VIENTIANE: The annual Vat Phou Festival in southern Laos' Champasak province will take place from Feb 10 to 12, offering a vibrant showcase of Lao culture, history and tradition, along with a variety of colourful activities to entertain visitors.
The festival will kick off with a grand parade, cultural performances, and historical reenactments. It will also feature fireworks and a light-and-sound show, Lao National TV reported on Wednesday (Feb 5).
The festival will feature performances recounting the story of the world heritage site of Vat Phou temple, parades, a market fair selling One District One Product items, traditional sports competitions, and student art performances.
The festival is expected to attract domestic and international visitors, including invited guests from Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, with the goal of promoting Lao heritage and boosting regional tourism.
The ruins of Vat Phou temple in Champasak are more than 1,000 years old, and the festival is held to revere the temple ruins and allow people to marvel at its history and the ancient culture it represents.
The Vat Phou temple complex was declared a World Heritage Site in 2001.
With a rich blend of cultural exhibitions, traditional performances, sports competitions, and religious ceremonies, the festival is set to be a must-visit event, offering both locals and international visitors a unique insight into the beauty and traditions of Laos. - Xinhua
