The Best Time to Visit Laos and Thailand

Thailand and Laos share a border and both have tropical climates. Before traveling to both countries at the same time, it is important to know the best time to go.

November to February is often considered the best time to visit Laos and Thailand together, with clear skies and pleasant weather. March and April start to warm up, but not too hot, and you can experience local New Year celebrations in both countries. If you’re looking to save money, the rainy season from May to October is also worth visiting.

In this guide, we’ll detail the best time to explore Thailand and Laos based on weather, festivals, and budget, and then you can experience a relaxing and memorable adventure!

Laos and Thailand Climate Features

It is important to understand the local weather before visiting on a Thailand tour or Laos tour. Despite sharing a tropical environment in Southeast Asia, they differ in a few ways.

Laos has two different seasons, the wet season, which lasts from May to October, and the dry season, which lasts from November to April. The warmest times of the year are the last few months of the dry season and the first few months of the rainy season, however, there are temperature fluctuations within each season.

Thailand has three main seasons, cool season, hot season and wet season, all have warm temperatures all year long. November to February is considered the cool season, and it is characterized by pleasant weather, low humidity, clear skies, and mild temperatures. March to April is considered the hot season, with high temperatures and humid air. The rainy season runs from May to October, with hot temperatures and occasional heavy rains.

Thailand's famous Phuket beach is perfect for water activities.

November to February is the Best Time to Visit Laos and Thailand

If you plan to visit Thailand and Laos at once, the best time to go is between November and February. Both countries are perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and local festivals during this time of year, with their clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season, which runs from November to February. During this time, temperatures and humidity drop significantly, making it the country’s high season. You can engage in a variety of outdoor activities, such as touring historic temples, lounging on the beach, or shopping in vibrant marketplaces.

The dry season in Laos lasts from November to early April, which is a little later than in Thailand, and the weather is comparable. However, the best time to visit Laos is also from November to February, since the temperature starts to rise in March. December and January morning temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C, making them perfect for hiking in Luang Prabang or visiting the Kuang Si Waterfalls.

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The iconic Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang.

March and April are also Great to Travel in Thailand and Laos

It’s also a good idea to visit Thailand and Laos together in March and April. Both countries have weather that is neither too hot nor humid, and this is the time of year to take part in their well-known local celebrations.

In March and April, Laos is nearing the end of its dry season and the start of its rainy season, which is marked by higher temperatures and humidity, as well as the potential for brief showers, particularly in the morning or afternoon. Beginning in mid-April, you can enjoy Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) celebrations, which include blessing Buddha statues and splashing with water to represent washing away bad luck.

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

Songkran in Thailand, experience the fun of water festival.

May to October Brings the Rainy Season to Thailand and Laos

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

In late afternoon or evening, there are frequently brief, heavy rains during the rainy season in Thailand and Laos, but this just adds lushness and greenery to the area’s natural beauty and makes it even more special.

August and September often have the most rainfall, although showers are typically brief and happen in the afternoon, leaving you plenty of opportunity to enjoy outdoor sites in the clear mornings.

In order to attract tourists, hotels and airlines slashed their rates by up to 40% during this time. Bus and boat companies were also able to offer tickets at a discount, making certain trip packages more reasonably priced.

Popular destinations like Pattaya beach or the night market in Luang Prabang will also be less crowded, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable vacation away from the hustle and bustle. More accommodation alternatives will also be available, and reservations for booking restaurants, resorts, and activities in Thailand and Laos will be easier.

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Monks holding umbrellas during the rainy season in Laos.

Insider Tips for Your Thailand and Laos Tours

These insider suggestions will help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip at the ideal time to visit Thailand and Laos.

Plan ahead: It will be better to reserve the accommodation and flights at least three months in advance if you’re going in April or between November and February.

Pack wisely: Thailand and Laos have cold mornings and warm afternoons, so it will be beneficial to have a jacket that is simple to put on and take off. Additionally, make sure you have sunscreen, rain gear, and a sun hat ready.

Carry cash: It’s important to have some local currency on hand because ATMs aren’t common in remote regions. The Thai baht is the primary Thailand currency, the US dollar is not frequently recognized in Thailand; and the Kip is the most common currency in Laos.

Try local food: The laap (Laotian minced beef salad) and tom yum (Thai hot and sour soup) are two must-try dishes, and street food stalls offer cheap and delicious food.

Local guides: When traveling across Thailand and Laos, a local guide will plan the schedule for each destination and reveal any hidden information. Here we provide a reliable local travel service in Thailand and Laos tour, focusing on private car tours that suit your budget and interests at the best local prices.

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is an architectural marvel in Chiang Rai.

Conclusion

Traveling to Thailand and Laos together can require some careful planning for the right seasons to travel, and overall, the dry season from November to February is the best time to travel for most of the amazing things to see and do.

It’s necessary to plan your itinerary carefully, though, as both countries have a huge number of attractions, more than can be visited in just one trip. Choose the best time and sites for your own personal pleasure, and enjoy a Thailand and Laos tour to explore the two most amazing countries! If you have any other questions or information you want to know, just contact us.