Boun Khao Padap Din, Pakse 2027
Aug 31, 2027 04:00 – 09:00
The event
About this event
Before dawn, families lay small banana-leaf parcels of rice and food around temple grounds for the spirits of the dead, then offer a meal to the monks.
Boun Khao Padap Din is held on the 14th day of the waning moon of the ninth lunar month, the night when the spirits of the dead are believed to be released to receive merit. From about 4 am, Pakse families wrap sticky rice, fish, sweets, betel and cigarettes in banana leaves and lay the parcels on the ground around the ordination hall, along temple walls and at the foot of trees, lighting candles and pouring water as a dedication.
At first light everyone goes into the temple to offer breakfast to the monks and listen to a sermon. It is a quiet, intimate family ceremony.
Tip: be respectful — don't step on or pick up the parcels, use a dimmed torch instead of flash, and go with a local if you can.
Dates follow the Lao lunar calendar and are sample data — verify with organisers / the Champasak tourism office.
Venue