Events calendar Laos

Every morning between 5:45 and 6:00, hundreds of young monks leave their monastery to be offered food by the people of Luang Prabang. The latter are posted on the sidewalk and in the street, on a small stool or on the ground (so as to be always lower than the monks, as a sign of respect) and wait in total silence for the passage of the monks.
Barefoot and dressed in their saffron robes, the monks parade, according to tradition, in a line and buy white rice. Unfortunately, the religious and spiritual aspect of this ceremony seems to be neglected by the tourists who arrive in mass and play the paparazzi. So much so that posters are put up in town to explain the right attitude to adopt...
You should also know that some Laotians take advantage of this opportunity to fill their pockets: they sell to tourists the portions of rice that the latter offer to the monks. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want to participate in the ceremony.

In any case, some common sense rules should be respected:

Do not look the monks in the eyes, nor support their glance.

Respect a certain distance, for example, stay on the opposite sidewalk.

Do not shoot them, even if photos are allowed! And avoid the flash!

Do not obstruct their passage, stay in your place.

Keep silence, be discreet.

The Fête des Pirogues takes place every year in the towns nestling on the banks of rivers and streams. The festival takes place the day after the Ok Phansa and marks the end of the rainy season and the moment when the waters return to their beds. On this occasion, pirogue races are organized. The participants, men and women from the province, compete during two days. The last race usually takes place in Ban Xieng Ngeun, 30 km from Luang Prabang.