All about Boun Pi Mai, Lao's New Year Festival

Boun Pi Mai is one of the most important annual festivals to celebrate Lao New Year in the lasting several days in mid-April. It is a time when the entire country stops working and begins to party, and so do you if you visit Laos during Boun Pi Mai.

What is Boun Pi Mai

Boun Pi Mai, the start of the New Year in Laos, is a splashy good time for visitors, although a decidedly more gentle ordeal than its same-day counterpart in Thailand (Songkran).

The Lao New Year takes place in the middle of the hot summer season, in April. The new year celebrations usually last three days – 13-15 or 14-16 – though festivities in major locales can last longer than that (Luang Prabang’s Boun Pi Mai lasts for about 10 days).

During the New Year, the Lao believe that the old spirit of Sangkhan leaves this plane, making way for a new one. This belief – like the rest of Bun Pi Mai – is grounded in the Brahmanic and animistic religions that long preceded Theravada Buddhism, says former Culture Research Institute head Houmphanh Rattanavong.

Three Days of the Laos New Year

“In the Brahmanism religion it was believed that the time from January to the first day of Pi Mai in April is a dark, or bad, period of the year,” explains Mr. Rattanavong. “In Buddhism, the last day of Pi Mai is seen as a bright or prosperous period, so our ancestors chose April as the month of the New Year.”

The first day of Boun Pi Mai, known as Sangkhan Luang, is considered the last day of the old year. Lao will clean their houses and villages on this day, and prepare water, perfume, and flowers for the days ahead.

The second day, the Sangkhan Nao or "day of no day", is neither part of the old year nor of the new year.

The third day, known as Sangkhan Kheun Pi Mai is the official start of the Lao New Year. Locals dress in their finest silk clothes and perform Tak Bat, the traditional offering of alms to Buddhist monks; then climb Mount Phousi to pray at the stupa at its summit.

At family gatherings later in the day, locals hold baci ceremonies for good health, and beg senior family members for forgiveness.

Getting Soaked in Boun Pi Mai

During the New Year, water plays a big part in the festivities – Lao bathe Buddha images in their local temples, pouring jasmine-scented water and flower petals on the sculptures. The faithful will also build sand stupas and decorate these with flowers and string.

At each temple, monks will provide the water, as well as blessings for the devotees flocking to the temples and the white bai sri strings, which they will tie around devotees' wrists.

People also get soaked during Boun Pi Mai – people respectfully pour water on monks and elders, and less reverently on each other! Foreigners are not exempt from this treatment – if you're in Laos during Bun Pi Mai, do expect to be soaked by passing teenagers, who'll give you the wet treatment from buckets of water, hoses, or high-pressure water guns.

Locals sometimes throw flour as well as water, so you’ll feel both wet and doughy at the end of the holiday.

Celebrating Boun Pi Mai in Luang Prabang

While Boun Pi Mai is celebrated throughout Laos, tourists should be at Vientiane or Luang Prabang to see the holiday at its most intense. In Vientiane, families make the rounds of the different temples to bathe the Buddha statues, especially the ones at Wat Phra Kaew, the city's oldest temple.

Luang Prabang is probably the best place to celebrate Boun Pi Mai in Laos, as it is the former royal capital and a present-day UNESCO World Heritage site. In Luang Prabang, the celebrations can stretch out to a full seven days, celebrated in different places around the city.

Tips for Travelers

Boun Pi Mai is considered part of peak tourist season in Laos, so don't expect to make any bookings on the spur of the moment. If you want to be in Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng during the Lao New Year, book at least two months in advance to get the dates you want.

Consider it unavoidable: you will get wet during Boun Pi Mai. (So will everybody else.) At the same time, there are certain locals you shouldn't throw water at – monks, elders, and maybe the occasional well-dressed woman on her way to an important New Year event! Choose your targets judiciously, but expect to be liberally soaked.

See more: Explore the Konglor Loop in Laos

Source: Internet

5 best multiple-country trips in Asia

Asia is without doubt one of the best regions of the world for an exciting multi-country holiday. With so many countries relatively close together, it seems almost like a wasted opportunity to see only one.

Cultural tour of Southeast Asian capitals

A tour that traverses the capitals of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia is a great way to delve into local history and culture. There are many similarities between these three countries at surface level, but a multi-country trip like this can expose the nuances of each culture to reveal three proudly distinct nations. Compare modern capitals with ancient kingdoms, see how Buddhist temples differ, cruise the countries’ rivers, see their museums and learn about their local handicrafts.

