Welcome to Xiengkhouang Province
Located 380 km northeast of Vientiane capital city, Xieng Khouang province has a population of 278,776 spread over ran approximate area of 15,992 sq km. It is one of the 17 provinces of Lao PDR, located in the north-central area of the country, on the mountainous Tran-ninh plateau. Xieng Khouang includes seven districts: Paek, Phaxay, Phoukoot, Kham, Nong Hét, Khoun and Mokmai.
It is set at an altitude of more than 1,200 meters above sea level and enjoys mild temperatures for most of the year, although winters can be surprisingly cold. Kham district is a low-laying basin set at around 800 m above sea level
Xiengkhouang Province is a remarkable geographical location, surrounded by mountain ranges, with plateaus distributed in many places and bordering with Phou Bia, which is the highest mountain in Lao PDR. The province sits at the crossroads of traffic from central Vietnam and northeast Thailand. Historically, these two powerful neighbors – Siam and Vietnam – have vied for control of its soil.
The province sits at the crossroads of traffic from central Vietnam and northeast Thailand. More about Xiengkhouang, Climate, People, Economy, History of the Plain of Jars.
Festivals & Events
Jan-Feb
Kud Chin & Ted Viet (Chinese & Vietnamese New Year)
Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New Year is celebrated with parties, fireworks and merit making at temples. Chinese and Vietnamese businesses usually close for three days.
April
Pi Mai Lao (Lao’s New Year)
During the week of 13-15 April the whole country celebrates. Buddha images are cleansed with sacred water and in the vats offerings of fruit and flowers are made. People take to the streets splashing water on one another and having parties everywhere. In Xieng Khouang some years boat races take place at the Supanouvong Lake. Be advised that during Pi Mai Lao most businesses and government offices are closed.
May
Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
Boun Bang Fai is a rainmaking and fertility festival that takes place just before the rainy season. Villagers make rockets from bamboo and homemade gunpowder and parade their colorful rockets noisily around the village before they are shot into the sky to ‘fertilize’ the clouds and bring rain which in turn feeds the rivers and fields.
July
Boun Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)
This festival, held on the full moon, marks the beginning of Buddhist lent, a three month period where monks are required to stay within their temple to pray and meditate. Lao men are traditionally ordained as monks during this time.
August
Boun Khao Padabdin
Special offerings are made to the deceased on the new moon of the 9th lunar month.
October
Boun Ok Phansa (End of Buddhist Lent)
Held on the full moon this festival celebrates the end of Buddhist lent. In the evening small banana-leaf boats called heua fai are launched at Nam Ngum and Supanouvong Lake filled with colorful incense, flowers, candles and a small amount of money to bring luck and prosperity.
December
Hmong New Year
Xieng Khouang’s most colorful festival attracts crowds of people from around the province as well as Hmong from overseas. The festival is celebrated During December-January, starting from the 15th day of the ascending moon to give thanks to ancestors and spirits at the end of the annual agricultural cycle. Traditionally it lasts ten days bringing people together from many villages, and it is here that young people typically find a husband or a wife. The special celebrations involve colorful displays of traditional costumes made from green, red and white silk and ornate silver jewelry. People enjoy the music of traditional Hmong instruments such as the teun-flute, Hmong khaen and leaf blowing. Other festivities include the Makkhon(cotton ball) throwing ceremony as part of a charming courting ritual, crossbow competitions and traditional games such as bull fighting and top spinning.
Khmu New Year
Is celebrated within the Khmu communities in late December following the annual rice harvest.