Vat Phou Boat Racing Festival in Champasak, Laos

Getting There

The Vat Phou Boat Racing Festival is a significant cultural event in Champasak, Laos. To reach the festival, you will first need to get to the town of Champasak.

By Air

International travelers can fly into Pakse International Airport (PKZ), which is the nearest airport to Champasak. From the airport, you can use the following methods to reach the festival:

• Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the airport and can take you directly to Champasak. It is advisable to agree on the fare beforehand.
• Minivans: Minivans or shuttle services might also be available, especially during the festival times.

By Bus

If you are coming from within Laos or from neighboring countries, taking a bus may be more convenient:

• Buses from Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or other provinces regularly run to Pakse.
• From Pakse, you can find local buses or songthaews (shared taxis) going to Champasak.

By Boat

For a more scenic route, consider taking a boat from Pakse down the Mekong River to Champasak.

Attending the Festival

Once in Champasak, the Vat Phou Boat Racing Festival takes place on the Mekong River, near the ancient temple complex of Wat Phou. It’s easy to find as it attracts large crowds and is one of the area's most celebrated festivals.

Accommodation

It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance as hotels and guesthouses can fill up quickly around festival times. Options range from guesthouses to more upscale hotels.

Additional Information

When: The Vat Phou Boat Racing Festival takes place annually on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, usually in February or March.

What to expect: The event features thrilling boat races, cultural performances, and a lively fair beside the ruins of the Vat Phou temple.