A spectacular ceremony sets the stage for the annual Vat Phou festival in Champassak province. --Photo Pasaxon newspaper

Vat Phou temple festival showcases cultural riches

Thousands of people from around Laos and other countries gathered for the start of the annual three-day Vat Phou festival in Champassak province on Monday.
Taking place from February 10-12, the Vat Phou festival is a major event in the Lao calendar. The temple ruins are more than 1,000 years old and the festival is held to revere the temple complex, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The opening ceremony was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, General Vilay Lakhamfong, and the Governor of Champassak province, Mr Alounxay Sounnalath, with foreign embassy representatives also in attendance.
Mr Alounxay noted that drones were being used to create colourful aerial displays, funded by the Lao Development Bank with 775 million kip.
The first series of 100 drone flights portrayed the location of Champassak, the second series of 200 drone flights depicted the development of Champassak district, and the third series of 200 drone flights illustrated Kao mountain.
The festival also includes a fireworks display, sponsored by the Yaisokxay group of companies at a cost of more than one billion kip.
Stage shows recount the story of Vat Phou temple, and the programme also features parades, a market fair selling One District, One Product items, sports competitions, and songs performed by schoolchildren.
Residents of nearby Thangkhop and Nongsa villages have set up stalls selling a variety of goods, which they have been able to do without paying rent for a pitch as was the case in past years.
Champassak has numerous attractions, such as Khonphapheng, Tad Fan and Tad Yeuang waterfalls, while visitors can enjoy activities ranging from treks and ziplining to rest and recuperation in the lap of nature.
The Bolaven Plateau should also be on visitors’ itineraries, as this is the primary location for the cultivation of Laos’ famed coffee and there will be many opportunities to sample a cup or two.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update February 12, 2025)