(KPL) The annual Wat Phou Festival 2025 commenced with grandeur on the evening of February 10 at the historic Wat Phou Heritage Site in Champassak Province.

The event drew a distinguished audience, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Lt. Gen. Vilay Lakhamfong, President’s Spouse Naly Sisoulith, and Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Ms. Suansavan Viyaketh.

Also in attendance were senior officials from central and southern Laos, as well as ambassadors and representatives from neighboring Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Thousands of local residents and tourists gathered enthusiastically to participate in the celebrations.

Champassak Governor Alounxay Sounnalat emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the Wat Phou Festival.

He highlighted the province’s unique identity and heritage through its well-known slogan, which represents Wat Phou, Pakse Rose, Bolaven Plateau Coffee, the Mighty Mekong, Si Phan Done (4,000 Islands), and the renowned hospitality of the Champassak people.

The festival’s grand opening ceremony featured a synchronized drone light show, sponsored by the Lao Development Bank at a cost of over 775 million Kip, illuminating the night sky with stunning visuals. Adding to the spectacle, a breathtaking fireworks display, valued at over 1 billion Kip, was sponsored by the Ying Chokchai Group.

This year’s highlights included an elaborate historical play depicting the legendary figures of Thao Ba Chiang and Nang Malong, narrating the origins of Wat Phou’s construction, along with the tale of Nang Sida, a heroine symbolizing sacrifice.

The festival also hosted a heritage market where local villagers could freely showcase and sell traditional crafts and local products without incurring rental fees. Additionally, sports competitions, morning almsgiving, and Buddhist ceremonies were held, culminating in a serene candlelight procession in the evening.

The Wat Phou Festival continues to be a cornerstone of cultural and religious significance, ensuring the preservation of Champassak rich heritage while simultaneously promoting tourism and economic growth in southern Laos.

KPL