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X INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL “SPIRIT OF LAN XANG – LAND OF A MILLION ELEPHANTS” 2026

Destination
Vientiane, Laos
Dates
21–28 Nov 2026
Length
8 days · 7 nights
Apply by
21 Oct 2026
OverviewGalleryProgramStay & pricesTravelDetails

Overview

The festival

X International Folklore Festival “Spirit of Lan Xang – Land of a Million Elephants”

The November 2026 edition takes place in Vientiane, Laos, bringing together folklore groups from different countries to celebrate traditional music, dance and cultural heritage.

Inspired by the historic Kingdom of Lan Xang, known as the “Land of a Million Elephants,” the festival offers an opportunity to experience Lao history and hospitality. Groups present their national culture, meet international performers and build friendships through cultural exchange.

Program

Day by day

Saturday 21 November

Arrival

  1. —

    Arrival culture groups at Wattay airport, Laos meet and greet delegations, after emigration procedures travel to hotels, meeting with organizers of festival.

Stay & prices

Participation & prices

Booking & Payment Terms

Application & Payment

  • Participation requires prior application and acceptance by the festival organization.
  • Groups must submit the required information about their ensemble, participants and performance program before the application deadline.
  • After acceptance, an advance guarantee payment of 10% of the total amount is required and deducted from the final participation fee.
  • The remaining balance must be paid according to the payment schedule provided after confirmation of participation.

Booking conditions Notes

The exact price may depend on room type and final booking conditions.

Additional local charges should only be added if officially confirmed.

Plan your arrival

Travel & Logistics

Vientiane

Full destination guide

Closest airports

  • Wattay International Airport (VTE) — ~4 km (about 10 min)

    Budget airlines serving this airport: AirAsia, VietJet

Train & coach arrival

• Vientiane railway station — Laos–China railway to Luang Prabang

Organised by WOFA

• Airport & port transfers: available on request — share your flight or ferry details and our team will send a quote and coordinate private group transport to your hotel. • Local group coaches: private transport can be booked on request for concerts, performance venues and day trips. • Excursions & guided tours: tailored sightseeing and activities can be arranged for your group with upfront pricing. • All additional services are optional and priced on request, based on your group size and schedule.
Contact WOFA

Getting around

Local buses where operating, taxis and tuk-tuks provide road-based transport.

Practical notes

Allow extra time to reach the railway station outside the city centre. Confirm current airport-bus service and group vehicle arrangements before arrival.

Before you go

Rules, excursions & practical details

Participation

Who Can Participate

  • Folk dance groups, traditional instrumental ensembles, folklore singers, music groups and performers presenting traditional customs, rituals and stories may apply.
  • Participants must be at least 12 years old.
  • Each delegation may include a maximum of 40 people.

Group Responsibilities

  • Bring a national flag, a visible sign or banner bearing the group’s name, and a small symbolic gift for cultural exchange.
  • Groups may be asked to provide a short ensemble presentation or history, together with photos, videos or other promotional material.
  • Take part in cultural workshops, lectures, exhibitions and other activities included in the festival program.
  • Behave professionally and follow the festival organization’s instructions throughout the event.

Travel & Medical Insurance

Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and medical insurance.

Performance & Stage

  • Prepare a free-choice performance program of up to 20 minutes.
  • Prepare an approximately 5-minute presentation of your country for festival activities.
  • Each group is expected to take part in three festival performances.
  • Groups must respect scheduled rehearsals, performances and festival activities.

Excursions

Participants will have opportunities to discover Vientiane’s cultural, historical and tourist attractions. Visits may include important landmarks, museums, cultural institutions, the Mekong River area and other places of interest in and around the capital.

Optional guided excursions to Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng may also be organized. Exact excursion options, schedules and prices will be provided according to the final festival program and availability.

21–28 Nov 2026Waitlist active