(KPL) The annual Vat Phou Champasak Festival 2025 is set to take place from February 10-12, 2025, promising a vibrant celebration of Lao culture, history, and traditions. This year’s festival will feature a diverse lineup of activities designed to create an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Mr. Som Bouttakoun, Deputy Governor of Champasak Province, stated in an interview on February 3, 2025, that the festival will showcase traditional folk dance performances, historical reenactments depicting the origins of Vat Phou Champasak, and exhibitions of local products under the "One District, One Product (ODOP)" initiative.

In addition to cultural showcases, the festival will host traditional sports competitions, student art performances, and mor lam—a form of Lao musical storytelling that is a hallmark of Champasak Province. Visitors can also look forward to a coffee festival in Pakxong District, highlighting the region’s renowned coffee production.

The festival will officially commence on February 10 with a grand parade, cultural performances, historical reenactments, and an address by the Governor of Champasak Province. The opening ceremony will be further enhanced by a spectacular fireworks display and an immersive light and sound show.

On February 11, the festival will feature various traditional sports competitions, including top-spinning, tug-of-war, and target running, offering both participants and spectators an opportunity to engage in traditional Lao games.

This year, Champasak Province has extended invitations to a large number of guests from both domestic and international locations, including delegations from Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and foreign ambassadors based in Laos. The festival aims to promote Lao history, heritage, and traditions on a global stage while also boosting tourism in the region.

Mr. Som also highlighted that February 12, 2025, coincides with Makha Bucha Day, a significant Buddhist holiday observed on the 15th day of the third lunar month. To mark the occasion, provincial leaders will lead the local community in a merit-making ceremony, including offering alms and donations to monks in the morning. In the evening, a candlelight procession will be held in observance of this sacred day.

The Vat Phou Champasak Stone Temple is an ancient historical site that was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 16, 2001. Recognized for its exceptional cultural and historical value, the temple dates back to the pre-Angkorian era, making it a cornerstone of Lao heritage and spirituality.

With a rich blend of cultural exhibitions, traditional performances, sports competitions, and religious ceremonies, the Vat Phou Champasak Festival 2025 is poised to be a must-visit event, offering both locals and international visitors a unique insight into the beauty and traditions of Laos.

KPL