Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Laos
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Laos? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to go based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit Laos
The most expensive time to visit Laos is during the cool dry season, when the weather is ideal, and international tourism is at its peak.
- Cool Season (November to February)
Comfortable temperatures and little rainfall make this the most popular and priciest time to explore Laos. Cities like Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Vang Vieng are filled with tourists, and hotel and flight rates rise significantly. - Christmas and New Year’s (late December – early January)
Holiday travelers from around the world increase demand for accommodations, especially in Luang Prabang. - Events Adding to Costs:
- Lao New Year (Pi Mai, mid-April) – A nationwide water festival similar to Thailand’s Songkran, with parades, rituals, and street parties. Demand for transport and hotels spikes.
- That Luang Festival (November, Vientiane) – One of the country’s biggest Buddhist festivals, drawing large domestic and international crowds.
- Boat Racing Festival (October, end of Buddhist Lent) – Celebrated across the country, especially in Vientiane, filling riverside towns with visitors.
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Cheapest Time to Visit Laos
The cheapest time to visit Laos is during the hot and rainy seasons, when tourist numbers are lower and accommodations are much more affordable.
- Hot Season (March to May, before monsoon)
High temperatures (up to 40°C/104°F) deter many visitors, but those who don’t mind the heat will find significantly cheaper hotels and fewer crowds. - Monsoon Season (June to October)
Heavy rains, especially from July to September, keep many tourists away. While some rural roads may flood, lush landscapes and discounted accommodations make this a budget-friendly time to travel. - Late May and Early October
Shoulder periods with fewer showers and much lower prices compared to the cool season.
Laos Seasonal Demand Summary
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nov – Feb (Cool Season) | 💲💲💲 Highest | Best weather; peak tourism; higher hotel and flight prices |
| Late Dec – Early Jan | 💲💲💲 Very High | Holiday travel demand raises rates |
| April (Lao New Year, Pi Mai) | 💲💲 High | Countrywide celebrations raise tourism demand |
| Nov (That Luang Festival) | 💲💲 High | Major Buddhist holiday increases demand in Vientiane |
| Oct (Boat Racing Festival) | 💲💲 High | Celebrations across Laos bring in more visitors |
| March – May (Hot Season) | 💲 Low | Very hot weather keeps crowds away; lower prices |
| June – Sept (Monsoon) | 💲 Lowest | Heavy rains deter tourists; cheapest hotels and flights |
| Late May & Early Oct | 💲 Low | Shoulder months with reduced prices and manageable weather |
How To Save Money When Visiting Laos
- Travel in the rainy season (June–September) for the lowest hotel and flight rates.
- Avoid Pi Mai (mid-April) unless you’re attending the festival, as prices surge nationwide.
- Book flights and accommodations early for November–February travel.
- Choose guesthouses and family-run hotels for affordable lodging.
- Use buses and shared minivans instead of private transfers for cheaper transportation.
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