April in Laos welcomes the Water-Splashing Tet

As the golden marigolds bloom across the nation, it's also the time when Laotians gear up for their grandest New Year celebration of the year.

Put away your cameras and dive into the lively and bustling festivities of our familiar neighboring land.

Significance

Water-Splashing Tet is one of the traditional cultural festivals of Southeast Asian countries. Known as Bunpimay in Laos, Songkran in Thailand, Chol Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, and Thingyan in Myanmar.

The festival signifies bringing coolness and prosperity to all beings, purifying human life. During these days, people splash water on each other to wish for blessings, pray for harmonious weather, and wish for a warm and happy new year. In Laos, the festival is often abbreviated as Bun, meaning to do good deeds to receive blessings.

Festival Duration

Bunpimay Tet usually spans three days, on April 13th, 14th, and 15th each year according to the Buddhist calendar.

Customs and Traditions

On the first day, which is also the last day of the old year, people meticulously clean their homes and surroundings, prepare scented water and flowers. In the afternoon, villagers gather at the temple for Buddha worship, prayers, sermons by monks, and wish for health and happiness for the year ahead. They then parade the Buddha statue to a dedicated area for three days, allowing people to bathe the Buddha. The scented water used for bathing the Buddha is collected and brought home for personal use, believed to bring blessings.

The second day is not counted as it marks the transitional period between the old and new year.

The third day, also the final day, is filled with exuberant activities everywhere. Prior to water splashing, people often exchange good wishes. As a sign of respect, younger individuals splash water on the elders to wish them longevity and prosperity. Friends splash water on each other, not only on individuals but also on houses, altars, animals, and tools of production. Laotians believe that water helps cleanse away negativity, illnesses, and wish for a new year of longevity, cleanliness, and good health. Those who get soaked are believed to receive greater happiness.

People construct sand towers, adorned with flags, flowers, ribbons, and scented water. During these days, individuals also release animals such as turtles, fish, crabs, birds... to accumulate blessings.

During Tet, guests visiting homes have their wrists tied with a green or red string, symbolizing happiness and health. Throughout the three days of Tet, those with many strings tied on their wrists are considered to have good luck for the whole year.

People use marigold flowers (yellow daisies) tied to vehicles and hung on houses to seek good luck, arranging Champa flowers into clusters or wearing them on their hair to pray for blessings in the year.

Locations

The Water-Splashing Festival is celebrated across the country but is most lively in the ancient capital of Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. In Luang Prabang, known for its many temples and as a famous tourist destination, foreign visitors enjoy the festival atmosphere with numerous exciting games.

Planning for Water-Splashing Tet

If you're planning to attend the Water-Splashing Festival in Luang Prabang, it's time to start booking your tickets. From Hanoi, you can take a direct flight with Vietnam Airlines, which takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, there are sleeper buses departing twice daily from Nuoc Ngam Bus Station.

Luang Prabang offers a wide range of guesthouses and hotels for visitors, with prices starting from 300,000 VND. During the festival period, it's advisable to make reservations in advance to ensure availability. This city boasts a rich history, with numerous attractions such as sacred temples, ancient streets, Pak Ou Cave, Phoushi Mountain, and the bustling night market. You'll find many places selling traditional items and the famous Laotian silverware.

During Tet, Laotians particularly enjoy eating larp with hot sticky rice. Additionally, there are plenty of other delicious dishes to try, such as dried buffalo meat, grilled chicken, and grilled fish.

Important Note

If you find yourself in Laos during Tet, be prepared to receive water blessings. Laotians are known for their friendliness, so don't be alarmed if they sprinkle water on you while driving or walking on the street. They do it as a gesture of goodwill, wishing you good health and believing that they will also be blessed with good health like you.

Affordable Hotels in Laos' Must-Visit Cities:

Vientiane Hotel – Vieng Chang

Vang Vieng Hotel

Luang Prabang Hotel

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Source: Mytour Travel Guide - via VnExpress