If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia, Laos in November is one of the best options for travelers looking for nature, culture and authentic experiences. November is at the beginning of the cool and dry season – widely held to be the best time to visit Laos – and is a fantastic time to get to know this beautiful landlocked country.
In this blog, I will walk you through the Laos weather in November, things to do, cultural aspects like the Laos festivals in November and practical travel tips to help you get the most out of your trip.
Laos weather in November – what makes it special?
Laos weather in November
Laos weather in November is widely considered the most pleasant of the year, marking the start of the cool, dry season. The heavy rains of the monsoon have ended, leaving the countryside lush, rivers full, and skies clear.
- Temperature: Daytime average temperature range is 18 to 27 degrees.
- Rain: Almost nonexistent in November so not subject to weather interruptions when traveling between cities and enjoying outdoor activities.
- Humidity: Less humid than previous months, so more fresh and pleasant conditions in the atmosphere.
- Travel conditions: Roads are in good condition (post rainy season), rivers are calm and good for boating, and trekking trails are dry and safe.
All in all if you’re planning your trip for a balance of good weather, blue cloudy skies, and improved scenery, this is the month for you. It is no wonder why many travelers consider November the best month to visit Laos.
Best places and activities to enjoy in Laos in November
The weather in Laos during November is generally good and can even be considered to be the best time to visit Laos. You will find relatively mild temperatures and mostly clear skies, which is certainly a more enjoyable way to experience the cultural sites in Luang Prabang, enjoy an adventure in Vang Vieng or simply relax on the 4,000 Islands. From night-marketing tour mushrooming to waterfall trekking to all the stuff mentioned before, these locations feature some of the best things to do in Laos in November.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its golden pagodas and is a great place to start. You will visit the lively night markets full of beautiful handicrafts and street foods. In contrast to the vibrant scene, the renowned Kuang Si waterfall is situated just outside of town. After the rainy season, you will want to take a dip in the turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls.
Kuang Si waterfall – Luang Prabang
Vientiane
Vientiane is a much more peaceful capital than other Asian capitals. There are prominent monuments such as Pha That Luang, a sacred golden stupa, or Patuxai, Lao Arc De Triomphe. Though it is a capital considered peaceful, in November there is an action and welcomes visitors to join in and participate in the That Luang festival, a space that is both a home for religious observation and festive activity. It is also possible to walk in gradient and enjoy the red sunset along the road of the Mekong River, with a beautiful view of Thailand to the right.
Pha That Luang
Vang Vieng
If you are someone who loves adventure travel. All outdoor adventure activities in Vang Vieng can be the best experience. The area of Vang Vieng with limestone mountains and Nam Song River gives you the experience of hot-shoeing, kayaking and climbing. With nice weather and fresh air, Laos in October is a safe place to enjoy outdoor adventure activities.
Blue lagoon – Vang Vieng
Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau
If you intend to go further south, do not miss Pakse and the Plateau. Pakse is referred to as the gateway to Laos and is a tranquil riverside town with some fascinating French architecture from its time under French colonial rule – meaning there is plenty of interesting history to explore. You can travel from Pakse through the Bolaven Plateau, distinguished for its fertile land with coffee plantations, as well as the stunning waterfalls of Tad Fane and Tad Yuang. On our trip we went in early November 2022, and both waterfalls were flowing after the inundated rains of the season, the cool weather on the plateau was a refreshing break from the heat of Laos!
Coffee lovers will certainly enjoy a trip at the coffee plantations to see how Laos’ famous Arabica and Robusta beans are farmed and cultivated, and enjoy great coffee in the garden
Bolaven Plateau
Si Phan Don
All the way down south you will find Si Phan Don or 4000 islands. The pace of life is much slower and more leisurely than in the bigger cities. You can take a boat ride to see the rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, bike through quiet villages, or just relax on a hammock by the mighty Mekong River. November is the perfect time as it is quite often isolated from the other islands and water levels are stable; unlike the busy time of year.
Si Phan Don
Signature Laos festivals in November
What makes November even more special is the opportunity to experience Laos’ vibrant cultural traditions. This month is home to the country’s most important religious celebration: The That Luang Festivals in Vientiane
The That Luang Festival typically takes place in early to mid-November and is cyclical on the lunar calendar. It is held at the sacred golden stupa of Pha That Luang – the national symbol of Laos – and attracted thousands of monks, pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the country. Events for the festival are multi-day opportunities to see spiritual rituals, candle light processions and alms giving ceremonies. The morning alms-giving is the peak of the festival in which members of the local and to when give food to hundreds of saffron- clothed monks. At night with the stupa lit by candle lights creates a unique and truly spiritual experience that lasts even beyond the end of the festival.
