Lao Cai, Vietnam: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Lao Cai, Vietnam? If you're planning to go to Lao Cai, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Lao Cai
- Important essentials for Lao Cai
- Activities for Lao Cai
- Lao Cai in January: weather and what to pack
- Lao Cai in February: weather and what to pack
- Lao Cai in March: weather and what to pack
- Lao Cai in April: weather and what to pack
- Lao Cai in May: weather and what to pack
- Lao Cai in June: weather and what to pack
- Lao Cai in July: weather and what to pack
- Lao Cai in August: weather and what to pack
- Lao Cai in September: weather and what to pack
- Lao Cai in October: weather and what to pack
- Lao Cai in November: weather and what to pack
- Lao Cai in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Lao Cai, Vietnam
Based on the climate and weather in Lao Cai, the best time to go is March. See below for details.
Important essentials for Lao Cai, Vietnam
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lao Cai, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often get worn. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a good choice.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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For families with young children
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lao Cai. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. This one works in most areas, but check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Lao Cai, Vietnam by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region is brisk and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
February
February in Lao Cai can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
March
March in Lao Cai can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
April
If you are traveling to Lao Cai in April, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
May
If you vacation in Lao Cai during May, you may find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
June
If you visit Lao Cai during June, you might find that it is mild and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
July
July here is warm and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
August
If you vacation in Lao Cai during August, you are likely to notice that it is mild and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
September
September in Lao Cai is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
October
October in Lao Cai is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
November
If you vacation in Lao Cai during November, you may find that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
December
December in Lao Cai is cool and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
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