Vientiane, Laos: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Vientiane, Laos? If you're planning to go to Vientiane, I have 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 go to Vientiane in January, you will notice that it is extremely warm, extremely hazy and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Laos has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you 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 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave 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 surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be sure to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

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

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

February

February for Vientiane is constantly hot, extremely hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Laos has some specific safety 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 airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. Be sure to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

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

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

March

If you vacation in Vientiane during March, you might notice that it can be very 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

    Laos has some specific safety 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 frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties 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 get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option 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 visit the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you visit Vientiane during April, you may see that it is consistently hot and extremely hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s 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 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Laos has some specific safety 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.

  • 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 constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

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. Take care to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

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

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

May

In May, Vientiane is extremely hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (low 30s C) and occasionally jump into the 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Vientiane, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Laos has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things 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 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Ensure that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

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

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

June

June in Vientiane is extremely hot and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s 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

    Laos has some specific safety 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 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • 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. Take care to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

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

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

July

July in this region is extremely hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Laos has some specific safety 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 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 luggage recently, 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Ensure that you choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

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

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

August

August here is really hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Laos has some specific safety 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 recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: 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 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 large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • 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. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply 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 countries.

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

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

September

September in Vientiane is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Laos has some specific safety 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 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 airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Check that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy 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 should be appropriate for most locations.

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

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

October

If you visit Vientiane during October, you will probably see that it is extremely 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 a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Laos has some specific safety 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 nowadays, an AirTag can locate 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice 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. Check that you pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

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

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

November

November is extremely warm, very hazy and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Laos has some specific safety 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B, C, E and F. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

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

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

December

If you visit Vientiane during December, you will probably find that it is extremely warm, extremely hazy and very dry with almost no 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

    Laos has some specific safety 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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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

  • 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. Check that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

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

If you visit 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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