Update:
Boun ThatLuang of 2009 had officially ended today with traditional of “tuk bard” and “tee khee”. I found photos from flickr.com posted by ThatLuang Festival 2009, Vientiane, Laos. I really miss Laos, when I see all these pictures.
As a kid growing up in Vientiane, Laos, I’ve always look forward to Boun ThatLuang each year. The things I remember from this festival are free concerts, open air movies, ping gai(lao style chicken bbq), and bung kaow larm(rice in bamboo). Our house was always packed with relatives from far away villages. Boun ThatLuang is one of the most important festival in calendar years that many folks did not wants to miss. It helps that our house is so close to ThatLuang, within walking distance for our visiting relatives. I just google earth it, our house to ThatLaung is approximately 0.3 miles (600 yards or 0.5 km).
This year Boun ThatLuang just start it, will runs from Oct. 28th to Nov. 2nd. I wish I was there right now:-). Although, things are different these days. It is more like a big flea markets, so many chinese/vietnamese venders trying to sell their products.
Seeharhed's Rants..... 
Last year was my first time visiting Boun That Luang and it was great, I’ve never seen so many Lao people in one place. I see that this year is a couple of days earlier than last year, would be nice to see some photos, maybe someone would post it in flickr or youtube.
Nye, Boun ThatLuang is by far the biggest event of the year in Laos. People from all parts of Laos travel to Vientiane to celebrate this religious event. Did you get a chance to go inside the ThatLuang stupa during the evening? I also notices that this year event is little early, usually it is on 1st or 2nd week of November. I’ll try to update with some pictures.
Thanks seeharhed for the updated photos, I didn’t get to see the Tuk Bard last year, and it’s nice to see so many Buddhist worshipers in one place.
Nye, you’re welcome. Those pictures are just one section of the temple ground. There are so many people attending this “tuk bard” event that it is so spread out. I like to go back during Boun ThatLuang to take pictures.