The list of Lao public holidays below shows both official and non-official, but widely observed, Lao public holidays which are considered significant as some businesses, embassies in Laos and Lao government offices might be closed on these days.
Government offices, banks, international organizations, embassies, NGOs and private companies have different lists of holidays. The official Laos public holidays commonly observed by most (if not all) entities are underlined.
On these public holidays government offices are shut as are businesses and banks, so make sure all your visa needs or travel arrangements are not urgent, particularly over the Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) holiday in April. If the holidays fall on a weekend day, often the Monday following will be the designated holiday.
List of 2015 Public Holidays in Laos
Internation New Year's Day
The first day of the year according to Western calendar
Thursday, 1 January 2015
National Millitary Day
Celebrates the founding of the Lao People's Army in 1949.
Tuesday, 20 January 2015
Chinese/Vietnamese Lunar New Year
Celebrates Chinese/Vietnamese New Year
Thursday, 19 February 2015
International Women's Day
Honors women in Lao society
*Monday, 8 March 2015
(International Women's Day 2015 falls on Sunday, thus, the following Monday is considered as substitute holiday)
Lao People's Revolutionary Party Day
Celebrates the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party and all its works
*Monnday, 22 March 2015
(Lao People's Revolutionary Party Day 2015 falls on Sunday, thus, the following Monday is considered as substitute holiday)
Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao)
Celebrate Lao Lunar New Year
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 14,15 and 16 April 2015
International Labour Day
Celebrates the international labour movement
Friday, 1 May 2015
International Children's Day and National Tree Planting Day
Monday, 1 June 2015
Boun Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent Festival)
Celebrates the begining of Buddhist Lent
Thursday, 30 July 2015
National Constitution Day
*Monday, 15 August 2015
(National Constitution Day 2015 falls on Saturday, thus, the following Monday is considered as substitute holiday)
Boat Racing Festival in Luang Prabang
Saturday, 12 September 2015 (Same day as Boun Hor Khao Padubdin Festival
Boun Hor Khao Padubdin Festival - observed through out Laos (Buddhist Lent)
Sunday, 27 September 2015
National Teacher's Day
Commemorates all teachers through out the country
Wednesday, 7 October 2015
Independence Day
Celebrates victory (end of war in 1975)
Monday, 12 October 2015
Independence Day
Celebrates the end of Buddhist Lent and the end of rainy season
Tuesday 27 October 2015
Boat Racing Festival in Vientiane
Celebrates the end of Buddhist Lent, the end of rainy season and to thank the mother of rivers for providing water for our lives.
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
That Luang Festival
Pilgrimage to That Luang Stupa in Vientiane
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
Lao National Day
Celebrates the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
Note: Variation may occur because some holidays are based on Buddhist calendar.
Happy Lao Holidays!
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