The Champa flower is the national flower of Laos. It is a symbol of beauty and cultural heritage of the
Lao people. In Laos, the Champa flower is a flower found from north to south, from Phongsaly Province to
Champasak Province. The Champa flower has a stem about 6-12 meters high, with fairly crooked branches,
all parts have white sap, the flowers are in large clusters gathered at the ends of the branches, the
flowers are conical, the ends are separated into 5 petals, each petal is called a petal, each petal is
overlapping, there are many colors in the same flower, such as white, which is often seen on the outer
edge of the petal, then moving into the inside of the petal, it looks like yellow and dark yellow, and
then it reaches the center of the flower. At the base of the petal, there are red, pink mixed with
white. The flowers have a natural fragrance throughout the day, do not wilt easily, start blooming
before the Lao New Year and generally bloom before the leaves.
Food of lao
Sticky rice, papaya salad and grilled chicken
Sticky rice is a staple food of Laos and an important part of Lao culture, grown extensively in the Lao
People's Democratic Republic and the northeastern part of the Kingdom of Thailand. Sticky rice is widely
consumed in Laos and is a staple food of the country. Papaya salad is also a very popular dish in Laos,
found in most restaurants.Grilled chicken is a popular traditional dish in Laos and northeastern
Thailand. It is often seasoned with a variety of spices and grilled until fragrant before being served
with sticky rice, sour soup, or a special sauce.
Lao music
Khene.
The khene is a traditional Lao musical instrument with a long history, deeply rooted in Lao culture for
many centuries. It is a wind instrument that stands out due to its unique shape and distinctive sound.
Made from bamboo, the khene is often played in combination with songs, allowing it to create a
harmonious and enjoyable musical experience.
As a symbol of Lao music, the khene is commonly used for entertainment, various ceremonies, and
religious rituals. Its sound has the ability to reflect human emotions, whether it be joy, sadness, or
nostalgia. Because of this, the khene is considered the heart of Lao music and has been recognized as an
important part of Laos' cultural heritage..
Pi main lao
Lao festival.
Lao New Year, also known as Songkran, is celebrated annually from April 13 to 16. It is often called the
Water Festival (Boun Hod Nam) because people splash water on one another as a way of sharing blessings
and well-wishes. Since April is the hottest month of the year in Laos, with temperatures reaching up to
40°C, the water-splashing tradition helps cool people down while also symbolizing purification and
renewal.
Aside from the fun water fights, Lao New Year is deeply rooted in religious and cultural
traditions. At temples, people make merit, clean Buddha statues, and perform rituals to honor deceased
ancestors. One significant practice is 'Song Phra', where Buddha images are bathed as a form of
respect.
In Luang Prabang, one of the highlights of the celebration is the Nang Sang Khan procession,
where a beauty queen is chosen to represent the festival and is paraded through the city. The event is a
blend of spirituality, culture, and joy, making it one of the most important festivals in Laos.
That luang
That Luang Festival.
Boun That Luang is one of the largest and most significant religious festivals in Laos. It is held
annually during the month of November (on the 15th full moon of the lunar calendar) at Pha That Luang,
the golden stupa in Vientiane, which is a symbol of Lao national identity and a major religious
landmark.The festival begins with Buddhist ceremonies, such as almsgiving and the procession of monks.
Pilgrims from across Laos and neighboring countries gather to offer their prayers and participate in
sacred rituals to build merit and enhance their spirituality.Beyond the religious observances, the
festival also features activities like sports competitions, traditional dances, cultural performances, a
night market, and the launching of rockets (Boun Bang Fai) as part of the celebration. Boun That Luang
is an event that fosters a sense of shared faith, unity, and pride in the culture and history of Laos.
Wat Xieng Thong
Cultural Temple
Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important and revered temples in Luang Prabang, Laos. Located along
the Mekong River, it is a prime example of traditional Lao architecture and a significant cultural and
religious landmark.The temple was built in 1560 during the reign of King Setthathirath and served as the
royal temple. It is known for its beautiful and intricate architecture, including detailed wood carvings
and murals that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and the history of the Lao kingdom.One of the key
features of Wat Xieng Thong is its unique design, with a sweeping, curved roof, a central golden stupa,
and several smaller buildings surrounding the main temple. The temple is also home to a famous 'Tree of
Life' mural, which is a prominent symbol in Lao culture.Wat Xieng Thong remains a place of worship and a
popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors to admire its artistry and experience its serene and
spiritual atmosphere. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an essential stop for anyone exploring the
cultural heritage of Luang Prabang.