Northern Laos, Laos: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Northern Laos, Laos? If you're planning to go to Northern Laos, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Northern Laos, Laos

Based on the climate and weather in Northern Laos, Laos, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Laos, Laos

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northern Laos, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Laos, Laos by month

January

January is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be careful to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

February

February here dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be careful to pick the correct type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

March

March in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be sure to pick the correct kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

April

April in this region is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Check that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

May in this region is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Make sure to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

June

If you go to Northern Laos in June, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be careful to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you go to Northern Laos in July, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain most days. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

August

August in this region is hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. It's important that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

September

September here is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be careful to get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

October

If you go to Northern Laos in October, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be careful to find the necessary type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

If you are traveling to Northern Laos in November, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Make sure to get the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

December

December dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Laos has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Check that you get the right type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Northern Laos, Laos

Laos is a Southeast Asian country known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic natural beauty. With its lush forests, rugged mountains, and sparkling rivers, the northern region of Laos is a true gem for tourists. The region has a wealth of attractions to offer, from historic temples to breathtaking waterfalls. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in northern Laos.

1. Luang Prabang: Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most charming towns in Southeast Asia. It is located on the banks of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and is renowned for its well-preserved old town, which is home to many temples, palaces, and traditional houses. The town also has several markets, art galleries, and restaurants, making it an ideal place for travelers to experience local culture.

2. Kuang Si Waterfall: Kuang Si Waterfall is a stunning 60-meter-high cascade that is located about 30 kilometers south of Luang Prabang. The waterfall has several tiers and pools where visitors can swim and relax. The area is also a protected wildlife sanctuary with a variety of flora and fauna.

3. Pak Ou Caves: The Pak Ou Caves are located about 25 kilometers north of Luang Prabang and are one of the most important Buddhist sites in Laos. The caves contain thousands of Buddha images and statues, some of which date back to the 16th century.

4. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the largest and most spectacular cave systems in the world. The park covers an area of over 850 square kilometers and is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including several rare and endangered species.

5. Nong Khiaw: Nong Khiaw is a picturesque village that is located on the banks of the Nam Ou River, about 140 kilometers northwest of Luang Prabang. The village is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and is a popular destination for trekking, kayaking, and rock climbing.

6. Plain of Jars: The Plain of Jars is an archaeological site located in central Laos that contains thousands of large stone jars. The jars date back to the Iron Age and are believed to have been used for burial rites.

7. Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area: Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area is a vast wilderness area located in northern Laos that is home to an array of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, and black bears. Visitors can go on a guided trek or take a night safari to spot some of these amazing creatures.

In conclusion, Northern Laos is a fascinating destination that offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, you will find plenty of things to see and do in this beautiful region. From the stunning waterfalls and limestone cliffs to the ancient temples and cave systems, northern Laos is a place that should be on every traveler's bucket list.

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.

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