Things to Do in Laos in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Laos

26°C (79°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

8 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak cool season with comfortable 15-26°C (59-79°F) temperatures and minimal humidity - perfect for all-day exploration without heat exhaustion
Virtually no rain (only 8mm/0.3 inches over 2 days) means reliable outdoor plans and dry road conditions for remote destinations like Nong Khiaw and Sam Neua
Crystal-clear mountain air and low humidity create exceptional visibility for photography - the Mekong views from Luang Prabang's Mount Phousi extend 15+ km (9+ miles)
Bun Pha Wet festival season brings temple celebrations and traditional Jataka tale performances throughout the month, offering authentic cultural immersion

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular sites like Kuang Si Falls can feel crowded between 11am-3pm
Cool mountain mornings (10-12°C/50-54°F in northern provinces) require layered clothing that many tropical-prepared travelers don't pack
Strong seasonal winds kick up dust on unpaved roads in rural areas, making motorbike touring less comfortable without proper eye protection

Best Activities in December

Multi-day Mekong River Journeys

December's low water levels reveal dramatic limestone karsts and sandy beaches normally submerged. The 2-day slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang becomes a scenic highlight rather than just transportation, with comfortable 24°C (75°F) daytime temperatures perfect for deck seating. Cool evenings make the overnight stop in Pakbeng pleasant rather than stifling.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as December boats fill quickly. Two-day journeys typically cost ฿3,500-4,500 ($100-130). Look for operators with enclosed lower decks and cushioned seating. Check current river schedules in booking section below as water levels affect departure times.

Northern Provinces Motorbike Loops

Cool, dry conditions make December ideal for multi-day motorbike circuits through Phongsali, Oudomxay, and Luang Namtha provinces. Morning temperatures of 12-15°C (54-59°F) provide comfortable riding gear weather, while afternoon highs of 24-26°C (75-79°F) prevent overheating on mountain passes. No mud season means access to remote Akha and Hmong villages.

Booking Tip: Rent semi-automatic bikes (110-125cc) for ฿350-450 per day. Book through guesthouses with insurance coverage and GPS units. Allow 5-7 days for full northern loop covering 800-1000 km (500-620 miles). See current rental options in booking section below.

Traditional Weaving Village Stays

December coincides with cotton harvest season when Lao Tai and Lao Theung communities begin their annual weaving cycles. Cool weather makes outdoor loom work comfortable, and you'll witness the full process from cotton ginning to natural dyeing. Villages around Muang Sing and Hongsa offer homestays during their most productive crafting period.

Booking Tip: Arrange village homestays through community-based tourism networks for ฿200-350 per night including meals. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as December is peak weaving season with limited guest capacity. Most authentic experiences last 3-4 days minimum. Check current community programs in booking section below.

Cave Temple Exploration Circuits

Cool December temperatures make extended cave exploration comfortable, particularly the multi-chamber systems around Vang Vieng and Thakhek. The famous Kong Lor Cave maintains 18-20°C (64-68°F) year-round, but December's cool exterior temperatures eliminate the shocking temperature changes that make summer visits uncomfortable. Dry conditions mean safer footing and clearer underground rivers.

Booking Tip: Cave tours range ฿400-800 for half-day experiences, ฿1,200-1,800 for full-day multiple cave circuits. Book with operators providing LED headlamps and life jackets for river caves. December booking essential as tour groups increase significantly. See current cave tour options in booking section below.

Coffee Plantation Harvest Experiences

December marks peak arabica harvest season on the Bolaven Plateau. Cool morning temperatures around 12-16°C (54-61°F) make dawn picking sessions comfortable, while you'll experience the full processing chain from cherry selection to washing and drying. Coffee farms around Pakse offer hands-on harvest participation impossible during other seasons.

Booking Tip: Plantation stays cost ฿800-1,400 per day including picking participation and processing workshops. Book directly with coffee cooperatives 2-4 weeks ahead as harvest season has limited visitor slots. Multi-day experiences provide deeper immersion in processing techniques. Check current plantation programs in booking section below.

Traditional Market Food Walks

December's cool mornings make early market exploration (5-8am) comfortable when vendors display peak seasonal produce. Root vegetables, preserved meats, and fermented specialties appear that aren't available during hot season. Cool weather means food safety concerns decrease, and you can sample more street preparations without heat-related spoilage risks.

Booking Tip: Food walking experiences typically cost ฾300-600 for 3-4 hour morning tours including tastings. Focus on operators emphasizing seasonal specialties and traditional preparation methods. December markets showcase unique preserved foods for Lao New Year preparation. See current food tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Bun Pha Wet Festival

Multi-day temple festival celebrating Prince Vessantara's story through dramatic readings and traditional performances. Villages compete in elaborate food offerings and merit-making ceremonies. Most authentic cultural immersion opportunity of the year, with every temple participating in some form.

Late December to Early January

Hmong New Year Celebrations

Northern mountain communities celebrate with traditional ball-throwing courtship games, elaborate silver jewelry displays, and clan gathering ceremonies. Concentrated around Luang Prabang and Phongsali provinces with village-specific timing based on lunar calendar.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight down jacket or fleece for 10-15°C (50-59°F) mountain mornings - most travelers underestimate northern Laos elevation effects

Long pants in breathable fabric - temple visits require covered legs and December's cool weather makes full coverage comfortable all day

Closed-toe shoes with ankle support for cave exploration and village walks on uneven terrain

Light cotton scarf for temple visits and dust protection on rural roads - serves dual practical and cultural purposes

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite cooler temperatures - UV index still reaches 7 and mountain reflection intensifies exposure

Compact umbrella for occasional light showers and temple shade during midday visits

Layers for 15°C (27°F) daily temperature swings - t-shirt, light sweater, and jacket combination works best

Cash in small denominations - rural areas have limited ATM access and prefer ฿20,000-50,000 notes for guesthouses

Flashlight with red filter for cave visits and rural village stays with intermittent electricity

Water purification tablets for remote trekking areas where bottled water availability becomes limited

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation by mid-November for December visits - popular guesthouses in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng reach capacity early during peak season

Arrive at major attractions before 10am or after 4pm to avoid tour group crowds - Kuang Si Falls and Pak Ou Caves become significantly more crowded during midday peak season

Carry small bills (฾20,000-50,000 notes) as rural vendors and tuk-tuk drivers often lack change for large denominations during busy December period

Temple dress codes become strictly enforced during December festival season - keep shoulders and knees covered at all times, and carry a sarong for unexpected temple visits

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only tropical clothing without warm layers for northern provinces where morning temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F)

Booking same-day transport during December peak season - buses and boats fill quickly, requiring 1-2 day advance booking

Underestimating time needed at attractions due to December crowds - allow 50% more time than guidebook suggestions for popular sites