The 2009 Southeast Asian Games was the first time Laos has ever hosted a Southeast Asian Games (Laos had previously declined hosting the 1965 Southeast Asian Peninsular Games citing financial difficulties). Running from 9–18 December, it has also commemorated the 50 years of the Southeast Asian Games, held in Vientiane, Laos.
The recent games were held in Indonesia on 3–21 November 2011. The opening ceremony, which was held at Jakabaring Sport Center, Palembang, on November 11 (Nov 11 was chosen because of its numerical uniqueness 11-11-11), is said to be "The most glorious SEA Games Opening Ceremony ever held", with lots of performances and fireworks.[citation needed]
The next host for the 2013 Southeast Asian Games is Myanmar, while Singapore will host the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.