Boun Suang Huea

The Boun Suang Heua, also known as Boun Xuang Heua or Loy Krathong, is a vibrant boat racing festival celebrated annually in Laos. This lively event typically takes place in October, marking the end of Buddhist Lent. The festivities are particularly prominent in cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champassak province, where the Mekong River sets the stage for exhilarating canoe races.

During the festival, participants go to great lengths to decorate their boats with beautiful flowers and candles. In addition to the boat races, bamboo rafts adorned with candles float gently down the rivers and streams, creating a mesmerizing sight.

The tradition of canoe racing in Laos is steeped in history, stretching back thousands of years. The mighty Mekong River and its tributaries were once the lifeblood of daily life, crucial for transportation, communication, and sustenance. Today, while the races have evolved into social, sporting, and commercial events, they still carry deep cultural significance. They are closely tied to the naga, mystical river spirits believed to protect Vientiane. According to Lao folklore, these naga spirits play a vital role in the cycle of rice paddies, taking the grains to the water and then returning them.