Fireworks shoot up into the heavens above the Patuxay Monument as crowds gather to welcome the New Year 2026.

Patuxay blazes in colour as Laos welcomes 2026

Thousands of people gathered at the Patuxay Monument in Vientiane on Wednesday night as the capital—along with other parts of the country and cities around the world—bid farewell to 2025 and welcomed the New Year in a vibrant celebration of colour, music and fireworks.
Patuxay (Victory gate), a symbol of victory for the Lao people, was awash in colour and illuminated with moving images that reflected the nation’s prosperity and development, drawing people’s gaze to the ever-changing display.
From early evening, the grounds surrounding Patuxay filled with families, young people, and visitors, all drawn by the festive mood and the grandeur of the location.

The New Year’s Eve celebration, organised by the Vientiane Administration Office and private sector, entertained spectators with cultural performances, allowing attendees to enjoy the evening before the main show began.
The event brought together Party and State leaders, ambassadors, representatives of organisations, and a vast crowd of local residents, reflecting a shared moment of joy.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Vientiane, Dr Athsaphangthong Siphandone, said the gathering was an occasion to reflect on the achievements of 2025, a year shaped by partnership and dedication.
He noted that the year was particularly meaningful for Laos, marked by milestones including the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the 105th anniversary of the birth of President Kaysone Phomvihane.
As the evening moved closer to midnight, the sense of anticipation grew stronger. At 11.20pm, the crowd watched a special New Year message from President Thongloun Sisoulith, delivered via video link, encouraging unity and confidence as the country steps into a new year.
Immediately after his message, attention turned once again to the Patuxay Monument for the much-anticipated projection show.
Vivid colours, traditional Lao motifs and dynamic images were projected across the monument’s arches, transforming the majestic structure into a living symbol of progress, prosperity and victory.
The colourful display drew sustained applause as spectators paused to capture the moment on their phones, while others watched quietly, absorbed by the spectacle.
The show reinforced Patuxay’s role as being more than a historic landmark, presenting it as a shared national symbol connecting past achievements with future aspirations.
As midnight approached, excitement rippled through the crowd. Party and State leaders and distinguished guests gathered on stage, while thousands of people stood shoulder to shoulder in front of the monument, waiting for the countdown to 2026.

When the countdown reached zero, fireworks erupted above Patuxay, shooting up into the night sky and drawing cheers and applause as 2026 officially arrived. The display filled the city centre with colour and sound, accompanied by a strong sense of optimism and renewal.
New Year celebrations were also held in Pakse city, Champasak province, where a large concert brought together popular Lao and foreign performers.
The event attracted a large audience, highlighting Pakse as an emerging destination for cultural events and entertainment.
For many across the country, the 2026 New Year celebrations reflected a shared desire for progress, unity and prosperity.
In Vientiane, the countdown — with the illuminated Patuxay Monument and fireworks overhead — was undoubtedly the most memorable scene of the night.
As 2025 came to a close, the nation looked back on a year of political stability along with clear signs of economic recovery and reform. Economic growth was projected at 4.8 percent, inflation eased to single digits, and key sectors such as agriculture, power generation, transport and tourism drove renewed confidence.
Governance reforms advanced, public debt declined, and preparations intensified for Laos’ graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2026.

By Phonepaseuth Volakhoun
(Latest Update January 2, 2026)