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With Buddhism as the primary religion in Laos, this country observes many customs and holy days rooted in Buddhist traditions. Among them, Boun Khao Salak is one of the significant practices that reflect the deep cultural and spiritual values of the Laotian people.
Among the 12 traditional Laos holidays, Boun Hor Khao Salak, also called Boun Hor Khao Yai (the Great Rice Ball Offering Festival), is a spiritual ceremony for the Lao people to pay respect to their ancestors. In 2025, the festival was held on October 15th in the Buddhist calendar year 2568, which corresponds to September 7th, 2025.
Plan your Laos tour around Boun Khao Salak to enjoy a truly grounded spiritual experience
Boun Khao Salak is a spiritual journey that connects the living with those who have passed away. This Laos holiday is organized to dedicate merit to the souls of deceased relatives as well as wandering spirits without family or shelter. According to Laotian culture, this festival is also a time to give thanks to the guardian deities of the fields, who are believed to have brought prosperity and abundance to this land.
This tradition preserves the culture of Laos and reminds Laotian descendants of their roots and the importance of gratitude toward past generations.
The origins of Boun Hor Khao Salak are believed by Laotian people to be recorded in ancient manuscripts. According to Laotian legend, a woman named Ms. Kounlathida once welcomed a giant (Yakkhiny) into her home. Since the giant was not comfortable living there, she advised it to stay in the open fields. While living there, the giant helped villagers tend to their farms and crops.
Although little known globally, Laotian culture offers great depth to explore
Later, the giant’s spirit became known as Phi Tahaek, and villagers began offering rice to monks eight times a day as a way to gain merit. When people learned the story behind this practice, they established the Boun Khao Salak as a lasting tradition.
Today, villagers continue to bring “khao salak” offerings to monks and place rice parcels in temples as an expression of respect for their deceased relatives.
Boun Khao Salak, a Laos festival linked to traditions of honoring the dead
Only fifteen days after Boun Hor Khao Padap Din (the Small Rice Ball Offering Festival), Boun Hor Khao Salak takes place. This marks the time when spirits are believed to return to their own realm. Of the two Laos holidays, Boun Hor Khao Salak carries a deeper meaning, serving as a heartfelt farewell and a prayer for peace for departed souls.
On the 14th day of the lunar month, Lao families begin preparing their offerings for Boun Khao Salak. The baskets they bring to the temple contain a wide variety of items such as food (rice, meat, fish, vegetables, seasonings, fermented fish sauce, fruit, sugarcane), essentials (toiletries, books, pens, milk, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste), and ritual items like candles, incense, and flowers. Sometimes, cash is also included.
The culture of Laos is rooted in Theravada Buddhism
At dawn on the 15th day, around 6 a.m., temples are filled with a solemn yet lively atmosphere. People gather to present their offerings to monks and novices (sadi) in temples. After the offering, they perform a water-pouring ritual, silently dedicating merit to their ancestors and to wandering souls in need of liberation.
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One of the most unique aspects of Boun Khao Salak is the lot-drawing ritual. Before the baskets are accepted as offerings, the offerers or monks will draw lots. In the first method, whoever draws the name of a particular monk or novice offers their basket to that person. In the latter variation, donors write their own names on bowls or slips of paper, and the monks draw at random to decide who receives the offering.
An authentic Laos tour during this festival will show you how locals prepare special Boun Khao Salak meals for monks
Sometimes, the names of deceased relatives are also placed in the baskets. This practice not only strengthens the bond between local communities and religious leaders but is also carried out to honor a sense of equality and good fortune. According to tradition, this way of making offerings dates back to the time of the Buddha.
Within families, people also prepare traditional sweets such as khaotom and khaonom naep (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves) to celebrate the day.
Families write their own names and the names of their deceased family members on a paper placed in the offering basket
The festival also marks the countdown to the end of Buddhist Lent, followed in sequence by Boun Ok Phansa (the official end of Lent) and the Boat Racing Festival the very next day.
Locals tend to wear their best clothes for temple visits on Boun Khao Salak. For visitors with Laos holiday packages during this time, long pants or skirts and covered shoulders are appropriate for enjoying the celebrations.
Before browsing Laos holiday packages, just keep in mind that you’ll need to set your tank tops aside for a while
When visiting temples during a Laos holiday, it is essential to remove shoes before entering, just as in most other Buddhist practice sites. Inside ritual sites, make sure to keep a calm, respectful demeanor and avoid pointing your feet at monks or Buddha images, as this is considered disrespectful.
You should ask for permission before taking photos, especially during rituals. When taking them, avoid using flash or capturing images from intrusive positions.
Remember to uphold proper etiquette during your holidays in Laos.
Laos is an underrated travel destination of unexplored wonders, Boun Khao Salak is just one of them. If you are looking for a journey to ease your mind and cleanse your soul with a calming atmosphere and rich culture, do not hesitate to contact Asia King Travel for a customized Laos itinerary.
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