This 12-day, 11-night tour begins in Bangkok, giving you time to take in the capital’s most famous sights – the Grand Palace and the home of the reclining Buddha, Wat Pho – getting you around the city via river ferry, canal boat and tuk tuk. Next it’s off to Luang Prabang, where you swap bustling streets with serene mountainscapes, before heading to Vientiane, the smallest capital city in the world. In Cambodia, you’ll be charmed by the capital, Phnom Penh, before heading to Siem Reap to see an ancient capital on the grandest scale at Angkor Wat.

Mekong River journey

This epic journey begins in picturesque Kengtung in the mountains of Shan State, in the far eastern reaches of Myanmar. From here, you’ll make your way down through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, traveling on the Mekong, overland and by taking short flights. You’ll stop in myriad little towns and some big cities along the way, meeting local communities, enjoying cultural activities and even taking part in sustainability projects. Temples, markets, ancient ruins, palaces, museums, serene countryside and idyllic shores are all part of this amazing multi-country trip.

An Indochine foodie trip

This tour from Vientiane, Laos through Cambodia to Halong Bay in Vietnam, combines must-see sights with must-eat dishes. Certain Vietnamese dishes have already won worldwide acclaim but on this trip you’ll also learn about Laos food. For instance, did you know that many of your favorite Thai dishes originated in Laos? Add in the influence of French gastronomy and you have a foodie tour with true breadth – and good wine. Eat through seven cities and three nations on this multi-country Asia holiday, peppered with iconic experiences: a meal at Angkor Wat, dinner about a private boat on Halong Bay, a Hanoi city tour by Vespa, a cooking class in Luang Prabang.

A short trip from Bangkok to Angkor Wat

For many travelers to Southeast Asia, Thailand is at the top of the list of must-see places. Bangkok itself is worthy of indepth exploration, and this tour gives you a couple of days in ‘the Big Mango’ to see the main sights such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. You’ll also have some time for choice of different urban expeditions, from cruising the canals of Thonburi to exploring vibrant Chinatown.

Next, it’s off to Siem Reap, where you’ll waste no time getting to the most famed of ancient temple complexes, Angkor Wat. You’ll explore the site with a guide, who can explain the building’s intricate architecture and countless bas-reliefs. The next morning, you’ll rise early to see another famous local landmark, Ta Prohm, wreathed in vines and roots and tinted green with moss. The smaller Banteay Srey and the famous Angkor Thom are also part of the day’s travels. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a unique performance by local troupe, Phare Circus, whose lithe acrobatics tell a deeper story about Cambodian society.

On the final day of your trip, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise on the Tonle Sap lake. You’ll cruise to an local village where the school, temple, houses and even an ice factory are all over water. You’ll have lunch in traditional stilt house over the river then return to Siem Reap in time to do some souvenir shopping before your onward transfer.

See more: 7 perfect day trip in Thailand

Source: Internet

Where to visit first in Laos

The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos is one of the most authentic countries in the world. The following places to visit for your first trip to Laos are the major highlights in the country.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is the most popular destination in Laos among budget travellers and backpackers. It’s situated in central Laos and is surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery of karst hills, limestone mountains, caves and tunnels, and rivers. It could be considered to be Laos’ adventure capital. There are many tour companies offering adventurous activities, from kayaking and tubing to spelunking and hiking. The downtown bar scene is worth checking out as well.

Bolaven Plateau

Southern Laos’ Bolaven Plateau is a landscape of thundering waterfalls, dense forests and tea and coffee plantations. Located more than 1,000 metres above sea level, the plateau is blessed with a milder and cooler climate than most of the rest of the country. The abundance of natural highlights, such as the Tad Fane and Dong Hua Sao waterfalls, invites visitors to strap on a pair of hiking boots and head into the jungle.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, set on a peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, was the royal capital of Laos until 1975, when the communists took over. The city is the most visited destination in Laos and, home to several amazing sights, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Luang Prabang, you will see bald orange-robed monks, old temples with golden roofs and French colonial buildings.

Plain of Jars

One of the most unusual sights in Southeast Asia, and also one of the world’s main archaeological mysteries, the Plain of Jars occupies a large area around the city of Phonsavan. There are hundreds of stone jars or urns, spread out among several archaeological sites. No one knows their purpose. When you visit Laos, this is an absolutely must-see attraction.

