There are 11 public holidays with 13 days in Laos in 2023, and two days fall on weekends: Saturday and Sunday.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
International Women's Day
The holiday is one of the most important days to recognize women's achievements and raise awareness about women's equality. It is observed on March 8, 2023.
Lao New Year
Lao New Year, also known as Songkran, is a public holiday in Laos on April 12, 2023. The holiday is the most important festival in Laos. The official festival lasts three days, although the celebration can last longer.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Visakhabousa Day
Visakhabousa Day, observed on May 4, 2023, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha, the religious leader from Ancient India. He was the founder of the world religion of Buddhism.
Lao Women Union's Day
Lao Women Union's Day is a public holiday in Laos, observed on July 20, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the Lao Women's Union's formation on July 20, 1955.
Khao Phansa
Khao Pansa, observed on August 1, 2023, marks the start of the three months of Vassa, when monks must remain in a monastery or temple grounds, usually from July to October. It coincides with the rainy season, and traditionally the monks are not allowed to stay overnight in other places. They will study, meditate or teach other young monks during this time.
Boat Racing Festival
Boun Ok Phansa, observed on October 9, 2023, marks the end of the rainy season, and the waters in the river are high and good for boat racing. Boat Racing Festival has existed in Laos for thousands of years.
Boun Ok Phansa
Boun Ok Phansa, observed on October 30, 2023, marks the end of the three-month period of Vassa when monks are required to remain in a particular monastery or temple grounds, usually from July to October. It coincides with the rainy season, and traditionally the monks are not allowed to stay overnight in other places. They will study, meditate or teach other young monks during this time.
That Luang Festival
That Luang Festival, observed on November 27, 2023, is a celebration of the religious and historical importance of Pha That Luang, a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane.
National Day
National Day is a public holiday in Laos, observed on December 2, 2023. The holiday commemorates the end of the monarchy and the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975.
The following is the list of public holidays in Laos 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| International Women's Day | Mar 08, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Lao New Year | Apr 12, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Lao New Year Holiday | Apr 13, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Lao New Year Holiday | Apr 14, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Visakhabousa Day | May 04, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Lao Women Union's Day | Jul 20, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Khao Phansa | Aug 01, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Boat Racing Festival | Oct 09, 2023 | Monday | Vientiane only |
| Boun Ok Phansa | Oct 30, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| That Luang Festival | Nov 27, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| National Day | Dec 02, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Laos in 2023.