Boun That Luang

The festival

Boun That Luang is the most important national and religious festival in Laos, celebrated around the Pha That Luang, the great golden stupa of Vientiane — 45 meters covered in gold, erected in the sixteenth century by King Setthathirat and symbol of the country, present on its official seal.

For several days around the full moon, tens of thousands of pilgrims from all provinces converge towards the esplanade: procession of the "wax castles" from the Wat Simeuang temple, candlelight circumcumbulation around the stupa (Wien Tien), and, at the dawn of the main day, the great offering of alms (Tak Bat) to thousands of monks.

The traditional game of Tikhee, ancestor of hockey played on the esplanade, concerts and the huge trade and craft fair that accompanies the party also make it the popular event of Lao year.