Vang Vieng, Laos: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Vang Vieng, Laos? If you're planning to go to Vang Vieng, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Vang Vieng
- Important essentials for Vang Vieng
- Activities for Vang Vieng
- Vang Vieng in January: weather and what to pack
- Vang Vieng in February: weather and what to pack
- Vang Vieng in March: weather and what to pack
- Vang Vieng in April: weather and what to pack
- Vang Vieng in May: weather and what to pack
- Vang Vieng in June: weather and what to pack
- Vang Vieng in July: weather and what to pack
- Vang Vieng in August: weather and what to pack
- Vang Vieng in September: weather and what to pack
- Vang Vieng in October: weather and what to pack
- Vang Vieng in November: weather and what to pack
- Vang Vieng 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 Vang Vieng, Laos
Based on the climate and weather in Vang Vieng, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Vang Vieng, Laos
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Vang Vieng, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
-
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).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. This one works in most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Vang Vieng. 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.
What to wear/what to pack for Vang Vieng, Laos by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Vang Vieng in January, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
February
Traveling to Vang Vieng in February, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
March
If you are traveling to Vang Vieng in March, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
April
Traveling to Vang Vieng in April, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
May
If you go to Vang Vieng in May, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
June
If you go to Vang Vieng in June, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain 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 recommend:
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
July
If you go to Vang Vieng in July, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain most days. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
August
If you go to Vang Vieng in August, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain most days. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
September
If you are traveling to Vang Vieng in September, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
October
October is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
November
November in this region dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
December
December for Vang Vieng dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
Going to Padeng Cave and Ring Cave? You'll need:
-
Backup flashlight
Gear is almost always provided on location, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup flashlight
-
Fleece jacket
-
Heavy, protective pants
-
High quality trekking boots
These are designed for this type of terrain, and can get wet
Activities for Vang Vieng, Laos
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Vang Vieng.
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