Public Holidays in Laos 2025 – National & Cultural Festivals
Laos (Lao PDR) celebrates a mix of national, cultural, religious, and traditional holidays. Some are fixed by law (e.g., New Year’s Day, Labour Day, National Day), while others depend on lunar or local calendars (e.g., Lao New Year, Buddhist festivals). Many public offices, banks, and institutions close on these days.
Overview of Laos’ Public Holidays
In Laos, public holidays reflect the country’s Buddhist culture, agrarian traditions, socialist national identity, and international observances. Major holidays such as Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year), That Luang Festival, and National Day are central to national life. Some holidays are specific to regions or certain sectors (e.g., boat racing festivals in Vientiane). When a holiday falls on a weekend (e.g., International Women’s Day in 2025 falls on a Saturday), a substitute public holiday may be given.
List of Public Holidays in Laos (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday / Observatory | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Fixed Gregorian New Year holiday |
| March 8 | Saturday | International Women’s Day | Women-only public holiday in Laos |
| March 10 | Monday | Women’s Day (in lieu) | Compensatory day because March 8 fell on Saturday |
| April 13 | Sunday | Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) | First day of Lao New Year festival |
| April 14 | Monday | Lao New Year Holiday | Second day of Pi Mai Lao |
| April 15 | Tuesday | Lao New Year Holiday | Third day of Lao New Year |
| April 16 | Wednesday | Lao New Year Holiday | Fourth day (extended observance) in 2025 |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day / International Workers’ Day | Fixed holiday for labour observance |
| May 11 | Sunday | Visakhabousa Day | Buddha’s birth, enlightenment & death (Vesak) |
| June 1 | Sunday | Children’s Day | Public observance for children |
| July 20 | Sunday | Lao Women’s Union Day | Holiday for women’s union; in-lieu on next day |
| July 21 | Monday | Women’s Union Day (in lieu) | Compensation for Sunday observance |
| July 24 | Thursday | Boun Khao Phansa | Beginning of Buddhist Lent festival |
| October 7 | Tuesday | Boun Ok Phansa | End of Buddhist Lent / water festival |
| October 8 | Wednesday | Boat Racing Festival | Associated with Boun Ok Phansa in Vientiane |
| November 5 | Wednesday | That Luang Festival | Major Buddhist pilgrimage festival in Vientiane |
| December 2 | Tuesday | National Day | Anniversary of Lao PDR’s founding in 1975 |
Notes & Observations
• In 2025, Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) is observed over April 13–16.
• Since International Women’s Day falls on a Saturday in 2025, March 10 is designated as a compensatory holiday.
• Some Buddhist holidays (Visakhabousa, Khao Phansa, Ok Phansa) follow the lunar calendar and may shift annually.
• The Boat Racing Festival is often tied to Boun Ok Phansa in Vientiane’s local observance.
• While several festivals are nationwide, some (such as That Luang, Boat Racing) are especially significant in Vientiane or in certain provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Laos have in 2025?
Laos has about 14 national public holidays in 2025 (including observances and substitute days).
What is Pi Mai Lao?
Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) is Laos’ traditional New Year celebration, typically held around April 13–16. It includes water rituals, blessings, and community festivities.
Why does March 10 appear as a holiday in 2025?
Because March 8 (International Women’s Day) falls on a Saturday in 2025, March 10 is given as a compensatory (in-lieu) holiday.
Are Buddhist holidays fixed dates in Laos?
No. Many Buddhist holidays (Visakhabousa, Khao Phansa, Ok Phansa) follow a lunisolar calendar and shift year to year.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Laos reflect the country’s cultural, religious, and national heritage. From Pi Mai Lao and Buddhist festivals to Labour Day and National Day, these observances shape the rhythm of public life across Laos each year.
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