World Heritage Site

Between the 6th and 12th centuries, Khmer stonemasons constructed the six-tiered Wat Phou site at the slope of a mountain to worship the Hindu god, Shiva. In the 13th century, the temple was converted into a Buddhist place of worship. Today Wat Phou is an UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the location for a yearly festival that occurs on the full moon of the third month on the lunar calendar, which falls sometime in February on the Gregorian calendar.

The festival celebrates two sermons that Buddha preached to his disciples on the same day, forty five years apart. The first sermon reminded the monks to be good teachers and laid down monastic principles, including making merit, cleansing the mind and refraining from sinning. In the second sermon, the Buddha foretold his death and achievement of nirvana. Although the festival is celebrated all over Laos at its many temples, the largest celebration occurs in Wat Phou.

On the first two days of the festival, visitors participate in activities such as elephant and boat races, buffalo and cock fighting, traditional Lao dancing, and music and comedy shows. Booths are set up at the foot of the mountain, selling everything from food and beer to kitchenware and other necessities. Indeed, the festival maintains a carnival atmosphere.

On the third day of the celebration the mood changes to piety as monks are given alms, such as food, robes and bowls, and a candlelight procession is lead around the compound.