Public holidays in Laos in 2026 include Lao New Year, International Women's Day, International Workers' Day and Lao National Day. The official calendar also provides a substitute holiday for International Women's Day and a separate holiday for female employees on Lao Women's Union Day. This guide covers the confirmed holiday dates, national celebrations, workplace arrangements, long weekends and official government sources.
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Public Holidays in Laos 2026
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Laos follows a national public holiday schedule announced by the government. The 2026 calendar includes eight general holiday and substitute dates, with an additional women-only holiday that applies to female employees.
The official 2026 holiday and closure schedule is published by the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its eVisa website. The Prime Minister's Office also issued Notification No. 2118/PMO, dated December 26, 2025, setting out the annual arrangements.
Major National Holidays in Laos
Laos observes public holidays connected to its national history, traditional calendar and international commemorations. Lao New Year and National Day are particularly important occasions, although their origins and celebrations are different.
Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao)
Lao New Year, commonly called Pi Mai Lao, is one of the country's most important traditional celebrations. In 2026, the official public holiday runs from April 14 to April 16, covering three consecutive days.
The festival marks the traditional Lao New Year and is associated with renewal, family gatherings, Buddhist customs and community celebrations.
Traditional activities include cleaning homes, visiting temples, offering prayers, pouring water over Buddha images and participating in water celebrations. These practices reflect cultural traditions of purification, respect and good fortune.
Celebrations take place across Laos, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang and other towns and communities. Some local festivities may extend beyond the three official holiday dates, but additional festival activities should not automatically be treated as nationwide public holidays.
Lao National Day
Lao National Day is celebrated annually on December 2. It commemorates the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on December 2, 1975.
The holiday marks a major turning point in the country's political history and is associated with national commemorations, official ceremonies and public celebrations.
National Day falls on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. It is a confirmed public holiday under the government's annual schedule.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is observed on January 1 in Laos. The holiday follows the Gregorian calendar and is separate from the traditional Lao New Year celebrated in April.
In 2026, January 1 falls on Thursday. It is included in the official national holiday schedule.
International Public Holidays in Laos
Laos also recognizes international observances that reflect the importance of workers and women in society. These holidays have specific dates and, in some cases, special provisions concerning substitute leave or eligibility.
International Women's Day
International Women's Day is observed annually on March 8. It recognizes women's achievements and their contributions to social, economic and national development.
In 2026, March 8 falls on Sunday. The Prime Minister's Office officially designated Monday, March 9, as a substitute public holiday.
The arrangement was established under Notification No. 2118/PMO, dated December 26, 2025. The decision was also confirmed in an announcement reported by the Lao News Agency.
The substitute holiday allows the annual observance to be reflected in the working calendar despite falling on a weekend.
International Workers' Day
International Workers' Day, also known as Labour Day, is observed on May 1. It recognizes workers and their contributions to economic and social development.
In Laos, the day is included in the government's official public holiday calendar.
In 2026, International Workers' Day falls on Friday, creating a three-day break for employees who normally work from Monday to Friday.
Lao Women's Union Day: A Women-Only Public Holiday
Lao Women's Union Day is observed annually on July 20. The occasion commemorates the founding of the Lao Women's Union and recognizes its role in supporting women's participation, representation and development.
The 2026 official holiday schedule identifies Monday, July 20, as a holiday for female employees.
This distinction is important because the day is not a general public holiday applying equally to every employee. It should therefore be classified separately from the main nationwide public holiday schedule.
Employers and employees should follow the applicable government instructions and workplace policies when determining leave entitlements for this occasion.
Substitute Public Holidays in Laos
Substitute holidays may be granted in Laos when a designated public holiday falls on a weekend. The applicable replacement date should be established through the official government schedule rather than assumed from the calendar alone.
For 2026, the Prime Minister's Office confirmed Monday, March 9, as the substitute holiday for International Women's Day, which falls on Sunday, March 8.
This arrangement is reflected in the Lao government's published 2026 public holiday schedule.
Any additional replacement days or special government closures should be supported by a separate official announcement before being added to the holiday calendar.
Long Weekends in Laos in 2026
Laos generally follows a Monday-to-Friday administrative working week, with Saturday and Sunday forming the regular weekend for government offices. Some businesses and employees follow different schedules.
Several confirmed public holidays create opportunities for extended breaks in 2026.
International Women's Day Weekend
The substitute holiday on Monday, March 9, creates a three-day break from Saturday, March 7, through Monday, March 9, for employees following a standard Monday-to-Friday working week.
Lao New Year Holiday Period
Lao New Year falls from Tuesday, April 14, through Thursday, April 16, 2026.
For employees with a standard Saturday-Sunday weekend, taking Monday, April 13, and Friday, April 17, as approved annual leave could create a nine-day break from April 11 through April 19.
These additional leave dates are optional planning suggestions, not officially designated public holidays.
International Workers' Day Weekend
International Workers' Day falls on Friday, May 1, 2026. Together with the following Saturday and Sunday, it creates a three-day break for employees who do not normally work on weekends.
Holiday planning should always account for individual employment schedules, employer policies and any government announcements affecting operating hours.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Laos?
