Wat Phou festival is held during the third full moon of the lunar calendar, also known as Makha Busa day. It is held at Wat Phou, which was built more than a thousand years ago, making it older than the Angkor Wat. It was originally dedicated to one of the Hindu gods, Shiva, but was converted to become a Buddhist monastery in the 13th Century.
Thousands of devotees from across Laos make the trip to Wat Phou to celebrate the 3-day festival. On the first day, there is an opening ceremony that can include elephant races, buffalo fights, cock fighting, and traditional Lao music and dance performances. You can feed the elephants and participate in local traditions, such as receiving a cotton thread that brings about fortune and protection. On the last day, there will be a candle procession in the evening. Wat Phou will be bustling during this period, so be prepared to match the energy!
