Laos, Laos: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Laos, Laos? If you're planning to go to Laos, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Laos
- Important essentials for Laos
- Activities for Laos
- Laos in January: weather and what to pack
- Laos in February: weather and what to pack
- Laos in March: weather and what to pack
- Laos in April: weather and what to pack
- Laos in May: weather and what to pack
- Laos in June: weather and what to pack
- Laos in July: weather and what to pack
- Laos in August: weather and what to pack
- Laos in September: weather and what to pack
- Laos in October: weather and what to pack
- Laos in November: weather and what to pack
- Laos 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 Laos, Laos
Based on the climate and weather in Laos, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Laos, Laos
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Laos, 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
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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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
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
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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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Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
-
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 Laos. 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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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. This one should work in most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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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.
What to wear/what to pack for Laos, Laos by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
February
If you go to Laos in February, you will notice that it is hot and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
March
March in this region is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
April
April can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
May
If you go to Laos in May, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
June
In June, Laos is constantly hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Laos, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
July
In July, Laos can be sweltering. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Laos, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
August
August in Laos is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
September
If you go to Laos in September, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
October
If you go to Laos in October, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
November
If you vacation in Laos during November, you are likely to find that it is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
December
If you visit Laos during December, you might see that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
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