If you’re searching for a peaceful destination rich in culture and authenticity, Laos might just steal your heart. And if you’re wondering about the cheapest time to travel to Laos, keep reading — it might surprise you how beautiful and budget-friendly this country can be during the low season. The peaceful nature of Laos stands in direct opposition to Vietnam’s busy streets and Thailand’s active nighttime entertainment. The golden temples of Laos reflect sunlight while waterfalls flow through green forests and people show their happiness through their smiles.
So, when is the cheapest time to travel to Laos, the time you can enjoy all this beauty without breaking the bank? The answer is from May to September, the country’s official low travel season. Let’s dive in with IDC Travel to find out why.
Why May To September Is The Cheapest Time To Travel To Laos
Many Laos money-saving travel tips actually point to visiting between May and September — the months when prices drop and nature comes alive. There are two main reasons why the rainy months (May–September) are the most affordable period to visit Laos:
Rain Season = Fewer Tourists, Bigger Deals
The rain season doesn’t just mean wet days — it’s a hidden opportunity for travelers looking for affordable tours and fewer crowds. The southwest monsoon reaches May which brings afternoon rain showers and causes international tourist numbers to decrease. Airlines together with hotels and tour operators introduce deep discounts during this period which can reach 20–50% off their regular peak season prices between November and February. Travelers who visited during the rain season often say the landscapes feel more alive and peaceful.
During this time, it’s easy to find:
- Budget-friendly round-trip flights to Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
- Four-star resorts are priced like mid-range hotels during the high season.
- Private tours or car rentals at much lower rates.
The Rain Season Isn’t as Harsh as You Think
In fact, as Laos travel experts, we even call this the low season secret — a time when you can enjoy greener landscapes, quiet temples, and discounted stays.
A tranquil countryside scene in Laos — traditional wooden houses and a rustic bridge set against stunning mountain views at sunset.
Even though it goes by the name rainy season, things in Laos turn out pretty pleasant overall. When we traveled across Laos during the rainy season, the showers usually came in short bursts and left behind a refreshing breeze that made temples and waterfalls even more peaceful. Those bursts tend to hit in the late afternoon or evening. That setup keeps most of the day sunny and clear. You can still find time to wander around exploring spots. Snap some photos along the way. Take in the sightseeing too. All without dealing with that brutal scorching heat.
Is It Worth Visiting Laos During the Low Season?
Absolutely! A trip to Laos from May through September turns out to be pretty rewarding. It suits people who like peace and nature along with real local experiences.
Overview of Laos Climate
Laos features a tropical monsoon climate. It comes with three clear seasons.
- The dry season runs from November to February. You get cool and pleasant weather then. Tourism peaks during that time.
- The hot season hits from March to April. Temperatures climb to 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. Things stay dry and humid most days.
- The rainy season covers May to September. Temperatures cool down a bit. Greenery looks lush everywhere. Showers tend to be light.
A peaceful riverside village surrounded by majestic limestone mountains and vibrant greenery on a sunny day.
In the low season, Laos shows a whole other side. Crowds disappear completely. Local life feels relaxed. Peace and calm fill the air.
Benefits of Traveling During the Rainy Months
- Save big: Cheaper flights, hotels, and tour packages.
- Stunning nature: Waterfalls and rice paddies are at their most beautiful.
- Peaceful experiences: Easy to take photos, no queues, no rush.
If you love authentic travel, nature, and don’t mind a few raindrops, the low season is your perfect match. Having organized numerous low-season tours for our clients, we’ve seen firsthand how this period offers unbeatable value and a truly serene travel experience.
Suggested affordable tour for you
Day 1: Luang Prabang Arrival
Arrive in Luang Prabang. Transfer to hotel. Visit Royal Palace Museum, Wat Mai, and enjoy sunset views from Mount Phousi. Take part in a private Baci Ceremony and have dinner with a local family.
Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves
Join the early-morning alms-giving ceremony, visit the local market and Wat Sene. Take a boat trip to Pak Ou Caves and stop at Ban Muang Keo village. Explore Wat Xiengthong and the Traditional Art & Ethnology Center.
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Rice Farming Experience – Kuang Si Waterfalls
Experience traditional rice farming and visit an organic garden. Continue to Kuang Si Waterfalls for swimming and nature walks. Stop at the Bear Rescue Center and the Living Crafts Center before returning to Luang Prabang.
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Elephant Village
Visit the Elephant Village for ethical interaction with elephants, tour the elephant hospital and museum. Cruise to Tad Sae Waterfall and enjoy lunch at the camp. Overnight at Lao Spirit Resort by the Nam Khan River.
