Things to Do in Laos in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Laos

29°C (84°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with only 15 mm (0.6 inches) of rainfall - perfect for trekking and outdoor activities without mud or flooding
Comfortable temperatures 19-29°C (66-84°F) ideal for all-day temple visits and cycling without excessive heat or cold
Crystal clear skies and excellent visibility for photography at Kuang Si Falls, Kong Lor Cave, and mountain viewpoints
Post-harvest festival season with fresh sticky rice, traditional celebrations, and locals celebrating the cool weather

Considerations

Peak tourist season means 40-60% higher accommodation prices and crowded popular sites like Luang Prabang morning alms
Dusty conditions from dry weather and increased traffic - bring eye drops and face masks for sensitive travelers
Strong UV index of 9 requires constant sun protection and limits comfortable midday outdoor activities to 2-3 hours maximum

Best Activities in November

Kong Lor Cave Underground River Expeditions

November's low water levels make the 7.5 km (4.7 mile) underground river journey safer and more accessible. Crystal clear conditions provide better visibility inside the limestone chambers. The dry season ensures reliable boat operations without flooding risks that plague other months.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators in Thakhek. Tours cost ฿3,500-4,500 including transport and headlamps. Choose morning departures (8am) to avoid afternoon crowds. See current tour options in booking section below.

Luang Prabang Temple Cycling Routes

Perfect 19-24°C (66-75°F) morning temperatures for cycling between 34 temples without overheating. Dry roads make cycling safe on rural routes to Wat Chom Si and Wat Xieng Thong. November's clear skies provide stunning Mekong River views from temple courtyards.

Booking Tip: Rent quality mountain bikes for ฿150-250/day from guesthouses. Start at 6:30am to finish before 11am heat. Multi-temple passes cost ฿20,000 kip and cover major sites. Check booking widget for guided temple cycling tours.

Kuang Si Falls Multi-Tier Swimming

November's dry season creates perfect swimming conditions with clear turquoise pools and manageable water levels. The 29 km (18 mile) journey from Luang Prabang is dust-free on sealed roads. Comfortable temperatures make the 1.2 km (0.7 mile) hike to upper falls enjoyable.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (8-10am) or late afternoon (3-5pm) to avoid peak crowds. Entry ฿20,000 kip plus ฿50,000 kip for tuk-tuk transport. Pack reef-safe sunscreen - UV reflects strongly off limestone. Current tour options available in booking section.

Mekong Slow Boat River Journeys

Low November water levels create calmer currents perfect for traditional slow boats between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai. Clear weather ensures reliable schedules and stunning limestone karst photography. Comfortable temperatures make the 8-hour journey pleasant without monsoon humidity.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead during peak November season. Two-day journeys cost ฿800-1,200 including overnight in Pakbeng. Choose upper deck seats for better views and ventilation. See current Mekong boat tours in booking widget below.

Pakse Champasak Temple Complex Exploration

November's dry conditions make the 45 km (28 mile) journey to Wat Phou temple complex accessible without muddy paths. Cool mornings are perfect for exploring the 1,000-year-old Khmer ruins with clear mountain backdrop views. Low humidity preserves energy for the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) uphill walk.

Booking Tip: Combine with Don Khon waterfall visits for full-day trips costing ฿2,800-3,800. Start early (7am) to beat crowds and heat. Entry ฿30,000 kip includes museum access. Book through licensed Pakse operators - see current options in booking section.

Vientiane Night Market Food Trails

November's comfortable evening temperatures 22-25°C (72-77°F) create perfect conditions for outdoor food market exploration. Post-harvest season brings fresh ingredients and traditional Lao soups. Clear weather means consistent vendor operations without rain closures.

Booking Tip: Night markets operate 5pm-11pm with peak activity 7-9pm. Budget ฿150-300 per person for full food trail experience. Focus on That Luang Market and Talat Sao evening sections. Guided food tours available through booking widget below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

That Luang Festival

Laos' most important Buddhist festival celebrating the golden stupa in Vientiane. Three days of temple ceremonies, traditional music, and elaborate processions. Locals dress in traditional sinh and pha biang for morning alms and evening celebrations.

Late November

Lao New Year Water Festival Preparations

Temple cleaning ceremonies and merit-making activities prepare for April's Pi Mai festival. Observe locals decorating temples with marigolds and preparing traditional sticky rice offerings. Less touristy but deeply cultural experience.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index reaches 9 and reflects intensely off limestone and water surfaces

Lightweight long pants and sleeves in breathable cotton - temple dress codes strictly enforced, synthetic fabrics uncomfortable in 65% humidity

Quality dust mask or N95 - November's dry conditions create dusty roads especially on rural routes to waterfalls

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - dry season concentrates mosquitoes around water sources and evening markets

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - temple floors and limestone paths become slippery despite dry weather

Light jacket or fleece - morning temperatures drop to 19°C (66°F) especially on Mekong boat journeys

Quick-dry towel and swimwear - multiple waterfall and swimming opportunities with perfect November conditions

Portable phone charger - longer daylight hours 6:30am-6pm mean extended photo sessions drain batteries faster

Electrolyte tablets - low humidity deceptive, easy to become dehydrated during temple visits and cycling

Respectful temple clothing - shoulders and knees covered required, lightweight scarves useful for quick coverage

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early October - November is peak season and quality guesthouses fill completely, especially in Luang Prabang where options are limited

Visit temples between 6:30-9:30am when temperatures are coolest and monks perform morning routines - most tourists arrive after 10am missing authentic experiences

Bring small denomination US dollars (1s, 5s, 10s) - many rural tour operators and boat captains prefer USD over kip and cannot change large bills

Download offline Google Translate with Lao language pack - English speakers rare outside main tourist areas and mobile data unreliable in rural regions

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating November sun intensity - many tourists get severe burns thinking dry season means weak sun, but clear skies intensify UV exposure

Overpacking warm clothes - seeing 19°C (66°F) morning temperatures, tourists bring heavy jackets only needed for early morning boat rides

Not booking internal flights early - Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway have limited November availability and prices double closer to travel dates