Besides That Luang, smaller celebrations happen across Laos in November. Besides the That Luang boat racing festival with brightly decorated kong boats, there are harvest festivals in rural village celebrating the rice harvest with traditional music, dance, and food. These Laos festivals in November provide visitors a more intimate moment into the lives of Lao people, and joy that is integrated into traditions and culture.
That Luang Festival
>>> To discover more vibrant festivals across Laos and plan your trip around these cultural highlights, check out Unveiling Top 7 Festivals in Laos You Can’t Miss.
Practical travel tips for Laos in November
To make your trip smoother, here are some practical tips every visitor should know when traveling to Laos in November:
Practical travel tips
Money and payment
While you are visiting Laos, remember to pay with cash as your mode of payment, especially when you are likely traveling to places that are more rural (i.e. outside of the larger cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang). If you are shared staying at hotels, which are really your only option for credit cards at luxury destinations, I would check that as more rural places are cash only. If your itinerary was mainly outside of those destinations, you should exchange them and get many small denominations, as in Laos, everything is cheap in terms of activities, tuk tuk rides, and eating out among other things. unnecessary headaches.
Health precautions
While it’s not recommended to drink tap water in Laos, bottled water is always a nice option. November is the start of Laotian dry season, so insects will not be as prevalent as they are in wet season, but if you are planning any extended time outside or near rivers, you may want to bring some insect repellent. You should also bring some basic medicines, such as pain relief and some digestive medicines in case of emergency.
Transportation options
For long distances, domestic flights are the fastest way to travel. If you want to save money for other activities, there are many buses and minivans in Laos, but the journey time can be much longer due to the winding mountain roads. If you want to visit smaller towns, renting a motorbike or bicycle is a good option, but you need to be a good driver because the roads here can be very difficult.
Connectivity & SIM Cards
When you arrive in Laos, or travel in any country, you should buy a local SIM card to stay connected. These SIM cards are easy to buy at airports, convenience stores, or mobile stores for a few dollars. Sometimes the signal is worse in small villages and remote mountainous areas of Laos. If you are only traveling within the major cities, you don’t need to worry because wifi is available almost everywhere.
Culture & Etiquette
To engage in a more impactful and shared travel experience in Laos, it is relevant to respect the local customs. For example, always dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting temples. Also remember that on visiting all religious sites, and even with staying with ethnic peoples, you must take off your shoes. If you are a woman, you should not touch and have physical interaction with monks as it is considered inappropriate behaviour.
Lao people are very hospitable and friendly, a simple Sabaidee and a smile will make you feel welcome. At markets, feel free to negotiate but remain polite and maintain your smile, it should be considered a friendly negotiation, not an argument.
Suggested itineraries in Laos
5-Day Itinerary: Highlights of Laos
An itinerary that suits somebody wanting to experience culture, nature, and to relax for first time visitors.
5-day Itinerary
Day 1: Luang Prabang
- Visit the old temples, Royal Palace Museum and Wat Mai to check out traditional Lao architecture.
- An obligatory stop to the striking Mount Phousi to visit the revered golden stupa and enjoy the magnificent sunset vista of the Mekong River and city.
- An evening stroll through the Luang Prabang Night Market after checking out some locals handicrafts and tasting some Lao street food.
Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou caves
- Visit the temporary morning market by the old Royal Palace and see what kind of goods people come to exchange
- Explore the oldest temple in the city – Wat Sene
- Take a slow boat along the Mekong River and stop at the Park Ou caves, famous for thousands of Buddha statues
- Stop at Ban Muang Keo which is well-known for its traditional Lao rice whisky disitillation.
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfalls – Vientiane
- Visit the iconic Kuang Si Waterfall, where turquoise waters flow strongly after the rainy season — ideal for swimming or photography.
- Take a trip to Bear Rescue Center where animals are saved from poachers and traffickers.
- Relax by the river at the end of the day or at sunset take a boat ride to experience the peaceful surroundings.
- Explore Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park with the information on butterflies, host plants and preservation of Laos on the way back to Luang Prabang.
- Head to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center to see how the experts create high quality fabrics.
- Fly to Vientiane
Day 4: Vientiane – Buddha Park
- Visit Wat Si Muang with mystical power and the Buddha Park to admire the collections of Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures.
- Take a look at landmarks of the city: Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument
Day 5: Vientiane departure
>>> For travelers looking for a fully planned experience in Laos, check out 5 Days Discover Laos’ Highlights that covers cultural highlights, natural landscapes, and adventure activities.
7-Day Itinerary: Adventure and Culture
Best for travelers who enjoy adventure activities along with cultural experiences.
