Deepening the friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

Numerous festive activities celebrating the traditional Bunpimay New Year were recently held in Da Nang city, creating a special cultural atmosphere that fostered a strong bond of friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

City leaders present flowers to congratulate the Lao New Year, Bunpimay. Photo: NGOC HA

The Union of Friendship Organizations of Da Nang City and the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of Da Nang City, in coordination with the Consulate General of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Da Nang , recently organized the traditional Lao New Year festival, Bunpimay 2026 (Buddhist calendar 2569). This is an important people-to-people diplomatic activity held annually between Da Nang City and the Lao Consulate General in Da Nang, contributing to promoting the great friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and special solidarity between the two countries.

Speaking at the traditional Bunpimay New Year festival, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang City People's Committee Tran Anh Tuan affirmed that Da Nang City today, with its position and resources, is more deeply aware than ever of its mission and responsibility in strengthening friendship and cooperative development between Da Nang and the central and southern provinces of Laos.

The traditional Lao New Year festival, Bunpimay, at Da Nang University of Education. Photo: Da Nang University of Education.

“Da Nang City and localities in Laos have always had close and friendly relations and cooperation, developing in many fields: foreign affairs; economic cooperation and trade connections, import and export of goods; education and training; health, defense and social welfare. In particular, the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of Da Nang City has always actively played a bridging role through activities introducing the culture and people of Da Nang City to the people of Laos and vice versa; especially through activities educating the younger generation of both countries about the deep and loyal relationship between the two nations,” Mr. Tran Anh Tuan stated.

Ms. Vonekham Chueangmanivong, Consul General of Laos in Da Nang, expressed her pride in the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam, which is constantly being strengthened and developed in depth.

Particularly during General Secretary To Lam 's state visit to Laos in December 2025, the two countries agreed to upgrade their relationship to a new level by adding the element of "strategic engagement." This is proof of their determination to stand shoulder to shoulder, together entering a new era – an era of strong growth and development for both nations.

The traditional Lao New Year festival, Bunpimay, at Da Nang University of Education. Photo: Da Nang University of Education.

The Lao Consul General also expressed his admiration for the close cooperation between Da Nang and localities in Laos, noting that the visit of the Secretary of the Da Nang City Party Committee to the central and southern provinces of Laos in early April left a very positive impression. In particular, Da Nang city has consistently provided valuable and effective support to Lao localities, as well as showing concern for the lives of Lao students studying in Da Nang.

Previously, many universities in Da Nang city also organized the traditional Bunpimay New Year festival for Lao students studying there.

On April 8th, nearly 300 Lao students at Da Nang University of Education - Da Nang University celebrated the traditional Bunpimay New Year together. Despite celebrating far from home, the warmth of solidarity was palpable. The festive atmosphere at the University of Education was recreated with familiar colors: traditional costumes, graceful Lam Vong dances, the ritual of tying threads around wrists for good luck, and refreshing drops of water in the water-splashing ceremony. There, the Lao students felt as if they were reliving the traditional culture of their homeland.

The traditional Lao New Year festival, Bunpimay, at Da Nang University of Education. Photo: Da Nang University of Education.

Vilisane Sommixay, the head representative of Lao students at the school, said this was her second time celebrating Bunpimay (Lao New Year) in Vietnam. This year, Sommixay actively participated in organizing, connecting, and supporting other students, contributing to a united and warm New Year celebration.

The resounding laughter during the water splashing festival and the rhythm of the Lam Vong dance have connected those who have left their homeland with their native land, becoming a bridge between two cultures through unique cultural experiences.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/tham-tinh-huu-nghi-viet-lao-3332566.html