National and Party flags add vibrant touch to Lao PDR’s 50th anniversary

This story marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao PDR, and the 105th birth anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane

As Laos prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on December 2, the entire country has come alive with the vibrant colours of the Lao national and Party flags.
From Vientiane, the capital of Laos to the provinces, from homes and schools to iconic landmarks and sacred places, the red, blue and white of the Lao flag and the bright red of the Party flag add a splash of colour, creating a festive and patriotic atmosphere befitting this historic milestone.
In Vientiane, the transformation is unmistakable. Along the city’s main avenues, small streets, markets, and riverside paths, flags have been hung in a show of unity and national pride.

For many residents, preparations for the annual anniversary are a meaningful tradition—one that brings together family members and neighbours as they clean their homes, paint fences, and decorate their surroundings with national symbols. Throughout neighbourhoods such as Dongpalane, Phonpapao, Nongbone and Sikhottabong, families have hung Lao and Party flags outside their houses. The sight of thousands of flags lining the roads creates a powerful sense of togetherness. Some families have even added decorative lights, flowerpots, and small ornaments to make their displays more appealing.
Mrs Khampheng, 63, recalls the excitement of past celebrations and says this year is especially significant.
“Fifty years is not a small number,” she says proudly. “Our people have worked hard to build peace and development. When we hang these flags, we honour that history and our hopes for the future.”

Her grandchildren help tie ribbons around the flagpoles, a sign that the younger generation is also embracing the spirit of the celebration. For many families, hanging up flags is not only an act of patriotism but also a way to teach children about the nation’s identity and unity.
Across Vientiane, government institutions such as ministries, universities, schools and hospitals have been decorated with large and small flags. Buildings along Lane Xang Avenue, Kaysone Phomvihane Road and Samsenthai Road are also adorned.
At the Ministry of Education and Sports, rows of flags line the fence while staff members have placed decorative lights around the garden area. Nearby, the National University of Laos has installed new flagpoles and set up a commemorative display featuring students dressed in traditional Lao costume.

Hospitals, including Mahosot, Setthathirath and Mittaphab, have also joined the nationwide decoration effort. Visitors and patients arriving at these facilities are greeted by colourful flags at entrances and walkways, creating a warm and welcoming environment.
The private sector has also shown tremendous enthusiasm in marking the special anniversary. Hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, banks, and tourism businesses have put up flags, posters, and floral decorations. Many business owners say that participating in the celebration is a way to honour the country and also attracts visitors.
Along the popular riverside promenade, cafés and souvenir shops have decorated their terraces with strings of small flags, creating a cheerful atmosphere for evening strolls. Tourists taking photos by the Mekong River often pause to admire the decorative displays.
The management of a large hotel near the city centre says: “This is a historic year. We want our guests to feel the significance of this moment the moment they walk through our doors.”
Decorations are also visible at the Lao-ITECC, Talat Sao Mall, and other commercial centres. Many businesses have added special anniversary promotions, further contributing to the celebratory spirit.
Among all the decorated sites in Vientiane, none is more striking than the Patouxay monument, the city’s most iconic landmark. In front of the monument stands a giant “50 Years Lao PDR” sign, beautifully designed in the national colours. The installation has become a major attraction, drawing crowds of local residents and tourists who stop to take photographs.
The area around Patouxay has been enhanced with flower arrangements, strings of lights, and flags, making it a focal point of the celebration. In the evenings, the monument glows under soft lighting, and the anniversary logo becomes a bright symbol of national pride.
For visitors arriving at Wattay International Airport, the festive atmosphere is immediately evident. The long route from the airport to the city centre—and further towards the That Luang esplanade—has been transformed into a corridor of vibrant colour.
Flags placed at regular intervals on both sides of the road create a moving wave of red and blue as vehicles pass by. Fresh flowers, newly planted shrubs, and cleaned sidewalks enhance the welcoming environment.

Taxi driver Mr Phoutthasak, who drives the route daily, says the decorations have lifted the mood of the city.
“Every day I drive tourists from the airport and they all say Vientiane is looking beautiful,” he says. “The decorations reflect our hospitality and pride.”
Tourist attractions such as temples, museums and parks have all added flags to their grounds. Vat Sisaket, Vat Ongteu and other temples each display long lines of flags around their compounds, combining spirituality with national celebration.
Revered sites, such as the statue of King Fa Ngum, Chao Anouvong Park, and the Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial, have also incorporated the decorations. The blending of historical monuments and flags creates a deep sense of connection between the past and present.
As Laos marks 50 years since the founding of the Lao PDR, the nationwide display of the Lao national and Party flags is more than a decoration; it is a collective affirmation of unity, gratitude, and national identity.
The flags represent the resilience of the Lao people, the leadership of the Party, and the aspirations for continued peace and development.
From the smallest village households to the grandest monuments, the decorations reflect a shared commitment to celebrate this golden anniversary with pride and joy.
With December 2 approaching, the country stands ready to honour its past and welcome its future—under the bright, fluttering colours of the flags that unite the Lao people as one.

By Phon Thikeo
(Latest Update November 25, 2025)