Rosewood Luang Prabang invites you to a captivating celebration of the Festival of Lights on 15th to 19th October 2024 with a two-night stay that immerses guests in the rich culture of Laos. This special event includes a stunning exhibition by local artist Ms. Salyna Malaidet, whose handcrafted lanterns and mulberry paper art illuminate the gardens, creating a magical atmosphere.
Guests will also have the unique opportunity to experience the vibrant Festival of Lights parade in town, where the city of Luang Prabang glows with lanterns and decorated boats, celebrating the end of Buddhist Lent. This unforgettable experience offers a glimpse into the enchanting traditions and spiritual significance of this unique Laotian festival.
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with private roundtrip transfers, ensuring a comfortable and seamless journey to Rosewood Luang Prabang. The experience begins with a serene morning almsgiving, where guests have the unique opportunity to partake in the revered tradition of offering food to Buddhist monks. This profound practice fosters a sense of community and spiritual reflection, providing a meaningful start to their stay.
Guests will then have the opportunity to participate in a candle and lantern-making workshop, preparing for the Festival of Lights with a hands-on experience. The culinary adventure continues with a Taste of Luang Prabang Dinner at The Great House, featuring a sumptuous family-style feast that highlights the finest local cuisine. This meal includes ten exquisite dishes for sharing—eight savory, one dessert, and a cup of traditional Lao coffee or tea.
The experience is further enriched with a guided evening temple tour, offering an exclusive glimpse into the Festival of Lights in all its splendor. As night falls, hundreds of lights are delicately arranged on the ground in front of the temples, creating a mesmerizing glow that illuminates the surroundings and enchants all who visit. This magical display, combined with insights into the daily lives of monks and locals as they prepare for one of Luang Prabang’s most picturesque celebrations, ensures that guests leave with unforgettable memories that capture the spirit and beauty of the festival.
Adding a touch of local artistry, Rosewood Luang Prabang proudly presents an outdoor exhibition by Ms. Salyna Malaidet, a talented artist born and raised in Luang Prabang. Continuing her father’s legacy in ancient mulberry paper production since 1995, Ms. Malaidet merges traditional craftsmanship with her own artistic flair, bringing a contemporary twist to traditional Laotian arts. She shares, “My vision is to preserve our cultural heritage while inviting others to experience its beauty in new and creative ways.” Her Porsaa Art Gallery and handicraft shop offer workshops and art classes, including paper and lantern-making sessions that allow guests to connect with the local culture hands-on.
The exhibition at Rosewood Luang Prabang will be set outdoors under a canopy of stars, creating a magical ambiance with lanterns and lights illuminating the garden. Each guest room will feature handcrafted lanterns, which guests can bring to the main garden. There, the garden will be fully adorned with lanterns scattered across the grass, enhancing the sense of community and shared experience. This setup not only allows guests to contribute to the enchanting display but also creates lasting memories as they become part of the vibrant exhibition, carrying their lanterns through the beautifully lit garden.
The exhibition will highlight the splendor of the “Boun Ock Phansa” light boat festival, seamlessly blending Buddhism with Luang Prabang’s rich cultural heritage. The theme incorporates floral elements from Rosewood’s garden into the mulberry paper, showcasing ancient paper-making techniques. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the enchanting traditions of the light boat festival, where “saa” mulberry paper has been used for decades in temple murals and ceremonial boats. This unique spectacle captures the essence of Luang Prabang’s vibrant spirit and cultural depth.
This two-night Festival of Lights offer at Rosewood Luang Prabang is available for booking until September 30, 2024, for stays from October 15 to 18, 2024.
For more information, please visit www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/luang-prabang/offers/festival-of-lights
