Public Holidays in Laos 2026 – Buddhist & National Holidays
Laos (Lao PDR) celebrates a mix of national, cultural, religious, and traditional holidays. Some are fixed by law, while others depend on lunar or local calendars, particularly Buddhist and traditional festivals. Many public offices, banks, and institutions close on these days.
Overview of Laos’ Public Holidays
Public holidays in Laos reflect the country’s Buddhist heritage, 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 public life. Some observances are nationwide, while others are especially prominent in Vientiane or specific provinces.
List of Public Holidays in Laos (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday / Observance | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Gregorian New Year |
| March 8 | Sunday | International Women’s Day | Women-only public holiday; substitute day may apply |
| March 9 | Monday | Women’s Day (in lieu) | Compensatory day for weekend overlap |
| April 13 | Monday | Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) | First day of Lao New Year festival |
| April 14 | Tuesday | Lao New Year Holiday | Second day of Pi Mai Lao |
| April 15 | Wednesday | Lao New Year Holiday | Third day of Pi Mai Lao |
| April 16 | Thursday | Lao New Year Holiday | Extended observance (commonly granted) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day / International Workers’ Day | Fixed public holiday |
| May 30 | Saturday | Visakhabousa Day | Buddha’s birth, enlightenment & passing (tentative) |
| June 1 | Monday | Children’s Day | Public observance for children |
| July 13 | Monday | Lao Women’s Union Day | Women’s organization observance |
| July 12 | Sunday | Boun Khao Phansa | Beginning of Buddhist Lent (tentative) |
| October 2 | Friday | Boun Ok Phansa | End of Buddhist Lent (tentative) |
| October 3 | Saturday | Boat Racing Festival | Traditionally linked to Ok Phansa (Vientiane) |
| November 23 | Monday | That Luang Festival | Major Buddhist pilgrimage festival (tentative) |
| December 2 | Wednesday | National Day | Founding of Lao PDR (1975) |
Major festivals such as Pi Mai Lao and That Luang are popular times to explore places to visit in Laos or plan stays at recommended hotels in Laos.
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 |
| May 11 | Sunday | Visakhabousa Day | Buddhist holy day (Vesak) |
| June 1 | Sunday | Children’s Day | Public observance for children |
| July 20 | Sunday | Lao Women’s Union Day | Women’s holiday; in-lieu applied |
| July 21 | Monday | Women’s Union Day (in lieu) | Compensatory day |
| July 24 | Thursday | Boun Khao Phansa | Beginning of Buddhist Lent |
| October 7 | Tuesday | Boun Ok Phansa | End of Buddhist Lent |
| October 8 | Wednesday | Boat Racing Festival | Linked to Ok Phansa |
| November 5 | Wednesday | That Luang Festival | Major Buddhist pilgrimage |
| December 2 | Tuesday | National Day | Founding of Lao PDR |
Notes & Observations
• Pi Mai Lao is usually observed over multiple days in mid-April.
• International Women’s Day is a women-only public holiday in Laos.
• Buddhist holidays follow a lunisolar calendar and may shift annually.
• Some festivals are especially prominent in Vientiane and surrounding provinces.
• Substitute holidays may be granted if a holiday falls on a weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Laos have in 2026?
Laos observes approximately 14–16 public holidays in 2026, including national, cultural, and Buddhist observances.
What is Pi Mai Lao?
Pi Mai Lao is the traditional Lao New Year festival, celebrated in mid-April with water rituals, blessings, and community celebrations.
Are Buddhist holidays fixed dates in Laos?
No. Many Buddhist holidays follow a lunisolar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change every year.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Laos reflect the nation’s Buddhist traditions, cultural heritage, and national milestones. From Pi Mai Lao and That Luang Festival to Labour Day and National Day, these observances shape the rhythm of public life across the country.
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