Laos holiday calendar

Public holidays in Laos 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every Laos public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.

Public holidays
7
Regional dates
3
Observances
5
Substitute dates
1

How public holidays work in Laos

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Laos calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.

1 holiday has a separate substitute or observed date in 2026. Those dates are shown in the table, but entitlements can still depend on location, employer and the governing authority. April is the busiest month, with 3 listed dates.

Laos holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 15 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in Laos for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
New Year’s DayJanuary 1 public holiday in Laos, marking the start of the Gregorian calendar year and a pause for government offices and many workplaces.Public holiday—
International Women’s DayMarch 8 public holiday recognising women’s contribution to social, economic and public life; a substitute day is used when the date falls on a weekend.Public holiday
Lao New YearThe opening day of Laos’ April 14–16 public holiday for Pi Mai Lao, a New Year season of water, temple visits, blessings and family gatherings.Public holiday—
Lao New Year · Day 2Day 2 of Laos’ public holiday period for Pi Mai Lao, continuing a New Year season of temple observance, family hospitality and renewal.Public holiday—
Lao New Year · Day 3Day 3 of Laos’ public holiday period for Pi Mai Lao, continuing a New Year season of temple observance, family hospitality and renewal.Public holiday—
International Labour DayMay 1 public holiday in Laos, part of the international May Day tradition recognising workers, labour and collective contribution.Public holiday—
Boun VisakhabousaA major Theravada Buddhist full-moon observance on May 31 in 2026, but absent from Laos’ eight general statutory public holidays.Cultural observance—
Children’s and Tree Planting DayA June 1 working observance combining children’s wellbeing with Laos’ National Tree Planting Day and organised environmental programmes.Cultural observance—
Lao Women’s Union DayJuly 20 observance marking the founding of the Lao Women’s Union; the 2026 notice designates it as a holiday for female employees, not a general nationwide closure.Cultural observance—
Boun Khao PhansaThe July 29, 2026 opening of Buddhist Lent in Laos, marked by temple offerings and monastic retreat rather than a general closure.Cultural observance—
Luang Prabang Boat RacingLuang Prabang’s September 11, 2026 local boat-racing and ancestor-merit festival, distinct from Vientiane’s later Mekong race.Regional public holiday—
Boun Ork PhansaThe October 26, 2026 end of Buddhist Lent, observed through offerings and illuminated boats without a verified general statutory closure.Cultural observance—
Vientiane Boat RacingVientiane’s October 27, 2026 Mekong boat-racing festival after Ork Phansa, a local event rather than a nationwide statutory holiday.Regional public holiday—
That Luang FestivalVientiane’s major November 24, 2026 pilgrimage and trade-fair festival at Pha That Luang, with local or sector-specific closures.Regional public holiday—
Lao National DayDecember 2 public holiday commemorating the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975 through official ceremonies, flags and civic reflection.Public holiday—

Sources for Laos holidays

Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.