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

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

Contents

When to go to Vientiane, Laos

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

What to wear/what to pack for Vientiane, Laos

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

If you vacation in Vientiane during January, you may see that it is hot, extremely hazy 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 low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.

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 bags these days, an AirTag can locate 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 Vientiane. 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be sure to get the correct kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you visit Vientiane during February, you will probably see that it can be very hot, extremely hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vientiane. 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Take care to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you vacation in Vientiane during March, you might see that it is extremely hot, extremely hazy and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.

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 Vientiane. 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 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Vientiane can be very hot and extremely hazy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vientiane. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be careful to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you vacation in Vientiane during May, you will probably find that it is consistently hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 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 airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vientiane. 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Check that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you visit Vientiane during June, you are likely to see that it is extremely hot and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vientiane. 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 airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Take care to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

Traveling to Vientiane in July, you will notice that it is extremely hot and very rainy. 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:

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 on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vientiane. 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Make sure to get the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you are traveling to Vientiane in August, you will notice that it is extremely hot and very rainy. 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:

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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vientiane. 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 airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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 pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be sure to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

Traveling to Vientiane in September, you will notice that it can be very hot and somewhat rainy. 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:

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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vientiane. 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

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Check that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you vacation in Vientiane during October, you are likely to see that it is really hot and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

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 always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vientiane. 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Check that you get the correct kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you vacation in Vientiane during November, you will probably find that it is pretty consistently hot, very hazy and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.

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 recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vientiane. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Make sure to get the right type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

Traveling to Vientiane in December, you will notice that it is hot, extremely hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vientiane. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be sure to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see a temple, such as Chinese Temple, wear:

If you go to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Vientiane, Laos

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is a charming city that has a mix of traditional and modern history. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Mekong river, showcases stunning Buddhist temples, and has a vibrant street-life filled with delicious local cuisine.

1. Pha That Luang: The most iconic tourist attraction in Vientiane, Pha That Luang is a giant golden temple which is the symbol of Laos. The temple is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, and its impressive architecture and intricate details are definitely worth seeing.

2. Wat Si Saket: Wat Si Saket is a beautiful temple that is famous for its unique architectural style. Built in the early 19th century, it is the oldest temple in Vientiane and houses thousands of Buddha images.

3. Patuxai Monument: This impressive archway is modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and is a symbol of Laos' struggle for independence from French colonialism. Visitors can climb to the top for a stunning view of the city.

4. Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan): Located on the outskirts of Vientiane, Buddha Park is a unique park filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The park is perfect for a relaxing day trip and a great place to take some memorable photos.

5. Wat Si Muang: This temple is a sacred place for the Lao people, as it is believed to be built on the spot where the city's patron spirit resides. The temple is also famous for its beautiful architecture and stunning murals.

6. Morning Market: One of the largest markets in Laos, the Morning Market is a paradise for shoppers looking for traditional Lao textiles, artwork, and handicrafts. The market is open daily from sunrise until midday.

7. COPE Visitor Centre: This informative center showcases the work of the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), which provides prosthetic devices to Lao landmine victims. Visitors can learn about the cultural and historical impact of landmines in Laos, and how COPE is making a difference.

In conclusion, Vientiane is a city with plenty of things to do and see. Whether you're interested in history, religion, sightseeing, or shopping, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Vientiane. So if you're planning a trip to Laos, be sure to put Vientiane on your itinerary.

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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