Laos recognizes official public holidays within its employment framework. Holiday pay and leave entitlements are governed by applicable labour legislation and employment arrangements.
Workers should distinguish between national public holidays, substitute holidays and special holidays that apply only to particular employee groups.
Lao Women's Union Day is an important example because the 2026 official schedule specifically identifies the occasion as a holiday for female employees.
Employees required to work during an official holiday should consult the applicable Lao labour legislation and their employment contracts to determine compensation and leave entitlements.
Employers should use government-issued holiday notifications when preparing work schedules and applying relevant employment rules.
Are Banks Closed on Public Holidays in Laos?
Banks in Laos may close branches or adjust their services on official public holidays. However, banking schedules can include institution-specific arrangements and should not automatically be assumed to match every government office closure.
Customers should check notices from their bank before visiting branches or arranging time-sensitive transactions.
For example, ACLEDA Bank Lao publishes public holiday information relevant to its banking operations.
Electronic banking services may remain accessible during holidays, although individual transaction processing and settlement times can be affected.
Are Government Offices and Schools Closed on Public Holidays?
Government Offices
Government ministries and public institutions generally follow the national holiday calendar established by the Prime Minister's Office and relevant authorities.
The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs' eVisa service publishes public holiday closure information, which can affect the processing of visa applications.
Travellers should account for official closures when submitting applications or arranging appointments with government departments.
Schools and Educational Institutions
Schools and educational institutions may close for national public holidays, but their academic calendars and additional breaks are determined separately.
The government public holiday schedule should not be treated as a complete school holiday calendar.
Parents and students should confirm term dates, school breaks and institution-specific arrangements directly with their schools or education authorities.
Traditional Festivals and Other Observances in Laos
Laos has numerous traditional and Buddhist festivals in addition to its principal public holidays. These events contribute significantly to the country's religious and cultural calendar, but not every celebration is automatically a nationwide day off.
That Luang Festival
That Luang Festival is a major Buddhist celebration associated with Pha That Luang, an important national religious monument in Vientiane.
The festival includes religious ceremonies, offerings and community activities. Its timing follows the traditional lunar calendar.
Although some institutions may recognize the festival in their operating calendars, it is not included in the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs' main 2026 national holiday schedule used for this article.
Boat Racing Festival
Boat racing festivals are important community and cultural events in Laos. They are frequently associated with Buddhist traditions and the period surrounding the end of Buddhist Lent.
Events may take place in different locations and on dates determined by local traditions and organizers.
These celebrations should not be automatically classified as nationwide public holidays without a relevant government declaration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holiday dates are listed for Laos in 2026?
The official 2026 schedule contains eight general public holiday and substitute dates, counting each day of the three-day Lao New Year celebration separately. One additional holiday, Lao Women's Union Day, applies specifically to female employees.
When is Lao New Year in 2026?
Lao New Year is observed from Tuesday, April 14, through Thursday, April 16, 2026. All three dates are included in the government's official public holiday schedule.
When is Laos National Day in 2026?
Lao National Day falls on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. It commemorates the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975.
Is March 9, 2026, a public holiday in Laos?
Yes. Monday, March 9, 2026, is the officially designated substitute holiday for International Women's Day, which falls on Sunday, March 8. The arrangement was confirmed by the Prime Minister's Office.
Is Lao Women's Union Day a public holiday for everyone?
No. The 2026 official schedule identifies July 20 as a holiday for female employees. It is therefore classified separately from the general nationwide public holidays.
What is the difference between Lao New Year and New Year's Day?
New Year's Day is observed on January 1 under the Gregorian calendar. Lao New Year, or Pi Mai Lao, is the traditional celebration held in April and includes three official holiday dates in 2026.
What days are considered the weekend in Laos?
Saturday and Sunday are the standard weekend for government offices and many organizations in Laos. Some private employers and essential services may follow different working schedules.
Do public holidays affect visa processing in Laos?
Yes. The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that its consular department closes on designated public holidays and warns that eVisa processing may take longer during holiday periods.
Are That Luang Festival and Boat Racing Festival nationwide public holidays?
These are significant cultural and religious celebrations, but they are not included in the main 2026 national holiday schedule published through the Lao government's eVisa service. Specific institutions may have separate closure arrangements.
Where can I check official Laos public holidays for 2026?
The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes the 2026 holiday schedule on its official eVisa website. The Prime Minister's Office also announces national holiday arrangements, including substitute holidays, through official notifications.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Laos
- Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Public Holidays and Closures 2026: Official government calendar identifying public holiday dates, the International Women's Day substitute holiday and Lao Women's Union Day.
- Lao News Agency – Government Announces Substitute Holiday for International Women's Day 2026: Reports the Prime Minister's Office decision establishing March 9 as a substitute holiday under Notification No. 2118/PMO.
- Vientiane Times – Dates of 2026 Public Holidays Announced: Reports the Prime Minister's Office annual schedule and confirms that Lao Women's Union Day applies to female employees.
- ASEAN-Japan Centre – Public Holidays in Lao PDR: Provides a consolidated 2026 calendar referencing the Lao government's official holiday information.
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