VIENTIANE, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The tranquil rivers of northern Laos' Luang Prabang province come alive as the synchronized splash of oars mingled with cheers and applause from excited crowds during the annual boat racing festival, celebrating tradition, unity and enduring culture.
The festival featured a range of cultural and community activities, including boat races, traditional parades, ceremonies, and a cultural market. The event not only highlighted the province's rich cultural heritage but also aimed to promote tourism and support the local economy.
The cultural market officially opened on Friday, attracting both local and international visitors. Traders offered a wide variety of products, including handicrafts, agricultural goods, local foods, and traditional items.
On Saturday morning, people from all ethnic groups participated in an almsgiving ceremony before gathering along the riverside to witness the boat races, reflecting the community's strong cultural identity, unity, and enduring traditions.
For many visitors, the boat racing festival is the perfect excuse for a short getaway to Luang Prabang, one of Laos' top travel destinations. Usually known for its calm, laid-back atmosphere, the town transforms during the festival, offering a vibrant, immersive cultural experience.
Toukta, a traveler from Lao capital Vientiane, took the opportunity for a solo vacation as a break from her busy work life. Witnessing the festival firsthand, she expressed deep appreciation for its vibrant energy and cultural richness.
"Luang Prabang has such a graceful way of blending its old-world charm with new and diverse sights throughout the town. You can feel the deep respect people have for their heritage, culture, and traditions -- it shows in everything, from the warm hospitality of the locals to the food and its landmarks," Toukta said.
She described the boat racing festival as more than just a sporting event or celebration, calling it a powerful tribute to Laos' enduring cultural spirit.
Toukta also praised the event for its role in preserving Lao traditions while celebrating them in a way that engages both locals and visitors.
During a meeting held on Aug. 15 to review the work of the provincial task force in addressing economic challenges and to outline future plans, it was reported that Luang Prabang welcomed more than 2.1 million visitors, both domestic and international, during the first seven months of 2025, marking an 83.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
From the perspective of many residents, the boat racing festival is seen not only as a meaningful cultural tradition but also as a vital opportunity for economic growth.
"The event helps preserve Lao heritage by showcasing local customs, crafts, and ceremonies to visitors from around the world. From my perspective as a vendor, the festival also brings a significant boost to the local economy, supporting families and small businesses while promoting Luang Prabang as a cultural destination on the global stage," Khamtan, a vendor in Luang Prabang province, told Xinhua.
Khamtan noted that in the past, most visitors during this period were locals or people from nearby provinces. However, he emphasized that improved infrastructure, particularly the China-Laos Railway, has made travel much easier and faster, significantly increasing the number of tourists coming to the province.
For a young explorer like Nouna, a domestic traveler, attending the festival is not just about fun; it is an inspiring way to immerse herself in the cultural atmosphere, surrounded by tradition, pride, and festive energy.
She shared that the festival helps Lao youth recognize the value of their heritage and emphasized that cultural events like this can spark interest among both domestic and international tourists.
Nouna also expressed hope that more young people will travel within Laos, take pride in their cultural identity, and contribute to supporting local economies through tourism.
This year's festival featured a variety of activities that sparked the interest of young travelers from across the country, many of whom shared selfies with the province's landmarks and captured the lively festival atmosphere on social media.
Luang Prabang province, some 220 km north of the Lao capital Vientiane, is one of the most well-known provinces in Laos and a top tourist destination for its old temples, scenic attractions and rural landscapes.
The province is hoping to attract at least 2.3 million visitors in 2025, targeting more than 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in revenue. ■