The Elephant Festival

Words by Jason Rolan

Images by Phoonsab Thevongsa

Sayaboury is the province with the most elephants. These creatures have been used throughout the centuries in the military and in logging. Battles are no longer waged on elephant back and using elephants to haul timber has mostly been phased out. As a way to say thanks and to honor the historical relationship between Lao people and elephants, Sayaboury holds a bustling Elephant Festival every year in mid-February. This year, the festival runs from 18-24 February.

During the festival, dozens of elephants are paraded, feted, and then honored with a traditional Lao baci ceremony where holy strings are tied around their legs. It’s well worth a visit as this is the only time you can see so many elephants all at once!

More info: visit Sayaboury Tourism at tourismsayaboury.org

Getting there: Lao Skyway regularly from Vientiane to Sayaboury