Lao students celebrate Bunpimay Festival in Da Nang
DNO - Nearly 300 Lao students have gathered at University of Science and Education under the University of Da Nang to celebrate Bunpimay, Laos’ traditional New Year Festival, in a vibrant event that blended cultural heritage with a strong sense of community and belonging.
Held in the coastal Vietnamese city of Da Nang, the celebration recreated hallmark Bunpimay rituals, including tying white cotton strings on each other’s wrists, water splashing for blessings, traditional costume showcases and folk performances.
Together, these activities offered students a meaningful connection to their roots while fostering a warm and inclusive environment far from home.
For many Lao students, the event was more than a festive gathering, it was a reminder of continuity and cultural identity.
Vilisane Sommixay, a postgraduate student and head of the Lao student association at the university, noted that while homesickness is natural, Da Nang has gradually become a “second home” for many.
“At first, everyone misses their family. But over time, this place becomes part of our memories through friendships, teachers and shared traditions”, Vilisane said.
University leaders emphasized their ongoing commitment to supporting international students.
Vice Rector Nguyen Van Hieu extended wishes to the Lao students and reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to creating a supportive, welcoming academic environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
The celebration also received strong recognition from diplomatic representatives. A senior official from the Consulate General of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Da Nang praised the university’s thoughtful organisation of the event, highlighting its role in ensuring that Lao students could celebrate their most important traditional holiday in a meaningful and joyful way.
Importantly, the official described the students as “cultural ambassadors” who contribute to strengthening the time-honoured special friendship between Laos and Vietnam.
Beyond its cultural significance, the Bunpimay celebration underscored the growing importance of educational and people-to-people exchanges in deepening regional ties.
By creating spaces where traditions are shared and respected, institutions like the University of Science and Education in Da Nang are helping to build lasting bridges between nations.
Vonekham Cheuangmanivong, Consul General of Laos in Da Nang, expressed her appreciation for the university’s continued support and care for Lao students.
She also highly valued the educational cooperation between the two sides, describing it as one of the key pillars underpinning the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Laos.
The university is currently training nearly 300 Lao students across multiple levels, ranging from Vietnamese language preparation to undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes.
According to university leaders, this effort plays a meaningful role in developing high-quality human resources for Laos, while also strengthening the enduring friendship between the two nations, particularly the growing ties between Da Nang and various Lao localities.