Ngueak (Lao Nāga Serpent)
Ngueak is the Lao name for the nāga, the great serpent-deity of the Mekong and guardian spirit of the Lao people. Legend says the river's course was carved by the body of a Ngueak king. Village tales tell of nāga princes wedding mortal women, of protectors of boatmen and hoarders of river treasure; the Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) and longboat races honour them and seek their rain.