Accra: The traditional boat racing festival in Luang Prabang on September 11, 2026, brought together 27 racing boats from various communities across the province and neighboring areas. The event created a lively atmosphere along the Khan River as part of the Ho Khao Padap Din (Ancestor Memorial Festival).
According to Lao News Agency, the festival took place in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and was attended by General Vilay Lakhamphong, Politburo Member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, along with current and former leaders at central, provincial, city, and district levels. Invited guests and both domestic and international visitors also graced the occasion.
Mr. Saveuy Silavanh, Mayor of Luang Prabang and Vice Chairman of the Festival Organizing Committee, officially inaugurated the event. He emphasized the long-standing cultural and traditional significance of the ninth-month boat racing festival on the Khan River, noting its role in reflecting traditional ways of life and providing an occasion for people to pay respect to sacred spirits believed to protect communities.
This year’s competition featured two categories with 27 boats: 18 traditional boats and nine sport boats. Participants hailed from villages and local administrative areas in Luang Prabang, business units, as well as Chomphet, Pak Ou and Ngoi districts, and provinces like Vientiane and Xayabouly.
The organizers urged the competition committee, officials, boat captains, and rowers to adhere to the rules, uphold sportsmanship, and collaborate to preserve and promote Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage. Following the opening ceremony, the races kicked off with the traditional Nang Dam-Nang Don boat race, moving on to the scheduled competitions. Both categories employed a double-elimination format, allowing boats that lost once to continue through repechage rounds, with the tournament set to conclude on the same day.