This blog post is all about the best time to visit Laos.
When planning a trip to Southeast Asia, most travellers head straight for Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia.
But tucked between these better-known destinations is Laos, a country that often gets overlooked. And trust me, it shouldn’t.
Laos is calm and slow-paced, filled with natural beauty, cultural charm, and warm hospitality.
If you’re dreaming of waterfalls, Buddhist temples, jungle-clad mountains, and sleepy riverside towns, then Laos will be everything you didn’t know you were missing.
Laos was one of the best countries I visited during my 12 months backpacking through Asia. The landscapes, the people, the nature, their resilience – everything about it.
But when exactly is the best time to visit Laos?
That depends on what you’re after: good weather, cheaper prices, fewer crowds. Or ideally, all three.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the best time to visit Laos, including weather by season, public holidays, key events, and how to maximise your time off using bank holidays (because we love a clever annual leave hack).
RELATED Best Time to Visit Laos blog posts to read:
- 10 Days in Laos Itinerary: The Best Backpacker Travel Route
- How to Get From Thailand to Laos: Ultimate Guide
- How to Travel From Laos to Thailand by 2-Day Slow Boat
- Vientiane Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days Here
- What to Do in Vang Vieng Laos: Perfect 3 Day Itinerary
- How to Spend 2 Days in Luang Prabang Laos: Perfect Itinerary
This blog post is all about the best time to visit Laos.
Where is Laos?
Let’s start with the basics.
Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China.
It follows the Mekong River for most of its western edge and is the only country in the region without a coastline.
Which just means you’ll be swapping beaches for jungle hikes and river views!
Most people travel into Laos on a backpacker route via its neighbouring countries of Vietnam and Thailand.
We flew into Laos from Hanoi, Vietnam and then left via a 2-day slow boat into the north of Thailand. But more on this in a second.
How to Get to Laos
There are no direct flights from most Western countries to Laos, so the easiest route is to fly into Bangkok (Thailand) or Hanoi (Vietnam) and take a connecting flight to one of Laos’ main airports:
- Vientiane (the capital)
- Luang Prabang (UNESCO World Heritage town)
- Pakse (southern Laos, gateway to the 4,000 Islands)
Alternatively, you can cross overland from neighbouring countries like I mentioned above or take the famous slow boat from Thailand to Luang Prabang. An unforgettable experience that I totally recommend.
If you’re on a backpacker budget and are planning to travel into Laos from Vietnam, there is the overnight bus option.
I will warn that we had researched a lot of informative articles (TikToks) and watched too many horror stories for my liking, so chose to fly from Hanoi to Vientiane instead.
The overnight bus option is there if you’d like to chance it, but for peace of mind, easier immigration processes and to arrive a lot faster, I would recommend flying from Vietnam.
RELATED Best Time to Visit Laos blog post to read: How to Travel From Laos to Thailand by 2-Day Slow Boat
What’s the Weather Like in Laos?
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Laos, you’ll need to know that Laos has a tropical monsoon climate.
Meaning two main seasons: dry and wet.
But within that, you’ve got temperature variations depending on altitude (north gets cooler, especially in winter).
Here’s how it breaks down:
1. Laos Dry Season (November to April) – The best time to visit Laos
Weather: Clear skies, warm days, and cooler nights (especially in the north)
Temperature: 15°C–30°C depending on the region
Why Visit Laos from November to April:
- Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor adventures
- River levels are high enough for boat travel early in the season
- Great photography conditions
Cons of visiting Laos during November to April:
- This is peak season, so higher prices and more tourists
- Accommodation may need to be booked in advance
This is by far the most popular and best time to visit Laos, especially December to February, when the weather is at its most pleasant.
If you’re planning a 10-day trip in Laos, this is the best time to visit Laos for everything from waterfall hikes to temple hopping.
2. Wet Season (May to October) – Green, lush, and quiet
Weather: Heavy rains, especially in July–September, with short sunny breaks
Temperature: 25°C–35°C with high humidity
Reasons to visit Laos during May to October:
- Lush landscapes, rice fields at their greenest
- Far fewer tourists
- Great deals on accommodation
Cons of visiting Laos during May to October:
- Some roads and trails may become impassable
- River travel can be restricted
- Afternoon storms are common
If you don’t mind a bit of rain (and possibly being caught in a downpour mid-hike), May or October are decent shoulder months to visit with a good balance of fewer crowds and manageable weather.
July–September, however, can be very wet, especially in rural areas, so wouldn’t be the best time to visit Laos.
We actually visited Laos at the end of June, mid-wet season, due to the timeline of our travels around Asia.
We did see a few rain showers here and there which meant we couldn’t actually do a lot of the activities in Laos, but it still made for a nice, peaceful time to see Laos.
If we were to go back again, we’d pick the dry season as a lot of the best things to do in Laos are outdoors and require good weather, so knowing when the best time to visit Laos is, is a bit of a must when visiting Laos.
