Feature: Vat Phou Festival awakens Laos' spirit amid ancient ruins

VIENTIANE, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Set among ancient stones and quiet hills, the annual Vat Phou Festival in southern Laos' Champasak province offers a rare moment at a sacred site, where visitors from all backgrounds can walk through history, reconnect with tradition, and experience the spirit of Laos through its enduring heritage.

The annual Vat Phou Festival was held from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, marking the 25th anniversary of the Vat Phou temple's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Held among the ruins of the more than 1,000-year-old Vat Phou temple complex, the festival is one of Laos' most important cultural and religious events, drawing both local and international visitors to experience the country's ancient heritage and living traditions.

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.

For some Lao families, the festival is more than a cultural event. It is a chance to slow down and reconnect. Souphaphone, a mother from Savannakhet province, said she planned to travel to Champasak with her husband and teenage daughter during the festival, turning the visit into a short family vacation.

"I hope we can take a break from our daily routines, and I want my daughter to experience the sacred site firsthand, to understand its history, and to be truly impressed," Souphaphone told Xinhua.

"This trip is a rare pause in our busy lives. We planned it to coincide with my daughter's school holidays and my husband's limited time off. It's a chance for us to be together, not just at home, but somewhere meaningful."

The family also planned to visit waterfalls across the province, taking time to slow down and reconnect with nature. Additionally, Souphaphone said attending the festival is not only a way to spend quality time together but also an opportunity to preserve and pass cultural values to the next generation.

This year's festival offers a vibrant program of cultural and traditional activities that highlight the historical and spiritual significance of the centuries-old temple. Visitors can enjoy storytelling performances about Vat Phou, colorful parades, sports competitions, and musical shows by schoolchildren.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a market fair featuring "One District, One Product" items showcased local handicrafts and agricultural goods, giving visitors a chance to support community producers. One of the highlights of the festival is a display of 590 drones illuminating the night sky, followed by a vibrant fireworks show.

Solo travelers are also drawn to the calm and authenticity of the festival. Jeng, a Lao traveler who often explores the country alone, said he chose Champasak for his first trip of 2026, hoping to disconnect from work and daily pressures. For him, attending the Vat Phou Festival offers a chance to immerse himself in traditional Lao culture, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and visit local coffee shops in a region renowned for its coffee plantations.

"The festival comes at the perfect time, as my uncle from France is visiting," said Kook, a resident of Vientiane. "I planned this trip to Champasak so I could show him the real Laos, to let him see our traditions in action, not just read about them in a book or see them on a screen."

Meanwhile, Paul, a French tourist spending a month in Laos, said the festival is a highlight of his journey. Traveling across the country, he has been impressed by its rich traditions and natural beauty, seeing his time in Laos as an opportunity to step away from daily pressures and reconnect with nature.

The Vat Phou Festival will conclude with merit-making activities at the temple complex, including almsgiving, reflecting the deep spiritual roots of the event. ■