Lai Heua Fai, also known as the Festival of Light, is a beautiful and deeply spiritual event celebrated in Laos to mark the end of Buddhist Lent (Boun Ok Phansa). The name translates to "floating fire boats," and the festival is filled with symbolic rituals involving light, water, and spiritual renewal.
During this festival, locals craft intricately decorated boats (heua fai) from banana trunks, bamboo, and natural materials, adorning them with candles, flowers, and incense. These glowing boats are then floated down rivers as offerings to the river spirits and as a way to wash away misfortunes and invite good luck for the year ahead. Homes and temples are also lit up with lanterns and candles, creating a magical and peaceful atmosphere.
Lai Heua Fai in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang hosts one of the most iconic and breathtaking versions of Lai Heua Fai. The celebration here blends traditional Lao spirituality with community creativity and beauty.
-
Processions: Villages and temples create large illuminated boats, which are paraded through the streets of the old town in a vibrant night-time procession before being floated on the Mekong and Khan rivers.
-
Lantern Displays: Homes, temples, and streets are decorated with hanging lanterns, turning the town into a glowing, dreamlike landscape.
-
River Rituals: Thousands gather by the riverbanks to float their candle-lit boats, sending away bad luck and making wishes for the future.
-
The atmosphere is peaceful, reverent, and awe-inspiring, making it a favorite festival among both locals and visitors.
When Does Lai Heua Fai Happen?
-
Lai Heua Fai is celebrated on the night of Boun Ok Phansa, which falls on the full moon of the 11th lunar month — usually in October.
-
In 2025, the Festival of Light is expected to take place on the evening of October 6th.
Where is Lai Heua Fai Celebrated in Laos?
While Lai Heua Fai is most famously celebrated in Luang Prabang, it is also observed in other parts of Laos, especially in communities located near rivers:
-
Luang Prabang – The most well-known and photogenic celebration, with stunning candle-lit boat processions and riverside rituals.
-
Vientiane Capital – Locals float small fire boats in the Mekong and participate in temple lighting and family offerings.
-
Savannakhet – Hosts community boat floats and temple-based ceremonies.
-
Pakse (Champasak Province) – River towns like Pakse celebrate with small boat floats and traditional lights.
-
Khammouane and Bolikhamxay – Also observe the festival with family rituals and local processions.
Lai Heua Fai is not just a visual spectacle — it’s a heartfelt celebration of light, faith, and community. Whether you're watching the glowing boats drift down the Mekong in Luang Prabang or lighting candles at your local temple, it's a moment of beauty, reflection, and hope.
