Xayabouly to Host Annual Elephant Festival Amid Ongoing Animal Welfare Debate

2026-02-04 - 08:48

The Elephant Festival (Boun Xang) 2026 will take place in Xayabouly district, the provincial capital, featuring 50 elephants in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Boun Xang will begin on 9 February with a traditional ritual to notify spirits, elephant rides, and an evening cultural performance. On the following day,