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Train to Vang Vieng – Ban Tha Heua
Take a scenic train ride to Vang Vieng. Visit Tham Jang Cave, then transfer to Ban Tha Heua for hotel check-in and relaxation by the lake.
Day 6: Ban Tha Heua – Vientiane
Morning kayaking around Nam Ngum Lake and nearby islets. In the afternoon, transfer to Vientiane. Free time to relax and explore the capital at your leisure.
Day 7: Vientiane – Buddha Park
Visit Wat Si Muang, Buddha Park, Wat Sisaket, and Wat Phra Keo. Stop at Patuxai (Victory Gate) and That Luang Stupa — Vientiane’s most sacred monument. Evening free.
Day 8: Vientiane – Fly to Pakse – Bolaven Plateau
Morning flight to Pakse. Visit Tad Lo and Tad Suong waterfalls, explore Ban Houay Houn village, and drive through Paksong — famous for its coffee plantations.
Day 9: Bolaven Plateau – Wat Phou – Khong Island
Travel to Champasak to visit the UNESCO-listed Wat Phou Temple. Pass through Champasak town and continue to Don Khong for overnight stay.
Day 10: Khong Island – 4000 Islands – Don Khone – Champasak
Take a private longtail boat to the 4000 Islands region. Visit Ban Khone village, Li Phi Waterfall, and Khone Phapheng — the “Niagara of Asia.” Overnight in Champasak.
Day 11: Champasak – Ubon Ratchathani – Departure
Enjoy free time in Champasak before transfer to Ubon Ratchathani Airport for departure. End of the 11-day Laos journey.
>>> View full detail in Laos in 11 days: Unveiling the Magnificent Charms of Culture
Top Places to Visit in Laos During the Low Season
Here are four spots in Laos that really stand out when the rains come down. They get even more appealing in those wet months.
1. Luang Prabang – Timeless and Tranquil
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage city, Luang Prabang beautifully blends ancient Buddhist temples with a touch of French colonial charm. It’s the perfect destination for those who appreciate a slower pace of life and want to disconnect from the daily rush.
The breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall, where crystal-clear waters flow gracefully through layers of limestone amid vibrant jungle greenery.
During the rainy season, the Kuang Si Waterfalls roar to life, surrounded by lush greenery and misty air. Riverside cafés buzz with quiet energy, while the Luang Prabang Night Market glows with local color and culture. The best part? You get to enjoy it all without the usual tourist crowds, making the experience even more peaceful and authentic.
2. Vientiane – A Laid-Back Capital by the Mekong
Unlike the vibrant chaos of Bangkok or Hanoi, Vientiane offers a calm, easygoing vibe. Nestled right along the Mekong River, this charming capital city is perfect for a relaxed stroll — from the sacred Pha That Luang stupa to Patuxai (the Victory Gate), a monument that mirrors both history and pride.
Golden hour on the Mekong River — calm waters, palm silhouettes, and riverside homes bathed in warm evening light.
As evening falls, a walk along the Mekong riverfront feels serene, especially as locals gather to watch the sunset. During the wet season, the city turns beautifully green, and the air feels cleaner and fresher. Even better, according to Skyscanner’s 2024 report, airfares to Vientiane can drop by up to 40% during this time — an ideal window for travelers seeking a great-value escape.
3. Vang Vieng – An Adventure Seeker’s Paradise
For those craving thrill and adventure, Vang Vieng delivers it all. Dramatic karst mountains, mysterious limestone caves, and the scenic Nam Song River form a breathtaking landscape that feels almost surreal.
Life along the Nam Song River — kayakers glide peacefully beneath towering limestone cliffs and charming riverside houses.
In the rainy season, everything becomes even more alive. The river swells — perfect for kayaking, tubing, or even ziplining through mist-covered peaks. As fog gently rolls over the mountains, the entire scene transforms into a postcard-perfect dream, making Vang Vieng a must-visit for adventure lovers and nature photographers alike.
4. Champasak and the Bolaven Plateau – Southern Laos at Its Wildest
If you’re seeking something more remote and untouched, head south to Champasak and the Bolaven Plateau — where Southern Laos reveals its wild and authentic charm. Champasak is home to Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer temple that actually predates Angkor Wat. Nearby, the Bolaven Plateau dazzles with magnificent waterfalls like Tad Fane and Tad Yuang, which reach their most powerful and photogenic flow during the rainy months.
The majestic Tad Fane Waterfall — twin streams of water tumbling dramatically into a lush, misty canyon in southern Laos.
