Lao Brewery Company backs Chomchaeng Boat Racing Festival with 1.1 billion kip to preserve Lao heritage

Lao Brewery Company (LBC) has contributed more than 1.1 billion kip to support the 2026 Chomchaeng Boat Racing Festival in Vientiane, reinforcing its commitment to preserving Laos’ cultural heritage and passing traditional customs on to future generations.
The festival, taking place from October 14-18, marks a historic milestone as the Chomchaeng Boat Racing Festival has been officially elevated to a Vientiane Capital-level event from 2026 onwards, bringing greater recognition to one of the capital’s longstanding cultural traditions.
As the festival’s main sponsor, Lao Brewery Company is working closely with local authorities, the organising committee and communities to ensure the event continues to celebrate Lao traditions while strengthening community unity and cultural pride.
The company’s support goes beyond financial sponsorship, reflecting its broader efforts to safeguard traditional practices and ensure that younger generations remain connected to their cultural roots.
One of LBC’s notable contributions this year is its financial support for the restoration of Eii Hong Mae Ya, a legendary traditional racing boat from Sikhay village in Sikhottabong district.

The restoration has enabled the historic boat to return to the Mekong River, reviving a cherished symbol of local identity and preserving traditional boatbuilding knowledge that has been passed down through generations.
For communities along the Mekong, traditional boat racing is more than a sporting competition. It is an important cultural occasion that brings families, villages and generations together, strengthening social bonds and celebrating a shared heritage closely connected to life along the river.
By supporting the restoration of historic racing boats and the organisation of traditional festivals, LBC is helping ensure that these customs remain a living part of Lao society rather than fading with time.
Managing Director of Lao Brewery Company, Mr Henrik Andersen, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to cultural preservation.
“We are proud to contribute to preserving, safeguarding and passing on our nation’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. We place great importance on ensuring that this heritage remains an enduring part of Lao society.”
Mr Andersen also highlighted the importance of cooperation with local authorities and communities in promoting unity, celebrating local traditions and creating opportunities for people to participate in cultural activities.
The festival also provides an opportunity to showcase Vientiane’s distinctive cultural identity to domestic and international visitors, while supporting local tourism and community participation.

This year’s competition features three categories: traditional 55-paddler boats, 55-paddler formula racing boats and 12-paddler sports boats.
The races bring together paddlers who demonstrate teamwork, coordination and sporting skills, while competing for the honour of their communities.
Beyond the excitement of the races, the festival provides an important platform for younger generations to experience traditional Lao customs firsthand and appreciate the cultural significance of boat racing.
The elevation of the Chomchaeng Boat Racing Festival to an official Vientiane event is expected to strengthen efforts to preserve and promote the tradition while enhancing its appeal as a cultural tourism attraction.
For more than five decades, LBC has grown alongside Lao society, supporting the values that bring Lao people together. Its role as the main sponsor of the Chomchaeng Boat Racing Festival at this important milestone reflects its enduring connection to the country and its commitment to safeguarding Lao cultural roots, ensuring that the nation’s river heritage remains a source of pride to be passed on to future generations.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update October 17, 2026)