Wat Phu

Wat Phu, also known as Vat Phou, means ‘mountain temple’ and is a complex of ancient Khmer temple ruins. This complex of Hindu temples dates from between the 11th an 13th century and consists of tall trees, pavilions, pillars, courtyards, shrines, palaces and much more. The historical importance of this marvelous site is shown in the fact that it was declared World Heritage by UNESCO.

Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and features many fascinating sites and sights. It’s a free-spirited city with a beautiful waterfront that lines the Mekong River. Other attractions are the stunning Phat That Luang stupa, the hundreds of Buddha statues in Wat Sisaket and the triumphal arc known as Patuxai. Additionally, you can also enjoy the incredibly relaxed atmosphere and the surprising mix of cultures— Chinese, Vietnamese, Lao, French and American.

Mekong River

Southeast Asia’s greatest river is more than 4,000 kilometres long, a large section of which lies in Laos. In a country that lacks proper roads and is covered with mountains and hills that aren’t always easy to access, the Mekong River provides the major transportation route. An absolute highlight of any trip to Laos, or to Southeast Asia in general, is taking a cruise on the Mekong River.

See more: What to eat when traveling in Laos

Source: Internet

Admire amazing traditional wedding costumes around Asia

Asia offers a wide variety of dazzling cultural dresses that continue to be worn for wedding ceremonies today. Many brides throughout Asia wear their country's traditional cultural gowns in addition to the white, more Westernised dress.

Below are traditional wedding dresses of some countries in the region including a little bit of information about them.

Japan

In a traditional Japanese wedding, the bride typically wears a pure white kimono for the formal ceremony, which symbolizes purity and maidenhood. After the ceremony, the bride will change into a red kimono that symbolizes good luck, according to Bored Panda.

Weddings are a $20 billion industry in Japan, where the average cost of a wedding for 50 to 100 people is $30,000 and can even exceed $100,000. A wedding that costs between $10,000 and $20,000 is seen as cheap. Because of this, some families will go into debt in order to have a lavish wedding.

Thailand

Most people dream of traveling to Thailand, a lush Southeast Asian country, with its tropical beaches, ancient palaces, and smiling people. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Queen Sirikit was a major influence on fashion in Thailand and was considered the best-dressed woman in the world by Thai citizens. She is credited with reviving the status of Thai silk, often used in Thai national dress.

The official Thai national dress is known as Chut Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom, and it can come in various styles, depending on the occasion including wedding ceremonies.

Vietnam

The traditional Vietnamese wedding is influenced by Confucian and Buddhist ideologies. Back in the day, parents or extended family arranged the weddings without consulting with the children. Sometimes, the bride and groom would meet for the first time on the wedding day.

The date of the wedding is typically decided by a Buddhist monk or fortune teller, but this could be different if the family is Catholic. During the ceremony, the bride and groom would wear a variation of an “Ao Dai,” which is a silk tunic worn over the pants and is Vietnam’s national costume.

Laos

On the big day, the bride is dressed with a traditional Lao silk Sinh (Lao skirt), and silk blouse, and has her hair tied up in a special way with gold decoration. This ensemble is finished off with a gold necklace, bracelets, earrings and a bell.

The groom also gets dressed up usually with white or cream coloured silk shirt and a traditional silk Salong (a pair of baggy pants). Sometimes grooms wear normal pants and suits as some find Salongs uncomfortable.

India

In Indian culture, pink or red wedding dresses are often the garment of choice for brides. Married woman in the north of the country can often be identified by a red dot in the middle of their forehead.

Tibet

In a traditional Tibetan wedding, the bride wears a white, woolen wedding dress layered with brightly colored aprons and robes. In ancient times, most weddings in Tibet were arranged, however, that has fazed out in modern times.

Indonesia

As the biggest archipelago country in the world, Indonesia is blessed with a diverse culture, each region even possesses its own unique wedding customs. Traditional Indonesian weddings are festive and vibrant, mainly thanks to its beautiful attires. Another spotlight on certain wedding ceremonies would be on several stunning wedding headpieces and crowns that can be found across the country.

One of the heaviest traditional Indonesian headpieces, the sunting or suntiang is worn by Minang brides from West Sumatra. The traditional suntiang gadang crown is put together from up to 11 layers of flowers, gold, and aluminum, no wonder it can weigh as heavy as 5 kg! These days, however, it can be easily find as lighter, more practical, yet still, beautiful suntiang made of brass.

