Things to Do in Laos in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Laos
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Countryside is absolutely stunning - the rice paddies around Vang Vieng and the Bolaven Plateau are brilliantly green after weeks of monsoon rain, and waterfalls like Kuang Si and Tad Fane are running at full force with dramatic water volume you won't see in dry season
- Significantly fewer tourists than November through February - you'll actually have space to appreciate temples in Luang Prabang without dodging tour groups, and guesthouses in popular spots typically run 30-40% cheaper than peak season rates
- Mekong River is high and navigable - slow boat journeys between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang run smoothly without the sandbar delays that plague low-water months, and river views are more dramatic with swollen tributaries
- Local festival season with Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) typically falling in late July or early August - you'll see candlelit processions at temples across the country as monks begin their three-month rainy season retreat, particularly beautiful in Luang Prabang and Vientiane
Considerations
- Rain is genuinely unpredictable - you might get lucky with just evening showers, or you might hit a three-day stretch where it barely stops, which can make dirt roads in northern provinces like Phongsali genuinely impassable and delay travel plans
- Some outdoor activities are limited or closed - multi-day treks in northern Laos often don't run because trails turn to mud, and certain caves around Vang Vieng close when water levels rise too high for safe exploration
- The humidity is real - that 70% average doesn't capture those muggy afternoons where your clothes stick to you within minutes, and anything you pack will feel perpetually damp unless your accommodation has proper air conditioning
Best Activities in August
Kuang Si Waterfalls swimming and hiking
August is actually peak season for these falls - the turquoise pools are deepest and most swimmable with monsoon water flow, and the main cascade is genuinely spectacular at full volume. The 29 km (18 miles) from Luang Prabang is easily accessible even in rain, and morning visits (arriving by 8am) mean you'll have the lower pools mostly to yourself before day-trippers arrive around 10am. The forest trails to the top are lush but can be slippery, so decent footwear matters.
Mekong River slow boat journeys
The two-day slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang is significantly better in August than dry season - high water means smoother passage, fewer sandbar stops, and more dramatic scenery with tributaries pouring into the main river. You'll overnight in Pakbeng, and while the boats are basic (wooden benches, no real facilities), the journey gives you a genuine sense of the river's importance to Lao life. Bring cushions though, seriously.
Temple exploration and alms-giving ceremonies in Luang Prabang
August's lighter tourist numbers make the morning alms-giving (tak bat) actually feel respectful rather than like a photo circus. Monks process through streets around 5:30-6am daily, and with fewer tourists you can observe properly without the chaos that happens in high season. The temples themselves - Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai, Wat Visoun - are beautifully quiet in August, and afternoon rain showers actually add atmosphere when you're sheltering under temple eaves watching storms roll through.
Bolaven Plateau waterfall circuit and coffee farm visits
The Plateau is genuinely at its best in August - cooler temperatures at 1,000-1,300 m (3,280-4,265 ft) elevation make it comfortable for motorbike touring, and waterfalls like Tad Fane, Tad Yuang, and Tad Lo are thundering with monsoon runoff. The coffee plantations are green and lush between harvests, and you can tour processing facilities to understand why Lao coffee is increasingly respected. The 200 km (124 mile) loop from Pakse takes 2-3 days comfortably.
Vang Vieng tubing and Blue Lagoon swimming
Controversial opinion, but August is actually better for Vang Vieng than dry season - the Nam Song River has proper flow so tubing is genuinely fun rather than scraping over rocks, and the countryside is spectacularly green. The Blue Lagoons (there are several) are deep and clear, perfect for swimming and rope swings. That said, the river can get dangerously fast after heavy rain, so check conditions daily and skip tubing if locals advise against it.
Vientiane temple circuit and Mekong sunset watching
Vientiane is underrated in August - temperatures are slightly cooler than dry season, and the capital's temples (Pha That Luang, Wat Si Saket, Wat Ho Phra Keo) are pleasantly uncrowded. The real joy is evening life along the Mekong - locals gather at riverside parks and night markets from 5pm onward, and watching storms roll in across the Thai border while eating grilled fish is genuinely memorable. The city moves at a slower pace that suits the weather.
August Events & Festivals
Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)
This marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist rains retreat when monks stay in their monasteries. The exact date follows the lunar calendar but typically falls in late July or early August. Evening candlelit processions happen at temples throughout Laos, with particularly beautiful ceremonies in Luang Prabang where hundreds of locals walk around temple grounds carrying flowers and incense. It's a genuinely sacred occasion, not a tourist show, so respectful observation matters.