In Laos, employees who have completed one full year of consecutive service are entitled to a minimum of 15 days of paid vacation every year, according to the Labor Law of Laos. Those working in sectors considered hazardous or dangerous to health are entitled to a longer vacation period, with up to 18 days of paid leave annually.

Eligibility and Scheduling

The entitlement to vacation accrues upon the completion of one year of continuous employment. This applies to both indefinite and fixed-term employment contracts. The timing of an employee's vacation is generally determined by the employer, either in advance or through mutual agreement between the parties.

Compensation and Unused Vacation

The labor law in Laos mandates that employees receive their regular salary or wages in full during their vacation periods. If an employee is unable to take their allotted vacation time due to the employer's actions or requirements, they are entitled to financial compensation for those unused days.

Additional Notes

While employers may offer more generous vacation allowances than the legally mandated minimum, they cannot offer less.

Laos celebrates a mixture of traditional Buddhist festivals, international observances, and days commemorating important events in the nation's history.

New Year's Day (January 1st)

The first day of the year is a public holiday in Laos, marked by family time and smaller community celebrations.

Boun Khoun Khao (January/February)

This Buddhist festival focuses on merit-making at temples. The date is determined by the lunar calendar.

International Women's Day (March 8th)

Laos celebrates International Women's Day as a public holiday for women.

Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year) (April 14th-16th)

Lao New Year, also known as Songkran, is the most significant festival in Laos. Celebrations involve water fights, temple visits, and parades. The date is determined by the lunar calendar and lasts three days.

Labor Day (May 1st)

Laos joins many nations across the world in observing International Worker's Day or Labour Day.

Children's Day (June 1st)

Laos celebrates its youth with a public holiday for children.

Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) (May/June)

A lively festival leading up to the rainy season, featuring parades and the launching of homemade rockets to encourage rainfall. The date is determined by the lunar calendar.

Lao Issara Day (August 15th)

This day commemorates the Lao Issara movement for independence from France after World War II.

Boun Khao Padap Din (September)

Ancestors are honored in the "Festival of the Dead" with offerings made at temples. The date is determined by the lunar calendar.

Boun Ok Phansa (Boat Racing Festival) (October)

Celebrated with boat races and festivities on the Mekong River. Large festivals are seen in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The date is determined by the lunar calendar and marks the end of Buddhist Lent.

Boun That Luang (November)

This festival focuses on That Luang, the most important religious monument in Laos. It features a large market and a candlelit procession around the monument. The date is determined by the lunar calendar.

Lao National Day (December 2nd)

This major holiday celebrates the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, and is marked by parades, speeches, and patriotic displays.

Please note that some festival dates are determined by the lunar calendar, so they may vary slightly from year to year.

In Laos, labor laws provide several types of leave for employees, as outlined in the Labor Law of the Lao PDR (No.43/NA, dated 17/01/2014).

Annual Leave

Employees with at least one year of continuous service are entitled to 15 days of paid annual leave. For those engaged in difficult or dangerous work, the entitlement increases to 18 days of paid annual leave.

Sick Leave

Employees can avail up to 30 days of paid sick leave per year, provided they present a medical certificate. However, hourly or daily workers under specific contracts are only entitled to paid sick leave after more than 90 days with the same employer.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 90-105 days of paid maternity leave, with at least 42 days of this leave to be taken after childbirth. In the case of multiple births, the maternity leave period extends to up to 120 days.

Paternity Leave

While not explicitly provided in the Labor Law, short paternity leave periods may be available under specific company policies or collective agreements.

Family Responsibility Leave

Employees can take up to 3 days of paid leave per year for family responsibilities, such as the illness of a child or spouse.

Bereavement Leave

In the event of the death of an immediate family member, employees are entitled to 3 days of paid bereavement leave.

It's important to note that specific details and eligibility for leave may vary depending on company policies or any collective bargaining agreements in place.