Central Vientiane to light the New Year

Fairy lights and colourful decorations will adorn Setthathirat Road from Inpaeng temple to Namphou fountain in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane , in the lead up to New Year's Eve.


Officials decorate central Vientiane for the festive season.

The area around Namphou fountain will also feature live concerts and entertainment activities on New Year's Eve itself.

Officials from Lao Art Media Company have started installing decorative lights in trees lining the road and say the decorations will be completed by December 27. Some lights will be switched on for Christmas Day.

Lao Art Media Company Deputy Director, Mr Douangmany Soliphanh, said the company decorated the area because it was a hotspot for locals and tourists, with many people travelling along the one-way road.

“This road is in an ideal location, running parallel to the Mekong River ,” he said.

“We will provide a space for the public to gather and celebrate the New Year together, because most Lao people prefer to celebrate the occasion at home with friends and family. We hope the activities we have organised will bring people together in this area where they can enjoy concerts, performances, a countdown and various other entertainment activities.”

Organisers also plan to sell New Year souvenirs at the event. The atmosphere will be enhanced by a large outdoor screen displaying other New Year's Eve celebrations and countdowns in Laos and around the world, via Lao National Television broadcasts.

“This is the first time that we have organised such an event and we hope we can turn it into an annual celebration for the years to come,” Mr Douangmany said.

The decorations and the event are being supported by Lao Asia Pacific Breweries Limited, the makers of Tiger Beer.

By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes