Festivals and Events

• Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival): This festival is held on the full moon day in May, and is celebrated across Laos and northeastern Thailand. The festival is believed to date back to ancient times when rockets were used to call for rain during the dry season. Today, homemade rockets are launched into the sky as part of a fertility ritual to bring good luck and a bountiful harvest. There are also traditional dances, music performances, and plenty of food and drink.
• Lao New Year: Also known as Pi Mai Lao, this festival is celebrated from April 13th to 15th, and marks the start of the Lao lunar calendar. The festival is a time for renewal, forgiveness, and goodwill, and people visit temples to offer food and prayers to the monks. The water-throwing tradition is a highlight of the festival, where people pour water over each other to wash away bad luck and bring in the new year.
• Boat Racing Festival: This festival is held in various towns along the Mekong River in October and November, and is a celebration of the end of Buddhist Lent. Teams compete in longboat races on the river, with the winning team receiving a trophy and other prizes. There are also traditional dances, music performances, and food and drink stalls.
• Luang Prabang Film Festival: This film festival is held annually in December in the nearby town of Luang Prabang, and showcases films from Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding, and is a popular event for locals and tourists alike. In addition to film screenings, there are also panel discussions, workshops, and other events.
• Pak Ou Festival: This festival is held in April or May at the Pak Ou Caves, which are located about 25 kilometers north of Houay Xai. The festival celebrates the caves' significance as a Buddhist pilgrimage site, and features boat races on the Mekong River, traditional dances, and other cultural performances. Visitors can also explore the caves, which contain thousands of Buddha statues.
• Boun Ork Phansa: This festival is held in October to mark the end of Buddhist Lent, which is a three-month period of fasting and meditation for monks. The festival includes processions with illuminated boats on the Mekong River, as well as traditional performances and offerings of food to the monks. The festival is a time of joy and celebration, and is a great opportunity to experience local culture and traditions.
• Khmu New Year: The Khmu people are an ethnic minority group in northern Laos, and their New Year is celebrated in November. The festival includes traditional dances, music performances, and a buffalo fighting competition.

Activities

• Gibbon Experience: The Gibbon Experience is a unique adventure that offers visitors the chance to explore the forest canopy and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors stay in tree houses and can go on zip-line adventures to different parts of the forest. There are different levels of adventure available, from moderate to extreme, depending on your preference and fitness level. The experience is also focused on eco-tourism and conservation, so visitors can learn about the importance of preserving the forest and its inhabitants.
• Mekong River Cruise: A Mekong River cruise is a great way to see the countryside and local villages along the river. There are various cruises available, from day trips to multi-day journeys, and visitors can choose the type of boat and level of comfort they prefer. Along the way, visitors can observe the traditional ways of life of the local people, as well as the beautiful scenery of the Mekong River.
• Pak Ou Caves: The Pak Ou Caves are located about 25 kilometers north of Houay Xai, and are a popular destination for visitors. The caves contain thousands of Buddha statues and are an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Visitors can take a boat ride up the Mekong River to reach the caves, and can explore the two main caves, which are filled with Buddha statues of different sizes and styles.
• Wandering the City of Houay Xai: The city of Houay Xai itself has a few interesting sights to see, including the Wat Chomkao Manilat temple and the local market. The temple is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers great views of the surrounding countryside. The market is a bustling and colorful place, where visitors can sample local foods and buy handicrafts and other souvenirs.
• Taking a Cooking Class: Taking a cooking class is a great way to learn about Lao cuisine and culture. There are several options available in and around Houay Xai, where visitors can learn how to prepare traditional dishes like laap, tam mak hoong, and sticky rice. Visitors can also learn about the different ingredients and cooking techniques used in Lao cuisine.
• Trekking and Hiking: There are various trekking and hiking options available in the surrounding hills and countryside. Visitors can choose from short walks to longer hikes, and can experience the local flora and fauna, as well as traditional villages and rice paddies.
• Elephant Sanctuary Volunteering: There are several elephant sanctuaries in the area that offer visitors the opportunity to learn about elephant conservation and participate in daily care and feeding of the animals. Visitors can learn about the challenges facing elephants in Laos and the efforts being made to protect them. Volunteering at an elephant sanctuary is a great way to get involved and make a positive impact on the local community and environment.