Ok Phansa, the end of the rainy season, is celebrated with fabulous boat races and festivities along the Mekong River in Vientiane. The festival always takes place on the 10 days leading up to and including the October full moon.
The capital city is a brilliant place to see this festival, which celebrates the re-emergence of husbands, brothers and sons who have been in temples on retreat during the rainy season.
Before festivities begin, everyone cleans their home to expel bad spirits (phi) which may have taken root during the rainy season. Families then walk down to the river carrying beautifully carved wax candles in the shape of temples or boats, which they light and set adrift on the mighty Mekong, a ceremony which is thought to give the person releasing the craft very good karma for the coming season.
The next day the fun begins. Huge coloured boats, 50 feet long with prows of snakes' heads convene on the river in front of massive crowds. Boats race in pairs with 50 men aboard each boat and a skipper banging rhythm on a ceremonial drum.
Event details can change. Please check with the organisers that the event is happening before making travel arrangements.
