(KPL) The traditional boat racing festival held in Luang Prabang on September 11, 2026, attracted 27 racing boats from communities across the province and neighbouring areas, creating a lively atmosphere along the Khan River as part of the Ho Khao Padap Din (Ancestor Memorial Festival).

The festival, held in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, was attended by General Vilay Lakhamphong, Politburo Member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Central Party Committee, together with current and former leaders at central, provincial, city and district levels, invited guests and domestic and international visitors.

Mr. Saveuy Silavanh, Mayor of Luang Prabang and Vice Chairman of the Festival Organizing Committee, officially opened the event, highlighting the long-standing cultural and traditional significance of the ninth-month boat racing festival on the Khan River.

He said the festival reflects traditional ways of life and serves as an occasion for people to pay respect to and seek blessings from sacred spirits believed to protect communities and promote peace, prosperity and well-being. The boat races have been passed down through generations and remain an important cultural celebration for the people of Luang Prabang.

This year’s competition featured two categories with 27 boats: 18 traditional boats and nine sport boats. Participants came from villages and local administrative areas in Luang Prabang, business units, Chomphet, Pak Ou and Ngoi districts, as well as Vientiane and Xayabouly provinces.

The organisers called on the competition committee, officials, boat captains and rowers to follow the rules, uphold sportsmanship and work together to preserve and promote Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage.

Following the opening ceremony, the races began with the traditional Nang Dam–Nang Don boat race, followed by the scheduled competitions. Both categories used a double-elimination format, allowing boats that lose once to continue through repechage rounds. The tournament was scheduled to conclude on the same day.

KPL