All around, coffee plantations fill the air with rich aromas, offering visitors a sensory experience that’s both grounding and unforgettable. Here, time seems to slow down — a place where you can truly feel the raw, original spirit of Laos in every breath of misty mountain air.
Laos in the Shoulder Season: Beauty Without the Crowds
The shoulder season in Laos — those “in-between” months — usually falls in March–April (end of dry season) and October (end of rainy season).
Why Travel During the Shoulder Months?
- Balanced prices: Not as cheap as low season, but much lower than peak season.
- Great weather: Less rain, mild sunshine, ideal for both north and south Laos.
- Comfortable experience: Moderate crowds, better service quality.
When Exactly to Go
- March–April: If you love festivals, don’t miss Bunpimay, the Lao New Year — a country-wide celebration with water fights, parades, and dancing.
- October: As rains fade and the air cools, it’s perfect for trekking, eco-tours, and witnessing Ok Phansa, the festival marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
Suggested affordable tour for you
These affordable tours in Laos are designed for travelers who want authentic experiences without overspending — perfect for those visiting during the rain season or low season.
Day 1: Vientiane Arrival
Arrive in Vientiane. Visit Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, That Luang Stupa, and Patuxay Monument. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 2: Vientiane – Buddha Park – Train to Vang Vieng
Visit Buddha Park with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. Explore the Morning Market and Ban Nong Bouathong weaving village. Take express train to Vang Vieng and enjoy sunset over Nam Song River.
Day 3: Vang Vieng Exploration
Visit Tham Jang and Tham Phoukham caves. Stroll through rice fields, meet local villagers, and relax or swim in a natural pool. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 4: Vang Vieng – Train to Luang Prabang
Take express train to Luang Prabang. Visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, climb Mount Phousi for sunset views, and explore the Night Market.
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Local Villages
Take a Mekong River cruise to Pak Ou Caves with thousands of Buddha statues. Visit Ban Muangkeo (rice wine), Ban Xiengmene, and Wat Chomphet. Explore Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek villages known for silk weaving and paper-making.
Day 6: Luang Prabang Departure
Breakfast and free time until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of 6-day Laos tour.
>>> View full detail in The Best of Laos in 6 Days Tour, All-Inclusive Package
Money-Saving Travel Tips for Laos
Looking for ways to stretch your budget while exploring the Land of a Million Elephants? Here are our top Laos money-saving travel tips to help you travel smarter during the low season or shoulder months. Here are some tried-and-true hacks to help you enjoy Laos to the fullest — while keeping your wallet happy:
1. Book Flights Smartly
- Use tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak to track fares.
- Book 1–2 months ahead or fly midweek for cheaper prices.
- Consider connecting flights via Bangkok or Hanoi — they’re often cheaper than direct routes.
2. Choose Budget-Friendly Stays
- Opt for guesthouses or boutique hotels — affordable, clean, and central.
- Traveling in a group? Book an Airbnb or homestay to split costs.
- Many hotels offer long-stay discounts for 3+ nights.
3. Eat Like a Local
Lao cuisine is flavorful and inexpensive! Try:
- Khao Niew (sticky rice) – the national staple.
- Larb (minced meat salad) and Tam Mak Hoong (papaya salad) – spicy and tangy.
Street food stalls and night markets serve hearty meals for just $2–3 per dish.
4. Save on Local Transportation
- Use buses or minivans for intercity travel.
- Rent a motorbike for $8–10/day for short distances.
- Share rides with friends to save on fuel and rentals.
5. Sightsee Smartly
- Many temples and attractions are free or cost only $1–2.
- Plan your itinerary efficiently to minimize travel costs.
- When booking tours, confirm inclusions (guide, entrance fees, meals) to avoid extra expenses.
Traveling to Laos isn’t just about discovering a new country — it’s about slowing down, breathing deeply, and finding joy in simplicity. If you visit between May and September, you’ll experience the lush, peaceful side of the “Land of a Million Elephants” and save a significant amount while you’re at it. If you prefer mild weather but still want reasonable prices, aim for the shoulder season (March–April or October) — the sweet spot for smart travelers.
No matter when you go, Laos has a timeless charm — from the warm smiles of its people to the fragrant spice of its cuisine and the tranquil flow of the Mekong. Contact us to explore a land of serenity, simplicity, and unforgettable beauty. Whether you visit during the low season or the shoulder months, these Laos money-saving travel tips will help you enjoy an affordable tour full of nature, culture, and tranquility.
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