The Best Time to Visit Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia Together

Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos are three neighboring countries in Southeast Asia that can be visited together. Before packing your bags, it’s necessary to plan around the weather.

November to April is the best time to visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos together. The weather is dry and pleasant during this period, which is perfect for outdoor activities such as exploring temples, relaxing on the beach, and cruising. From May to October, it’s the rainy season in all three countries, but don’t be afraid, it’s quieter and more affordable.

In this guide, we will analyze the best times to visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, and then you can get ready to enjoy a smooth, relaxing, and truly memorable trip!

Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos Climate Overview

Before traveling to Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, you need to understand the local climate. Despite living in Southeast Asia’s same tropical climate, they are rather different.

Thailand has three main seasons: cool season, hot season, and wet season. They’re all warm throughout the year for a Thailand tour. November to February is considered the cool season, and it is characterized by pleasant weather, low humidity, clear skies, and mild temperatures. High temperatures and humid air are characteristics of the hot season, which runs from March to April. May to October is the wet season, which brings hot temperatures and occasional heavy rains.

The dry season and the rainy season are the two distinct seasons in Cambodia. While rains often only stay a short while during the rainy season, which runs from May to October, the dry season, which runs from November to April, brings sunny skies and pleasant temperatures to a Cambodia tour.

Located near Thailand and Cambodia, Laos’s climate is similar to Cambodia’s, with the same two seasons: the wet season, which lasts from May to October, and the dry season, which lasts from November to April. Although there are temperature variations within each season, the last few months of the dry season and the first few months of the rainy season are the hottest seasons of the year for a Laos tour.

15 Days Thailand Laos and Cambodia Classic Tour

Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Pak Beng - Luang Prabang - Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Kep

The Kuang Si Waterfall in Laos is even more lush and beautiful after the rain.

November to April is the Best Time to Visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos Together

November to April is the best time to visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. During this time, the three countries are perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and local festivals during this time of year, with their clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

The cool season, which lasts from November to February, is the best time to visit Thailand. It is the country’s high season because of the significant drop in humidity and temperature during this period. A variety of outdoor activities are available to you, including shopping in lively marketplaces, relaxing on the beach, and exploring old temples.

March and April are still a good time to visit as Thailand starts to get hotter but the weather is mostly dry, and it’s still a good time to visit, as Songkran (Thai New Year) is celebrated during this time, when the largest water festival in the world takes place and you can enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The temple houses a 46-meter-long and 15-meter-high gilded reclining Buddha statue.

The warm and sunny dry season in Cambodia, which lasts from November to April, is the best time to visit Cambodia attractions like Angkor Wat and other ancient sites. In November, Cambodia celebrates the Bon Om Touk (Water Festival), which is one of the nation’s most popular festivals and is very cool to experience. Celebrated over three days, including concerts and boat racing, it is a guaranteed time to get wet in the dry season.

November is the best month to travel if you are looking to visit the Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River. The lake is full from the rainy season, but the water level is not as high as it would be during heavy rainfall. This is an ideal time to explore the lake and take a boat trip on the Mekong River, while the dry season will make it a little dry.

Similar to Cambodia, Laos experiences a earlier dry season, which lasts from November to March, making it the best time to visit Laos. Most of Laos has milder temperatures than Cambodia at this time of year. December and January morning temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C, making them perfect for trekking in Luang Prabang or exploring the Kuang Si Waterfalls.

However, as this is the peak season for tourism, it will be more costly for hotels and transport. With the cooler weather and sunny skies, it is also the best time to explore the caves along that stretch of river, which are only accessible by boat, as the water levels are high enough to get in, but not too high to cover the entrance, as can happen in the monsoon season.

The beautiful Royal Palace in Phnom Penh has always been the residence of the Cambodian royal family.

The Rainy Season from May to October is Cheaper to Visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos

If you don’t mind the rainy weather and are looking for a more affordable time to travel to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, the rainy season, which runs from May to October, is a good time to go. Just remember to have an umbrella and clothes that are waterproof, and schedule your outside activities with flexibility.

The brief, heavy rains that frequently fall in late afternoon or evening during Thailand’s rainy season add to the country’s lush, green scenery, making it even more special for a Thailand Honeymoon tour. You will also have plenty of time to appreciate outdoor sights during the clear mornings.

From May to October, the country sees the rainy season bringing in some heavy rains, although this should not deter you from visiting Cambodia. The countryside becomes lush and green, the rivers are full and flowing, and the attractions and temples are quiet, as this is the low season for tourism.

June to July is a great time to take advantage of the shoulder-season offers that Cambodia is well known for, and many of the hotels begin their “green season” promotions, with big discounts on many of the higher end hotels and hostels. Many of the temple sites, including Angkor Wat, are less busy.

Despite the period from May to October being the monsoon season, showers are normally short and intense, and have little overall effect on touring in Laos. This gives Laos an entire year when travel is easily possible, and with the monsoon being the low season for travel in the attractions like the Kuang Si Waterfalls, some great deals in hotels and transport can be found to help reduce the cost of touring for those traveling on a budget.

Tourists still visit Angkor Wat with umbrellas in the rain.

Insider Tips for Your Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia Tour

Here are some insider tips to help you plan a seamless and enjoyable Thailand, Laos and Cambodia tour during the best time.

Plan ahead: Make an effort to begin your travel planning as soon as you can. Make sure you book flights, accommodation and itineraries in advance and check the weather. Making a plan in advance can help you find the most comfortable alternatives and the greatest discounts.

Pack wisely: The climate varies seasonally and regionally. For a comfortable trip, it is necessary to include light coats, rain gear, and a few items of breathable clothing. Prepare sunscreen, a sun hat, and rain gear as well.

Consult local guides: You can also go with a local guide who is familiar with the area, including hidden gems, restaurants, and information not found in the guidebook. Here we provide a reliable local travel service in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia tour, focusing on private car tours that suit your budget and interests at the best local prices.

20 Days Thailand Cambodia Laos with Beach Relaxing

Siem Reap – Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Khao Sok National Park – Koh Phangan – Koh Samui – Phuket – Koh Phi Phi – Phuket

The Patuxai in Vientiane is a large war monument.

Conclusion

It is clear that November to April is the best time to travel to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia together, a common dry period with clear skies and beach-perfect days. But if you’re looking for cheaper travel and don’t mind getting a little wet, a visit to these three countries during the rainy season, from May to October, has plenty of benefits, as long as you plan wisely!

Now it’s time to begin planning your Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos tour. No matter when you go, all three countries are guaranteed to offer you an epic adventure, and we can promise you that! If you have any other questions or information you want to know, just contact us.