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Laos - Things to Do in Laos in November

Things to Do in Laos in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Laos

28°C (82°F) High Temp
18°C (64°F) Low Temp
25 mm (1 inch) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Peak dry season conditions with minimal rainfall (around 25 mm or 1 inch total) - you'll actually be able to plan outdoor activities without constantly checking the sky. Those 3 rainy days are typically brief overnight showers that clear by sunrise.
  • Comfortable temperature range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) means you can hike, cycle, and explore temples without the oppressive heat of March-May. Mornings in the mountains around Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng can dip to 15°C (59°F), which feels surprisingly refreshing.
  • Rivers are still full from the wet season but navigable - the Mekong, Nam Ou, and Nam Song rivers have strong currents perfect for boat trips without the muddy brown color you get during monsoon. Water levels drop significantly by February, so November hits the sweet spot.
  • Post-harvest festival season when villages celebrate the rice harvest with local festivals and ceremonies. You'll see monks receiving alms with freshly harvested sticky rice, and markets overflow with seasonal produce like persimmons and winter squash that you won't find other times of year.

Considerations

  • Burning season is starting in northern provinces - farmers begin clearing fields in late November, which creates hazy conditions that can reduce visibility and affect air quality. Luang Prabang and Luang Namtha are particularly affected. The worst doesn't hit until February-March, but you'll notice it building.
  • That Luang Festival in Vientiane (typically mid-November around the full moon) drives accommodation prices up 40-60% in the capital for a full week, and everything books solid. If you're not specifically coming for the festival, avoid Vientiane during those dates entirely.
  • Mornings can be genuinely cold in mountainous areas - if you're doing the Gibbon Experience in Bokeo or trekking around Phongsali, you'll need actual warm layers. Guesthouses in northern Laos often lack heating, and that 15°C (59°F) feels colder indoors than you'd expect.

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Best Activities in November

Mekong River boat journeys

November offers ideal river conditions - water levels are high enough for comfortable navigation but clear enough to actually see the riverbanks and limestone karsts. The slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang (2 days) runs smoothly without the low-water delays that plague March-April trips. Morning mist on the river creates atmospheric conditions for photography, and you'll spot fishermen using traditional bamboo fish traps that get removed during high water season. Temperature-wise, the boat ride is comfortable - not the sweaty ordeal it becomes in hot season.

Booking Tip: Book slow boats 5-7 days ahead during November as this is peak season for the route. Tickets typically cost 220,000-250,000 kip (around 11-13 USD) through guesthouses in Huay Xai. Avoid booking through touts at the border - go directly to the navigation office. Bring a cushion, the wooden benches get uncomfortable after hour three. Check the booking widget below for organized river tour options that include meals and better seating.

Vang Vieng outdoor activities

The Nam Song river is perfect in November - clear water, moderate current, and visibility for spotting fish while tubing or kayaking. Rock climbing conditions are excellent with dry limestone and comfortable temperatures (climbing in April heat is genuinely miserable). The famous Blue Lagoons are at their most photogenic with turquoise water that hasn't been muddied by runoff. Hot air ballooning over the karst landscape happens on clear mornings, which you'll get consistently in November. That said, early morning temperatures around 16°C (61°F) mean you'll want a light jacket for sunrise activities.

Booking Tip: Most activities can be booked day-of or one day ahead through guesthouses in town. Tubing costs around 60,000 kip (3 USD) for the tube plus 60,000 kip deposit. Rock climbing with guides runs 250,000-400,000 kip (13-20 USD) for half-day sessions depending on group size. Hot air balloon rides are pricier at 1,800,000-2,200,000 kip (90-110 USD) and should be booked 3-4 days ahead. See current adventure tour options in the booking section below.

Luang Prabang temple cycling and alms giving

Cool morning temperatures make cycling the temple circuit actually pleasant - you're not arriving at Wat Xieng Thong drenched in sweat. The daily alms giving ceremony (around 6:00-6:30am) is comfortable to observe in November's crisp mornings, though you'll want long pants and a light jacket. November is post-harvest, so monks receive particularly good offerings including special sticky rice varieties. Cycling lets you cover the 33 temples at your own pace, stopping at lesser-visited wats like Wat Wisunarat without tour group crowds. The roads are dry, which matters on Laos' occasionally maintained streets.

