Visitors wander through a lighted grove of trees at the Kapok Festival in Bokeo province. - Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE, Jan 29 (Vientiane Times/ANN): A large number of people, both from Laos and neighbouring countries, are enjoying the annual Kapok Festival on Don Xao island in the Mekong River in Bokeo province.
Provincial authorities and the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone have organised the festival, which centres around the red and pink blossoms of the kapok trees, but also features an extensive programme of entertainment and other events.
A bigger programme has been planned than in previous years after a two-year hiatus because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Numerous stalls selling food and products from Laos and neighbouring countries have been set up at a night market, which is open each day of the festival from January 25-30.
Boat races are taking place on the river on January 26 with eight teams from Laos, Thailand, and China taking part to win total prize money of 300 million kip. Visitors can also enjoy the Golden Kapok Music Festival.
The official opening ceremony of the festival will take place on January 27 when there will also be two beauty contests.
The Miss Kapok Contest offers total prize money of 160 million kip, and the Miss Tourism Lao Contest will see the winners share in a prize pot of 300 million kip. The winners will be announced on January 29.
A trial opening of the Kapok Star Hotel, and a trial opening of a golf practice course at the Phou Kiew Lom International Golf Resort, along with a cultural performance is also scheduled for January 27.
Thousands of lanterns will be released into the night sky and lighted krathong will be set afloat on the river.
A boxing contest and a business meeting with a view to attracting investment and promoting tourism will also take place. - Vientiane Times/ANN
