‘Easter New Year’ in Laos

Why not combine the holiday of a lifetime to Laos in south-east Asia this Easter with the crazy celebrations of Boun Pimai Lao (Lao New Year Festival) which takes place annually from 13-16 April.

Luang Prabang is the liveliest place for guests to participate in and enjoy the celebrations and when you are out and about on the streets, you are likely to get squirted with water! The symbolism of this is the washing away of bad luck from last year, and to wish you good luck for the coming year and a long and healthy life (visitors are also permitted to squirt back!).

The 13th is the last day of the old year when houses and villages are properly cleaned and the Buddha Statues in temples and in houses are poured with perfumed water and flowers.

The 14th is the second day of the festival; it is the day in between the last year and the new coming year, called "Mu Sang Khane Naow”. People celebrate on the streets to enjoy the water festival with friends. The 16th the last day of the festival, is the first day of the New Year called “Mu Sang Khane Khun”.

Bamboo Travel has a 12-day itinerary departing the UK on 13 April entitled Escape to Laos which coincides perfectly with the celebrations.

The itinerary is based on medium grade hotels (3 star equivalent) and highlights include 3 nights in Luang Prabang (allowing plenty of time for squirting!), an exploration of the northern provinces by boat, a 2 night stay at Nong Khiaw, kayaking on the Nam Song River at Vang Vieng and a stay in the capital of Vientiane (click here for full itinerary).

The price of the holiday, departing 13 April is from £1895 pp (two sharing) which includes international flights, 9-nights’ B&B (plus one lunch), road transfers, private tours and private English-speaking guide/drivers.

For further information or to make a booking, visit bambootravel.co.uk.