Best time to visit Laos

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Laos

Best time of year to visit Laos

Beautiful Buddhist monasteries, the Mekong cruises, colonial architecture, and delicious food—Laos offers many attractions for tourists. The dry season lasts from October to May and it is the best time to visit Laos to enjoy its ancient temples and lush nature. This is the most favourable period to go hiking at Mount Phou Si and Xieng Khuan Park, observe gibbons and butterflies, take a slow boat along the Mekong, and check out the coffee harvest. Go to Northern Laos in December to see Hmong New Year traditions, and to Luang Prabang in mid-April to join the Lao New Year celebrations.

17 THINGS TO DO IN LAOS (DECEMBER 05 - DECEMBER 14)

Hmong New Year

Hmong New Year

December • event

An indigenous ethnic group of Northern Laos displays their own festive traditions

Meditation during Buddhist Holidays

Meditation during Buddhist Holidays

October–July • activity

Calm your mind and practice wholesome meditation in a Lao Buddhist temple

Sunset at Mount Phou Si

Sunset at Mount Phou Si

November–February • activity

328 steps lead to a beautiful view over ancient golden temples that reflect the last beams of the falling Sun

Exploring Caves

Exploring Caves

November–February • activity

The hidden world of Laos is as impressive as its architectural gems above ground

Coffee Harvest

Coffee Harvest

November–March • food

Wander the green jungles of Arabica and Robusta in Laos

Khao Lam Rice in Bamboo

Khao Lam Rice in Bamboo

November–March • food

Lao rice dishes can be spicy, salty, or sweet. Do not miss the chance to try the latter in one of its many variations

Kayaking

Kayaking

July–September | October–March • activity

Exploring Laos via kayak is a great adventure

Gibbon Experience

Gibbon Experience

November–May • activity

This activity is undoubtedly for those who are not afraid of heights

Caring for an Elephant

Caring for an Elephant

December–February • activity

Enjoy the unique experience of caring for an elephant

Climbing

Climbing

November–February • activity

Try out some climbing in the Karst hills for great views of the green countryside and winding rivers

Xieng Khuan or Buddha Park

Xieng Khuan or Buddha Park

October–April • activity

Buddhist and Hindu gods and deities gather in Spirit City near Vientiane

Cycling

Cycling

October–April • activity

A bike journey may be the best way to explore all the beautiful details and hidden gems of Laos

Traditional Lao Wedding

Traditional Lao Wedding

October–March • activity

Rural Lao weddings are a great demonstration of national traditions. Hopefully some friends will invite you over

Khao Poun Soup

Khao Poun Soup

November–March • food

Coconut milk with meat and vermicelli may sound weird, but it definitely tastes great!

Water Lily

Water Lily

late November–December • nature

Pink stars have fallen from the sky to rest on clear water and be named water lilies

Kaipen

Kaipen

December–May • food

Lao crispy river weed

Edible Insects

Edible Insects

June–July | November–January • food

Why not broaden your palate with various insect species?

19 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Pi Mai or Songkran—Lao New Year & Water Festival

Pi Mai or Songkran—Lao New Year & Water Festival

out of rangeApril 13-16, 2024 • event

No fireworks or fancy family dinners, but rather a​ temple worship, splashing water, and street food

Trekking to Bolaven Plateau & Tad Fane Waterfall

Trekking to Bolaven Plateau & Tad Fane Waterfall

out of rangeJuly–October • activity

Trekking in the rainforests can be somewhat challenging, but very rewarding with magnificent vistas and untouched nature

Boun Khao Phansa or the First Day of Buddhist Lent

Boun Khao Phansa or the First Day of Buddhist Lent

out of rangeJuly 3, 2023 • event

It can be a very calming and peaceful experience to join the Lao people in temples on the first day of Buddhist Lent

Boun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival

Boun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival

out of rangeMay • event

For just the right amount of rain try the Lao way and send off a rocket to the god of rain

Opium Flowers

Opium Flowers

out of rangeJanuary–February • nature

Blooming poppies turn the green hills of Laos into amazing impressionist pictures

Boun That Luang Festival

Boun That Luang Festival

out of rangeNovember 27, 2023 • event

The most important Buddhist​ celebration in Laos welcomes its visitors with flowers, music, and wax castles

Tubing

Tubing

out of rangeJune–September • activity

If you can swim, this should be on the top of your list in Laos

Culture and Lifestyle of Khmu

Culture and Lifestyle of Khmu

out of rangeJune–August • activity

How far will you go to dive into ancient cultures?

Boun Awk Phansa or the End of Buddhist Lent

Boun Awk Phansa or the End of Buddhist Lent

out of rangeOctober 28, 2023 • event

Water dragons, flower boats, and floating candles—all part of this magical festival!

Butterflies

Butterflies

out of rangeMay–October • nature

While butterflies dance around, your mind can calm you can enjoy their simple colourful beauty

Asian Black Bear

Asian Black Bear

out of rangeJuly–October • nature

Though this species is endangered, great efforts are being made by the people of Laos to save it

Baci Ceremony

Baci Ceremony

out of rangeApril 15 • event

This ceremony helps people to bind one's inner spirits to the body for good health and luck

The Plain of Jars

The Plain of Jars

out of rangeFebruary–April • activity

This is where the mysterious and enigmatic Laos unfolds

Slow Boat on the Mekong River

Slow Boat on the Mekong River

out of rangeMay–September • activity

A peaceful trip along the Mekong River is a great way to get acquainted with Lao people and take great pictures

Lao-Lao Whiskey

Lao-Lao Whiskey

out of rangelate January–early February • food

Enjoy a quiet and tiny Lao village on the bank of Mekong River and learn how to make real rice whiskey

Exotic Fruits

Exotic Fruits

out of rangeApril–July • food

Get your dose of colour in Laos and try all the unique fruit!

Orchids

Orchids

out of rangeJanuary–June • nature

These gorgeous flowers are most beautiful in their native habitat

Khao Nom Kok or Lao Coconut Cakes

Khao Nom Kok or Lao Coconut Cakes

out of rangelate July • food

Delicious and part of an ancient legend these coconut cakes are truly irresistible!

Tam Mak Houng or Papaya Salad

Tam Mak Houng or Papaya Salad

out of rangemid-April • food

Lao people commonly celebrate New Years with spicy papaya salad

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