Pakse:The city of Pakse in Champasak Province is set to host the 2026 Boun Ork Phansa and Traditional Boat Racing Festival on October 26-27. The event will feature a combination of religious ceremonies, cultural activities, and an international boat race.
According to Lao News Agency, the festival will include a variety of traditional activities such as alms-giving ceremonies, candlelit processions, and wax castle processions known as Phasat Pheung. Participants can also enjoy the spectacle of floating lanterns, land-based fire boat processions, and the traditional water-based fire boat ceremony, Lai Reua Fai.
A highlight of the festival will be the traditional boat races, which include competitions with boats crewed by 12, 24, 33, and 55 rowers. Additionally, an international boat race is expected to add excitement to the festivities.
Visitors to the festival will also have the opportunity to explore exhibition markets featuring local products and signature foods from Pakse. Cultural performances and entertainment activities will further enrich the festival experience.
Pakse authorities and residents are preparing to welcome visitors from across Laos and abroad, offering a chance to engage with the city’s traditional culture, religious customs, and the lively festival atmosphere during the annual Boun Ork Phansa celebrations.
