The seven-day Sabaidee Luang Prabang Fest opened on 6 October, to promote sustainable tourism and Lao tradition and culture, while stimulating post-Covid tourism to the UNESCO World Heritage City, supporting local MSMEs, and raising awareness in sustainable supply chains with a focus on “Made in Laos” products.
The “No Plastic” event, as part of the Lao Thiao Lao domestic tourism campaign, features daily activities and competitions alongside ongoing festivities, with PPP support from local and national businesses, government ministries and departments, chambers of commerce, and donor agencies.
“Sabaidee Luang Prabang Festival is organized to encourage and support the MSMEs in Laos to become more sustainable and raise awareness about the importance of being responsible travelers,” Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) Chanthachone Vongsay told the Laotian Times.
A traditional lantern competition kicks off the week-long Sabaidee Luang Prabang Fest on the opening evening, followed by an early Friday morning cycling procession for Laos-Vietnam Friendship Year 2022, in which riders must wear traditional costumes. A similar walk about town is also slated.
Saturday the 8th sees the launch of the three-day International Coffee Day – Taste of Laos workshops, competitions, and tastings. A panel discussion on sustainable tourism in Laos is also scheduled for that evening.
Sunday ushers in several events including a Fun Run for Children, Traditional Dessert Contest, and Traditional Clothing Contest. An early morning Alms Giving Ceremony opens Monday’s activities, while Tuesday’s Light Boat Festival closes out Day 6.
Throughout the festival, which falls during the week celebrating the end of Buddhist Lent, visitors can participate in the Light Candles Festival at 12 Temples and shop at the Luang Prabang Products Fair.
“Promoting ‘Made in Laos’ and sustainable tourism-related products showcases Laos’ natural biodiversity and reinforces the need for environmental care and protection,” said Xaysomphet Norlasing, Director General of the Department of Trade Promotion, Ministry of Industry and Commerce. “This event is the perfect opportunity for domestic and international tourists to experience the very best in quality Lao products.”
Sabaidee Luang Prabang Fest also falls under the umbrella of the newly rekindled Lao Thiao Lao Campaign, with support from the European Union, Plan International Laos, LNCCI, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Vincent Vire, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union in Laos, noted that the EU is proud to support Lao Thiao Lao and the Sabaidee Luang Prabang Festival to revive tourism, promote and preserve the culture and heritage of the country, and foster sustainable consumption and production practices in the tourism industry, the Laotian Times reported.
Veomanee Douangdala, Vice President of Luang Prabang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added, “We expect the unique and iconic tradition and culture, tourism sights, and environmentally-friendly products will draw many domestic and international tourists to Luang Prabang and support local businesses.”
Sabaidee Luang Prabang Fest runs from 6-12 October 2022. For more information, visit Lao Thiao Lao.
