Luang Prabang Holds First Boat Racing Festival After Years of Covid-19  

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Boat racing festival in Namkhan River(Photo: Houmphet Manisouk)

Luang Prabang will celebrate the boat racing festival (Boun Xouang Heua) in the Khan River during the Buddhist Lent.

A notice issued by Luang Prabang provincial office says that Luang Prabang will arrange Boun Hor Khao Padap Din, an annual festival held to feed spirits with homemade parcels of food, and the boat racing activities along the Khan River. 

The province intends to promote the traditional festival and practices in hopes of attracting more domestic and foreign tourists and generating revenue for locals.

Traditional racing boats are made of a single tree and can accommodate up to fifty rowers.

The boats are considered sacred, are cleaned, and are given offerings which are believed to bring victory to the team.

In the downtown heart of Luang Prabang, there will also be gatherings and markets.

The festival will be held on August 26th. 

Covid-19 put a stop to traditional customs and festivals for almost three years, but now that the measurements have been relaxed, tourist destinations in Laos expect to recommence festivities and offer hope for travelers.