Read more: Discover traditional costumes in Asia

Source Internet

Top destinations in Thakhek, Laos

Thakhek is a town in central Laos. Coming to Thakhek, tourists will definitely be in awe of the natural beauty hidden in this small town.

Konglor Cave

The highlight of the trip, Konglor Cave is tucked 41 km inside the main the loop down a mostly paved road. Up to three visitors can fit in a motor boat with a driver to explore the 7.5 km water-filled cave. Step out onto dry land to see the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites illuminated with electric lighting. The rest of the journey is in the pitch black, so bring a headlamp or rent one from the ticket counter. Wear shoes that can get wet, as you’ll be ankle deep in water getting in and out of the boat!

Song Sou Waterfall

Just across the bridge past the Nam Theun 2 Visitor Center is a dirt path with a little sign pointing to one of the most peaceful places to spend an afternoon: Song Sou Waterfall. This waterfall has cabanas to enjoy a picnic while taking in the mountains and babbling water. An on-site bar and restaurant offers food, drinks, a pétanque pit and hiking.

Tham Nang Aen Cave

Tham Nang Aen is a cave 20 km down Route 13 from Thakhek. Highly accessible with cement walkways and ramps, this cave is illuminated with colourful lights and alters. The cave’s name means “Sitting and Flirting” and as a constant cool breeze blows from the cave’s mouth, it’s a great place to do just that. Tham Nang Aen is 1.5 km long and contains a lake. Rowboat rides are offered for visitors and an outdoor restaurant is open in the dry season.

Nasanam Waterfall

Nasanam Waterfall is accessible off Route 8 near the road that leads to Kong Lor. The waterfall is 3km from the road. The first kilometre can be done on a motorbike but the rest of the path is a challenging hike up boulders and across streams through the jungle. Look and listen for birds and frogs. A natural swimming pool at the lower falls offers a cooling break. Continue to the upper falls or just admire the cascade (more brilliant in the wet season) from afar.

Mangkone “Dragon” Cave

Mangkone Cave is right off Route 8 and has a new restaurant and coffeeshop, gift shop, and guest house. Pay a nominal fee to walk through the cave. Navigate around the lake, under a very low-hanging ceiling and into a spacious and well-lit cavern with coloured spotlights shining on impressive rock formations. A second entrance can be climbed up to and out at the back of the cave.

Buddha Sculptures in the Rock

Along a particularly scenic stretch of Route 1E just north of the Nam Theun 2 Reservoir, giant buddha sculptures have been carved into the cliffs on the side of the road. People leave offerings of food, drinks and candles at the feet of the statues. Be careful on the curves and park as far to the side of road as possible if you decide to stop for a closer look.

See more: Top awesome places in Luang Prabang to visit

Source: Internet

Destinations for solo travelers in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a kaleidoscope of rich colors and flavors, where ancient temples lie hidden in lush jungles and skyscrapers tower over glittering, futuristic cities. If you’re planning on traveling solo in this part of the world, these are the top amazing places you can visit.

Hoi An Old Town (Vietnam)

Known for its lantern-lit streets and riverside buildings, Hoi An Old Town is located on Vietnam’s central coast. The historic district remains relatively untouched thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage designation, and cars are banned. However, most guest houses in the area offer free rental bicycles, which you can use to wind through the beautiful streets and alleyways.

Angkor Wat (Cambodia)

Angkor Wat is such an iconic part of Cambodia’s cultural heritage that it has appeared on the country’s flag since the 1850s. Originally built as a Hindu temple, the site has been cared for by Buddhist monks since the end of the 12th century and remains one the largest religious monuments in the world. Climb its intricately carved passageways for breathtaking views of the sprawling temple site, or if you’re looking to get off the beaten track, explore the surrounding Angkor Archaeological Park forests, full of monkeys and other exciting wildlife.

Luang Prabang (Laos)

In Luang Prabang (the former royal capital of Laos), crumbling French colonial architecture rubs shoulders with traditional Laotian wooden buildings, glittering palaces and ornate golden temples. It’s easy to see why this town was awarded its UNESCO World Heritage status. Rent a bicycle or motorbike and explore the surrounding area, or follow the winding roads up to the turquoise waterfalls in Kuang Si. Don’t miss the city’s gargantuan night market, which sells a variety of street food, souvenirs and locally made handicrafts.