Best Time to Visit Laos Month-by-Month Overview
| Month | Season | Weather Highlights | Travel Tips |
| January | Dry | Cool, sunny, perfect sightseeing | Peak season, so book ahead |
| February | Dry | Warming up, still dry | Great for outdoor activities |
| March | Dry | Hotter, dusty in some areas | Consider heading to cooler highlands |
| April | Dry | Very hot, Laos New Year festival | Expect water fights during Pi Mai |
| May | Wet | First rains, still travel-friendly | Lush greenery begins to return |
| June–Aug | Wet | Heavy rain, humid, fewer tourists | Ideal if you don’t mind storms |
| Sept | Wet | Lush and wet | Rural roads may be tricky |
| Oct | Wet-Dry | Rain eases off, still green | Lovely shoulder month to travel |
| Nov | Dry | Peak season begins | Best combo of comfort and scenery |
| Dec | Dry | Cool, dry, festive vibe | One of the best months to visit |
Laos Public Holidays & Festivals
If you can time your visit to Laos around a local celebration, you’ll be treated to parades, lanterns, fireworks, and food stalls.
Some holidays might also affect opening hours, so good to be aware.
- Lao New Year (Pi Mai) – Mid-April: Expect nationwide water fights (yes, even monks join in, so it can be the best time to visit Laos!)
- That Luang Festival – November in Vientiane: A Buddhist celebration full of colour and ceremony
- Boat Racing Festivals – September/October: Held across river towns at the end of rainy season
- Lunar New Year – Late Jan or Feb (celebrated mostly in cities)
10-Day Laos Itinerary
One of the best things about Laos is that you can experience so much in just 10 days.
Whether you’re travelling to Laos from Thailand or making it your main destination, 10 days gives you enough time to:
- Spend 3 days in Vientiane, the capital, soaking in its relaxed atmosphere and riverside sunset views.
- Explore 3 days in Vang Vieng, full of caves, lagoons, and limestone mountains.
- Enjoy 4 days in Luang Prabang, one of the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia.
Bank holiday tip: If you’re coming from the UK or Australia, the best time to visit Laos is around Easter, Christmas, or May Day bank holidays to get a 10-day trip while only taking 5 days off work.
Laos is too far for a weekend trip, but perfect if you can squeeze in just over a week.
RELATED Best Time to Visit Laos blog post to read: 10 Days in Laos Itinerary: The Best Backpacker Travel Route
Best Things to Do in Laos
Even though Laos is more laid-back than its neighbours, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here are just a few:
1. Luang Prabang
- Visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Watch the daily alms-giving ceremony
- Climb Mount Phousi for sunset
- Wander night markets and sip on Lao coffee
2. Vang Vieng
- Kayak or tube down the Nam Song River
- Explore Tham Chang Cave
- Take in views from the top of Pha Ngern viewpoint
- Chill by the Blue Lagoons
3. Vientiane
- Admire Pha That Luang and Patuxai Victory Monument
- Walk along the Mekong riverfront
- Eat at the night market
4. 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)
- Cycle around Don Det
- Spot Irrawaddy dolphins
- Enjoy hammocks, sunsets, and slow travel life
Why Laos is Worth the Trip
Laos isn’t as developed as Thailand or Vietnam, which is part of its charm. It’s the place to go when you want to slow down, soak in the scenery, and connect with locals.
Plus, the introduction of the high-speed rail from Vientiane to Luang Prabang means getting around has never been easier.
Be warned: the high-speed rail is just like flying, and they’ll confiscate all of your liquids and aerosols, including bug spray. Our accommodation in Vang Vieng sent our liquids ahead of us to Luang Prabang so we didn’t lose them.
Laos is also incredibly affordable. Accommodation, food, and travel are cheap, especially if you go in the off-season.
That money you save? More budget for mango sticky rice, Beerlao, and boutique guesthouses.
Final Tips Before You Go
- Visa: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival or e-visa. Always double-check the latest rules.
- Currency: Lao Kip (LAK), though USD and Thai Baht are also accepted in some places.
- Connectivity: eSIMs are cheap and easy to download before you get to Laos. I highly recommend Airalo!
- Language: Lao is the official language, but English is spoken in tourist areas.
- Travel insurance: Always a must! I recommend SafetyWing for flexible, rolling cover. I’ve used it on all my Southeast Asia and America trips and love how easy it is to manage from your phone.
So, When is the Best Time to Visit Laos?
If you want ideal weather, November to February is your window for the best time to visit Laos.
If you want low prices and fewer tourists, May or October will be the best time to visit Laos.
And if you’re planning a longer Southeast Asia trip, you might just end up loving the rainy season vibes more than you expect.
Whenever you go, Laos will greet you with smiles, spicy food, and the kind of peace and quiet that’s getting harder to find in the world.
RELATED Best Time to Visit Laos blog posts to read:
- 10 Days in Laos Itinerary: The Best Backpacker Travel Route
- How to Get From Thailand to Laos: Ultimate Guide
- Vientiane Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days Here
- Syri Guesthouse Laos Review: The Best Boutique Vientiane Hotel
- What to Do in Vang Vieng Laos: Perfect 3 Day Itinerary
- How to Spend 2 Days in Luang Prabang Laos: Perfect Itinerary
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