Booking Tip: Rent bicycles from guesthouses for 20,000-30,000 kip per day (1-1.50 USD) or slightly nicer bikes from dedicated shops for 40,000-50,000 kip. No need to book ahead. For guided cycling tours that include village visits and lunch, expect 400,000-600,000 kip (20-30 USD) and book 2-3 days ahead. Respectful alms giving observation requires modest dress and silent observation from across the street - don't book tours that encourage direct participation unless you're practicing Buddhist. Check the booking widget for cultural cycling tour options.

Bolaven Plateau waterfall circuit

Southern Laos in November offers spectacular waterfall viewing - Tad Fane, Tad Yuang, and Tad Lo waterfalls have strong flow from the recent rainy season without the dangerous torrents of September-October. The plateau's coffee plantations are harvesting, and you can tour farms to see the full process from picking to roasting. Temperatures at 1,000-1,200 m (3,280-3,937 ft) elevation are cooler than the lowlands, ranging 20-26°C (68-79°F), perfect for the 10-15 km (6-9 mile) motorbike loops between waterfalls. Roads are fully dry, which matters on the red dirt tracks leading to smaller falls.

Booking Tip: Base yourself in Pakse and rent a motorbike for 80,000-120,000 kip per day (4-6 USD) for self-guided exploration, or book guided motorbike tours for 600,000-900,000 kip (30-45 USD) including lunch and entrance fees. Tours should be booked 3-5 days ahead in November. If you're not confident on motorbikes, car and driver options run 1,200,000-1,600,000 kip (60-80 USD) for full-day circuits. See current Bolaven Plateau tour options in the booking section.

Plain of Jars archaeological exploration

November offers ideal conditions for visiting this UNESCO site near Phonsavan - dry ground for walking between jar sites, clear visibility across the plateau, and comfortable temperatures for the outdoor exploration. The three main sites (Sites 1, 2, and 3) require significant walking on uneven terrain, which is manageable in November but muddy and slippery during rainy months. Morning light is particularly good for photography with the megalithic jars, and you'll have relatively few crowds compared to December-January peak season. The plateau sits at 1,200 m (3,937 ft), so mornings start around 14°C (57°F) - bring layers.

Booking Tip: Entry to each site costs 15,000 kip per person (under 1 USD). Most visitors book half-day or full-day tours from Phonsavan including transport and guide for 350,000-500,000 kip (18-25 USD) per person in small groups. Book 2-3 days ahead. If you rent a motorbike (100,000 kip or 5 USD per day), you can visit independently, but hiring a guide adds significant historical context to what otherwise looks like, well, old jars in fields. Check booking options below for guided archaeological tours.

Vientiane night markets and Mekong riverside

The capital's riverside comes alive in November's comfortable evening temperatures - the Mekong Night Market along the riverfront operates in pleasant 22-24°C (72-75°F) conditions, not the sticky heat of May. This is when locals actually use the riverside promenade for evening exercise and socializing. The night market offers textiles, handicrafts, and street food without the tourist markup of Luang Prabang. November evenings are dry, so you can plan sunset Mekong viewing at Chao Anouvong Park without rain interruptions. If you're in town during That Luang Festival (mid-November), the fairground near That Luang stupa becomes a massive carnival with food stalls and celebrations.

Booking Tip: No booking needed for markets and riverside areas - just show up after 5:00pm when vendors set up. Street food dishes run 15,000-30,000 kip (0.75-1.50 USD), handicrafts 40,000-200,000 kip (2-10 USD) depending on item and your bargaining. For That Luang Festival period, book Vientiane accommodation at least 3-4 weeks ahead as the city fills up and prices spike. Evening food tours that cover markets and local restaurants typically cost 400,000-600,000 kip (20-30 USD) - see current options in the booking widget.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November, typically around the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (dates vary yearly, usually November 10-15)

That Luang Festival (Bun That Luang)

Laos' most important religious festival centered around the golden That Luang stupa in Vientiane. Thousands of monks from across the country gather for alms giving ceremonies at dawn, followed by a massive fairground with food stalls, carnival rides, live music, and traditional performances. The festival culminates in a candlelit procession around the stupa (wien thien ceremony). It's genuinely spectacular and offers insight into Lao Buddhism you won't get at regular temple visits. The fairground atmosphere is surprisingly fun - think Buddhist festival meets county fair.

