Things to Do in Laos in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Laos
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Fewer tourists than high season - you'll actually have temple courtyards to yourself in the mornings, particularly at Wat Phou and lesser-known sites around Luang Prabang. Guesthouses are 30-40% cheaper than December-February rates.
- Lush landscapes at peak green - the countryside transforms after early monsoon rains. Rice paddies turn brilliant emerald, waterfalls like Kuang Si and Tad Fane run at impressive volumes (not the trickles you get in March-April), and photography is spectacular with dramatic cloud formations.
- Mango season peaks in June - roadside vendors sell Nam Dok Mai and Keo Savoy varieties for 15,000-25,000 kip per kilo (roughly $1.50-2.50). Markets overflow with seasonal fruit including lychees, rambutans, and the prized Savannakhet watermelons that locals wait all year for.
- Boun Bang Fai rocket festival energy lingers - while the main festivals happen in May, many villages in Savannakhet and Salavan provinces hold late celebrations in early June. You'll see bamboo rockets being prepared and launched to encourage rainfall, with plenty of lao-lao (rice whisky) flowing at village gatherings.
Considerations
- Afternoon rain disrupts outdoor plans - showers typically hit between 2pm-5pm and last 45-90 minutes. Roads in rural areas turn muddy, making motorcycle travel genuinely sketchy. The Loop around Thakhek becomes challenging on certain stretches, and unpaved roads to places like Nong Khiaw require serious consideration.
- River activities can be unreliable - rising water levels occasionally cancel kayaking trips on the Nam Ou and tubing on the Nam Song. The Mekong runs fast and brown, which isn't ideal for swimming. Boat schedules to Muang Ngoi Neua sometimes get adjusted with little notice when water conditions change.
- Some island restaurants close - on the 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don), a handful of guesthouses and eateries shut down during low season. You'll still find plenty of options on Don Det and Don Khon, but choices are more limited than peak months, and some boat services run less frequently.
Best Activities in June
Luang Prabang temple visits and almsgiving
Early morning almsgiving (tak bat) is genuinely peaceful in June with fewer tour groups crowding the sidewalks. Temples like Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai have that contemplative atmosphere you're hoping for, without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. The morning air sits around 23-25°C (73-77°F) before humidity builds, making the 5:30am wake-up actually pleasant. Late afternoon visits work well too - after rains clear, the wet temple stones and gardens photograph beautifully in soft light.
Vang Vieng countryside cycling and caving
June brings ideal conditions for cycling - the landscape is intensely green, temperatures peak around 30-32°C (86-90°F) rather than the brutal 38°C (100°F) of April-May, and morning rides before 11am are genuinely comfortable. The area's famous caves (Tham Chang, Tham Phu Kham) stay cool year-round at around 20°C (68°F), making them perfect afternoon retreats when rain threatens. Trails dry quickly after showers, though stick to established routes rather than remote dirt paths.
Bolaven Plateau waterfall circuit
This is genuinely the best time to see southern Laos waterfalls at full power. Tad Fane, Tad Yuang, and Tad Lo transform from pleasant to thunderous after early monsoon rains, with mist rising from the plunge pools creating atmospheric conditions you won't get in dry season. Temperatures on the plateau stay cooler than lowlands - typically 26-29°C (79-84°F) - due to the 1,000-1,300 m (3,280-4,265 ft) elevation. Coffee plantations are lush, and you'll see farmers tending plants between rain showers. Plan waterfall visits for mornings when visibility is clearest.
Vientiane food market exploration and cooking experiences
June brings seasonal produce that transforms market stalls - you'll find vendors selling fresh bamboo shoots, stink beans, and wild-caught river fish that locals get excited about. Morning markets (Talat Sao, Talat Khua Din) operate 5am-10am before heat peaks, with breakfast vendors serving khao piak sen (rice noodle soup) and khao jee (baguette sandwiches) for 15,000-25,000 kip. Cooking classes work well in June since you're indoors during afternoon rain, learning to make laap, tam mak hoong (papaya salad), and sticky rice while storms pass outside.
Slow boat journey on the Mekong
The classic two-day slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang operates year-round, but June offers particular advantages - fewer passengers mean you can actually claim decent seating (arrive 45 minutes early regardless), and the river runs high enough that you're not scraping over sandbars. The landscape is brilliantly green, with mist hanging over riverside villages in early morning. That said, the water is brown and fast-moving, and occasional rain means bringing waterproof bags is non-negotiable. Overnight stop in Pakbeng has adequate guesthouse options even in low season.
Si Phan Don island relaxation and cycling
Don Det and Don Khon remain wonderfully low-key in June, with guesthouse hammocks overlooking the Mekong mostly unoccupied. Cycling between islands via the French-era bridge takes you past rice paddies, water buffalo, and the impressive Li Phi waterfalls - all looking their best after rains. Temperatures hover around 31-33°C (88-91°F) but river breezes make afternoons tolerable in the shade. Swimming in calmer sections near Don Det remains possible, though avoid the main Mekong channel when current is strong. Sunsets over Cambodia are consistently spectacular.
June Events & Festivals
Late Boun Bang Fai celebrations
While most rocket festivals happen in May, villages in Savannakhet and Salavan provinces often hold late celebrations in early June. Communities launch bamboo rockets filled with gunpowder to encourage monsoon rains, accompanied by music, dancing, and considerable rice whisky consumption. These aren't tourist events - you'll need local connections or willingness to ask around in rural areas. Worth experiencing if you're in southern Laos and hear about upcoming celebrations.