Dates of 2026 public holidays announced

The Prime Minister’s Office has announced the dates of eight public holidays in 2026, providing them in advance to enable government bodies and businesses to plan ahead.
As usual, another day will be substituted if the designated public holiday falls on a weekend.
The first holiday of the year will be on Thursday January 1, which is New Year’s Day in the Gregorian calendar.
The second holiday, marking International Women’s Day, falls on March 8, but as this is a Sunday a substitute holiday has been designated for Monday March 9.
As usual, the Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) holiday is scheduled for April 14-16, which in 2026 falls on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The fourth holiday of the year is Friday May 1, marking International Labour Day.
Monday July 20, the Founding Day of the Lao Women’s Union, is a holiday for all female employees.
The final public holiday in 2026 is Wednesday December 2, when the whole country celebrates National Day, marking the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update December 29, 2025)