Cameron Highlands (Malaysia)

Who says Southeast Asia has to be hot? At an elevation of 800-1,600 metres (2,600-5,200 feet) above sea level, the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia is temperate all year round, making it a perfect place for hiking. The region has a very distinct ecosystem, with a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are rare in the tropics. Its lush, rolling mountain slopes are perfect for tea plantations, which dot this verdant corner of Pahang state.

Read more: The best snorkeling spots you can find in Southeast Asia

Source The Culture Trip

8 temples to visit in Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, Laos was the former Royal Capital city and was designated an UNESCO world heritage site in 1995. The historic town contains French colonial architecture and more than 30 Buddhist temples, or wats, that welcome visitors and are home to monks and novices.

Wat Phon Phao

Wat Phon Phao is almost 2 miles (3 kilometers) northeast of Luang Prabang’s town center. It is a forest monastery that was home to famed and now deceased Buddhist abbot Ajahn Saisamut.

Wat Aham

Wat Aham’s sim, or ordination hall, was built in 1818. The first shrine on this site was erected in the 14th century to honor the two guardian spirits of Luang Prabang. These spirits are now said to live in the trees on the temple grounds.

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat, or Temple of the Great Stupa, is ornate and very beautiful. It was originally constructed in 1548 and was restored in the early 1900s after being damaged by severe weather.

That Chomsi

That Chomsi is located at the top of Mount Phousi overlooking the Mekong. It’s a popular spot to hike in the late afternoon. Visitors are greeted at the summit with excellent views of the sun setting over the river.

Wat Pa Phai

Wat Pa Phai has a gold and red wooden fresco that depicts life in Laos in the 1800s. It was originally a forest monastery but the town of Luang Prabang has grown around it placing it well within the city limits.

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

Wat Mai, or New Temple, is one of the largest temples in Luang Prabang and dates back to 1780. Before it was moved to the Royal Palace Museum, the Phra Bang Buddha statue was kept here. The image is returned annually to Wat Mai during Lao New Year in April.

That Makmo

That Makmo’s nickname means Watermelon Stupa. The temple’s formal name is That Pathum, meaning Stupa of the Great Lotus. This short and stout stupa dates back to the early 1500s and its architecture is unique in all of Laos.

Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong lies at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan on the north end of Luang Prabang. The temple was built in the mid 1500s by King Setthathirath and functioned as a royal temple until 1975.

See more: 8 reasons why Luang Prabang is so hard to forget

Source: Internet

Top underrated destinations in Laos

Laos provides a pleasant change of pace for travelers who are used to Thailand or Vietnam. This small Southeast Asian country has stunning scenery, from limestone mountains to dense forests and spectacular waterfalls. It’s a great place for adventuresome travelers or those who don’t mind roughing it.

Wat Phu

Wat Phu (or Vat Phou) is a ruined Khmer temple complex located at the base of mount Phu Kao, in the Champasak province. The Hindu temple structures date from the 11th to 13th centuries. It was a part of the Khmer empire, centered on Angkor to the southwest in Cambodia. Wat Phu is small compared with the monumental sites at Angkor but the tumbledown pavilions, enigmatic crocodile stone and tall trees that shroud much of the site give Wat Phu a mystical atmosphere.

Nong Kiau

Nong Kiau, sometimes called Nong Khiaw, is a popular tourist destination in Luang Prabang Province because of its many walking, mountain climbing and biking opportunities. A must-see site is the bridge across the Nam Ou River that was built by China. The bridge connects the two parts of Nong Kiau, and is a good place to see stunning views of the river and mountains. Nong Kiau is a rustic village, so visitors shouldn’t expect truly luxurious accommodations. Spelunkers may enjoy exploring the Pha Tok Caves that are located about a mile from town. The caves housed villagers during the Second Indochina War.

Phonsavan 

Phonsavan, a name that means “hills of paradise,” is a good place to experience the U.S.’s Old West, only with Laotian characteristics. Since cattle raising is one of the city’s main businesses, it’s not uncommon to see Hmong “cowboys” wearing violet and brown cowboy hats. The city even hosts bullfights during Hmong New Year. Phonsavan is a good place to visit the Plain of Jars with its ancient megalithic structures that resemble jars. At one time, Phonsavan belonged to Siam, now Thailand, and then the French, with remnants of each culture still to be found.

Read more: What to eat when traveling in Laos

Source touropia