Early November, sporadic and village-dependent

Boat Racing Festival tail end

While the main boat racing season peaks in October after Buddhist Lent, some provinces hold late races in early November, particularly in southern Laos along the Mekong. These aren't the massive tourist events like Vientiane's October races - they're smaller village competitions with locally carved long boats. If you happen to be in riverside towns like Savannakhet or Champasak in early November, ask locals about upcoming races. They're not guaranteed, but worth catching if timing works.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light jacket or fleece for mornings and evenings - temperatures drop to 15-18°C (59-64°F) in northern mountains and even Luang Prabang gets cool at dawn. Guesthouses rarely have heating, so you'll want this for indoor comfort too.
Long lightweight pants and shirts with sleeves - required for temple visits (no knees or shoulders showing), and they protect from sun during the day when UV index hits 8. Cotton or linen breathes better than synthetic in 70% humidity.
SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - that UV index of 8 is legitimately strong, and you'll be outdoors more than you think. The cool temperatures fool people into underestimating sun exposure.
Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - temple grounds, waterfall trails, and village paths are uneven. You'll walk 8-12 km (5-7 miles) daily if you're actively exploring. Flip-flops for guesthouses and river activities, but not for primary footwear.
Small headlamp or flashlight - street lighting in Laos outside major cities is minimal to nonexistent. Essential if you're doing the alms ceremony at dawn or walking back from dinner in smaller towns.
Light rain jacket that packs small - those 3 rainy days typically mean brief overnight showers, but occasionally you'll get a surprise afternoon sprinkle. More useful as a windbreaker on boat trips.
Sarong or lightweight scarf - multipurpose for temple visits, beach cover-up at waterfalls, blanket on cold bus rides, and modesty cover. Locals use them constantly and you can buy nice ones at markets for 60,000-100,000 kip (3-5 USD).
Reusable water bottle with filter - tap water isn't drinkable, but filtered water stations are common in tourist areas. Reduces plastic waste and saves money over buying bottled water at 5,000-8,000 kip (0.25-0.40 USD) per bottle.
Small daypack for temple and waterfall visits - you'll need something for water, sunscreen, and camera. Should be waterproof or have a rain cover for boat trips and occasional showers.
Cash in small denominations - many guesthouses, restaurants, and activities outside Vientiane and Luang Prabang don't accept cards. ATMs dispense large bills that small vendors can't break. Carry 20,000 and 50,000 kip notes.

Insider Knowledge

November marks the transition into burning season in the north - by late November, you'll notice haze building in Luang Prabang and areas near the Thai border. If you're sensitive to air quality or planning serious trekking, prioritize northern destinations in early November and save southern Laos (Pakse, 4,000 Islands, Bolaven Plateau) for later in your trip when northern air quality deteriorates.
That Luang Festival week transforms Vientiane accommodation prices - rates jump 40-60% and everything books solid within 50 km (31 miles) of the capital. If you're not specifically attending the festival, avoid Vientiane November 8-16 (dates vary slightly yearly). If you ARE attending, book accommodation minimum 4 weeks ahead and expect to pay premium rates.
River levels in November are ideal for boat trips but dropping daily - the slow boat Huay Xai to Luang Prabang route gets increasingly uncomfortable as water levels drop through December-January. If the Mekong is a priority, do it early in November. Same applies to kayaking in Vang Vieng - the Nam Song is perfect now but gets shallow by late December.
November is post-harvest season, which affects what you'll see and eat - rice fields are golden-brown stubble rather than lush green, but markets overflow with seasonal produce. Try mak nao (Lao limes), mak kham (tamarind), and the small sweet persimmons that appear in November-December. Villages are less busy with fieldwork, so people have more time for festivals and ceremonies.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold northern Laos gets in November mornings - tourists show up with only summer clothes and end up buying overpriced fleeces in Luang Prabang markets. That 15°C (59°F) feels genuinely cold when your guesthouse has no heating and you're watching sunrise at temples.
Booking Vientiane accommodation without checking That Luang Festival dates - people arrive to find everything full or priced at triple normal rates. The festival is wonderful if you plan for it, frustrating if you accidentally overlap with it while trying to pass through the capital.
Assuming November is fully dry season - while rainfall is minimal (around 25 mm or 1 inch total), those occasional showers happen, and river activities can be cancelled if there's upstream rain. Don't schedule your entire trip around one specific boat tour on one specific day without backup plans.

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Travel guide for December

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Weather and seasonal patterns for Laos

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