7-day Itinerary
Day 1–2: Vientiane
- Enjoy the capital’s most significant sites: Wat Si Saket, Haw Pha Kaeo, COPE Centre
- Discover the majestic Pha That Luang and Patuxay monument
- Explore the unique sculptures of Buddha Park and take a stroll as the sun sets on the Mekong River.
Day 3: Ban Keun Village – Thalat Market – Vang Xang – Vang Vieng
- Stop at Baun Keun, discover Thalat Market and Vang Xang
- Head to Vang Vieng for adventure and relaxation
Day 4: Vang Vieng – Tham Jang caves – Ban Huai Village – Luang Prabang
- Visit the Thang Jang Caves which is known as a refuge during Chinese invasions
- Immerse in Ban Huai Ngai Village to enjoy the local life.
Day 5: Luang Prabang
- Begin the day at the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Mai and the Centre for Traditional Art and ethnology to explore history and culture.
- Clim the Mount Phousi in the afternoon for panoramic view and visit the iconic Wat Xieng Thong
- Finish with shopping at the Luang Prabang night market and dinnner on Sisavangvong Street.
Day 6: Luang Prabang – Mekong River Cruise – Pak Ou Caves – Native Villages
- Visit local farm to learn about rice production, followed by lunch and a scenic Mekong River cruise to the Park Ou caves
- On the return, stop at Ban Xanghai for rice wine tasting and Ban Phnom Village to see traditional weaving
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Departure flight
>>> Want to turn this itinerary into a seamless, hassle-free adventure? The Classic Dicovery of Laos in 7 Days takes care of all the planning, guiding you through Laos’ top cultural sites, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable experiences
14-Day Itinerary: In-Depth Laos Journey
An ideal trip for slow travelers looking to experience the length of Laos, from north to south.
14-day Itinerary
Day 1–3: Luang Prabang
- Arrive in Luang Prabang, check in and explore highlights such as Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, Wat Mao and climb the Phousi Hill for sunset views before returning to the hotel
- Visit Wat Xieng Thong, Cruise the Mekong to Ban Xang Hai an Pak Ou Caves, then stop at Ban Phanom Village to see traditional weaving.
- Enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace, with options like joining the alms-giving ritual or visiting local markets.
Day 4–6: Luang Prabang – Vientiane
- Drive to Xieng Khouang
- Explore the ancient Plain of Jars, Hmong villages before going to Vang Vieng
- Stroll through Vang Vieng’s market, cruise Nam Song River, visit Tham Jang Cave and Ban Huai Ngai Village and continue to Vientiane
Day 7–9: Vientiane – Khong Lor Caves – Ban Na Hin
- Discover Vientiane’s highlights including Wat Sisaket, Haw Phra Kaew, Patouxay Monument and That Luang Stupa
- Visit Buddha Park and enjoy sunset by the Mekong
- Drive to Khammouane province with scenic stops before reaching Ban Na Hin, gateway to Khong Lor Cave
- Visit That Mouang and That Nams Waterfalls before enjoying a picnic lunch and a boat trip through the 7.5 km-long Khong Lor Cave
Day 10-12: Pakse – Tadlo – Wat Phou – Done Khone
- Travel to Tadlo through planations, forests and villages, stopping at Tad Fan waterfall and Kato hill tribe villages before crossing Bolaven plateau.
- Return to Pakse then continue to Champasak to explore the historic Wat Phu ruins.
- End the day heading towards Si Phan Don.
Day 13: Done Khone – Khong Island
- Take a long-tail boat through the 4000 Islands, stoping at Ban Khone to see colonial relics, Liphi Waterfall and remnants of the first Lao railway
- Continue by motorboat to fishing villages, with the chance to spot rare Irrawaddy Mekong dolphins.
Day 14: Departure
- After breakfast, cruise to Ban Nakasang and drive to the Laos–Cambodia border, stopping at Khone Phapheng, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia.
- The tour concludes with a transfer to Dong Kalor or Veukham border gate.
>>> For a detailed two-week itinerary covering Laos from north to south, check out Discover the Best of Laos in 14 Days to exploring Laos in 14 days.
Experiencing authentic culture, breathtaking scenery, and pleasant embark on journeys to Laos in November and get ready for the time of your life. These itineraries deliver the destinations to be visited in Laos in November, and the highlights to be prioritized during this season to offer the most value.
Laos offers options for every type of traveler, from the UNESCO town of Luang Prabang, the adventure town of Vang Vieng, the coffee growing Bolaven Plateau and the relaxing 4000 Islands, plus witnessing the That Luang Festival. So not only will November be the best time to visit Laos, but the best experience. Whether it is a long weekend or two weeks, Laos in November promises culture, adventure, and relaxation in equal measure.
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