thmay in Cambodia—Boun Pi Mai embodies essential values such as renewal, prosperity, happiness, and purity.

Boun Pi Mai water festival – Laotian New Year

More than just a celebration, Boun Pi Mai is an ode to life, offering residents and visitors a special opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Laos.

Origin of the Laotian New Year

Because Buddhism is the dominant religion in Laos, the Laotian New Year is calculated according to the Buddhist calendar. Boun Pi Mai is not only a New Year celebration but also a time for people to express gratitude and respect toward all living beings.

The origin story begins with an intellectual challenge between Thammabane, a clever farmer who understood the language of birds, and Kabinlaphom, the sky god revered for his wisdom.

Kabinlaphom posed three difficult questions to test Thammabane. Although Thammabane initially failed, he discovered the answers by listening to two eagles conversing while he rested under a tree.

Bound by his promise, Kabinlaphom had to behead himself. Before his death, he instructed his seven daughters—each representing a day of the week—to safeguard his head to prevent harm to humans.

Each year, during the Laotian New Year, his daughters perform ceremonial washing rituals with scented water to bring health and happiness for the coming year.

The tradition of water splashing is also influenced by Laos’s hot season in April. Before splashing water, Laotians exchange wishes for luck and prosperity.

When is the Laotian New Year in 2026?

Boun Pi Mai typically takes place from April 13 to April 16. These are the dates from 2024 to 2028:

Year	Date	Day
2024	April 13–16	Saturday–Tuesday
2025	April 13–16	Sunday–Wednesday
2026	April 13–16	Monday–Thursday
2027	April 13–16	Tuesday–Friday
2028	April 13–16	Thursday–Sunday

In 2026, the Laotian New Year – Boun Pi Mai will take place from Monday, April 13 to Thursday, April 16.

Where does Boun Pi Mai take place?

Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng are the two most popular destinations for travelers during Boun Pi Mai, offering vibrant celebrations across the cities.

Expect water splashes everywhere—from children playing in the streets to locals joyfully welcoming visitors. Bring extra clothes and join the festivities wholeheartedly.

Luang Prabang

Rich in temples and colonial heritage, Luang Prabang hosts major celebrations such as the elephant procession from Vat Mai to Vat Xiengthong, New Year parades, lantern ceremonies, and the famous Nang Sang Khan procession.

Perspective and stunning scenery in Luang Prabang, Laos

Vientiane

Vientiane offers a calmer yet festive ambiance during Boun Pi Mai. The city is decorated with colorful flowers, and locals cool off from the 35°C heat through water celebrations.

Visitors can also explore the Mekong Riverfront, Patuxai (Victory Gate), and Wat Sisaket, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Laos.

What activities take place? Three special days of the festival

1. First day – Start of the water festival

On April 13, 2026, homes are cleaned, temples refreshed, and scented water—made from saffron, flowers, and herbs—is prepared for washing Buddha statues.

Local people clean Buddha statues during the Laotian New Year

This water is believed to carry blessings and is poured over family members to wish them good health and fortune. Water splashing symbolizes washing away negativity and welcoming a prosperous year.

2. Second day – Peak of the water festival

April 14 is the climax of the celebrations, featuring music, dancing, parades, and large-scale water battles with buckets, water guns, and colored powders.

People of all ages and backgrounds participate joyfully, making it one of the most inclusive and lively festivals in Southeast Asia.

3. Third day – Family blessing ceremony

Families gather for a traditional blessing ritual where younger members pour scented water over elders’ hands to symbolically ask for guidance and express respect.

Sand stupas symbolizing Mount Phoukaokailat are built and splashed with water for blessings and protection.

Festivities officially conclude on April 16.

Other suggested activities for tourists

– Try “Laap,” a traditional dish believed to bring good luck.
– Wear Lao traditional attire such as the “Sinh” skirt or Salong pants.
– Join temple ceremonies, parades, and boat races, especially the Nang Sangkhane procession.

Tips for tourists visiting Laos during the New Year 2026

Boun Pi Mai is peak travel season. Book flights, hotels, and tours at least two months in advance.
You will get wet—protect your electronics and avoid splashing monks or elders.
Dress respectfully when visiting temples. Follow all signs and avoid loud behavior.
If photography is prohibited in temples, strictly comply.
Learn basic greetings such as “Sabaidi Pi Mai” or “Sok Di Pi Mai,” meaning “Happy New Year.”

If you plan to travel to Vietnam or explore Indochina in April, don’t miss the vibrant New Year celebrations in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand!

Read more:

Recommended Tour Packages:

Boun Pi Mai Laos New Year 2026 – Practical FAQs for Travelers

1. Is Boun Pi Mai a good time to visit Laos as a first-time traveler?

Yes, as long as you are comfortable with crowds and getting soaked. Boun Pi Mai is one of the most vibrant times to experience Laos – streets are lively, people are welcoming and there is a strong sense of community. If you prefer quiet temples and calm streets, you may enjoy traveling just before or after the festival instead.

2. How early should I book hotels and flights for Laos New Year 2026?

Boun Pi Mai is peak season, especially in Luang Prabang. Aim to book international flights and key hotels at least 2–3 months in advance for April 13–16, and longer if you want specific riverfront or heritage properties. Last-minute rooms may still be available, but choice and prices are usually less favorable.

3. What should I wear during the water festival days?

Wear quick-drying, modest clothing that you do not mind getting wet. Many visitors choose light T-shirts and knee-length shorts. Avoid white or see-through fabrics. For temple visits, carry a dry change of clothes or a sarong so you can cover shoulders and knees. Waterproof sandals with good grip are practical for wet streets.

4. Is it safe to carry my phone and camera during Boun Pi Mai?

It is generally safe, but water is a real risk. Use a good quality waterproof pouch for your phone, and a dry bag or rain cover for cameras. Even if you avoid water fights, you can still be splashed unexpectedly, especially in busy streets and near main squares.

5. Are there any rules about who I can splash with water?

Yes, there are basic etiquette points. Avoid splashing monks, elderly people, small children and people who are clearly on motorbikes or bicycles in traffic. If someone indicates they do not want to be wet (for example, holding a camera or wearing temple clothes), respect that. In most areas, the mood is playful but still respectful.

6. Can I still visit temples calmly during the New Year period?

Yes, but expect them to be busier than usual with locals making offerings and washing Buddha statues. Early mornings are typically quieter and more suitable for reflection and photos. Always dress appropriately, move slowly, and avoid blocking locals who are praying or participating in rituals.

7. Is Boun Pi Mai suitable for families with children?

Many families enjoy it. Children usually love the water play and colorful parades, but you should plan for heat, noise and crowds. Choose a hotel within easy walking distance of the main areas so you can return for rests, and bring hats, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water. Avoid the most intense water-fight zones if your children are very young.

8. How can I combine Laos New Year with trips to Vietnam or Cambodia?

A common plan is to fly into Luang Prabang or Vientiane for Boun Pi Mai, then continue to Vietnam or Cambodia once the festival ends. For example, you can celebrate in Laos from April 13–16, then fly to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Siem Reap for a quieter cultural or beach segment. Booking multi-country flights and tours in one plan helps align dates, especially around local holidays.

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Jade

Hi, I’m Jade! With a lifelong passion for exploration sparked by my travel-loving family, I’ve had the joy of discovering Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage from an early age. Now, through Paradise Travel’s blog, I’m here to share insider tips, local insights and curated itineraries to help you uncover the magic of Vietnam and Southeast Asia - one unforgettable journey at a time.