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Traveling to Laos in August is known for its high temperatures, humidity, and frequent rain, which makes travel more difficult. However, with appropriate planning and the correct destinations, you can still have a meaningful and memorable journey. This Laos travel guide will make the most of your August trip to Laos.
August is the rainiest month in Laos, with frequent and sometimes heavy showers that can last for hours during the day. These conditions make travel to certain mountainous areas in the north, such as Phongsali, Oudomxay, and Bokeo, more difficult. Some regions may face risks of landslides, so they are better avoided during this time.
Check the weather when traveling to Laos in August
Even though it's the rainy season, there are often sunny periods during the day, mainly in the morning and midday, which are ideal for outdoor tourism activities. In southern Laos, tourism services remain active, as this is when the rice fields are lush and the waterfalls are at their most beautiful.
In August, you can expect average temperatures to be about 26 degrees Celsius. The air is warm and humid throughout the day, but after the rain, the evenings turn cooler and feel much more pleasant. If you're thinking about traveling in Laos this month, it's a good idea to pack some long-sleeved clothing and a light jacket. Since the weather might affect transportation, it's a good idea to have a more laid-back travel schedule to enjoy your visit to the fullest.
Laos In August is famous with the Boun Suang Huea, a lively atmosphere with fierce competitions on the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It is one of the most important festivals of the year in Luang Prabang.
At the festival, you'll spot long boats decorated with vibrant designs, each one symbolizing a unique village and highlighting their special identity. These boats are over 30 meters long and can hold up to 50 rowers. Getting ready for the races is a wonderful community effort. Preparing for the races is a major community effort. Villagers come together months in advance to train, strengthen team spirit, and repair or upgrade their boats.
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Boun Suang Huea festival
To participate in Boun Suang Huea, the Lao people hold a Baci ceremony to ask for the blessings of the gods, ensuring the race takes place under favorable conditions. Many activities will enliven this boat racing festival in Luang Prabang, Laos in August, including the Lo Lat morning market, offering a variety of tempting street food stalls, traditional art performances with singing and dancing, as well as a parade of the participating teams. It’s worth noting that if you wish to watch the race, it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Read more: How much does it cost to travel to Laos?
Among the most touristy places to visit in Laos, Luang Prabang offers all the casual sights such as temples, palace museum, souvenir shops, and multi-cuisine restaurants. Travellers can explore the city on a rented bicycle. You will also notice that a lot of restaurants are built inside French colonial buildings.
Luang Prabang with French colonial buildings
There are also some museums which display the tribal cultures of Northern Laos. At the centre of Luang Prabang is a hill, which offers stunning views of the Mekong River. Night markets are also quite popular and are also a great place to enjoy some sticky rice under the stars.
Make time to visit sacred landmarks like Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Phousi, and Wat Mai. Nature lovers can enjoy a walk along the Mekong River, take a refreshing dip in the spectacular Kuang Si Falls, explore the spiritual Pak Ou Caves, or spend time with elephants at the local sanctuary.
Like most of Laos, Nong Kiau is noted for its magnificent views. You can drive to this small town from Luang Prabang in just a few hours. Some of the fun things to do in this peaceful town are flying, boating, kayaking, hiking in the mountains, and going to natural parks. This is thought to be one of the nicest sites in Laos for families to unwind and have a picnic.
The small town Nong Kiau
Traveling to August in Laos brings frequent rain, but it also transforms the landscapes into a lush paradise, making Vang Vieng even more enchanting for visitors. After each shower, the skies often clear up, revealing vibrant greenery and perfect conditions for outdoor adventures in what feels like a true Garden of Eden.
Nam Song River in Vang Vieng
You may paddle along the calm Nam Song River, look at the stunning limestone mountains, explore caves that are concealed in the rocks, or cool down in bright blue lagoons. On the second day, ride your bike to surrounding communities along the river. Hiking up one of the nearby hills will give you a great glimpse of Vang Vieng's beautiful surroundings that you won't forget.
Khone Phapheng, located in southern Laos near the Cambodian border, is Southeast Asia's largest waterfall. During the rainy season, the Mekong River surges with forceful currents, transforming the waterfall into a breathtaking display. The boom of the flowing water reverberates throughout the verdant surroundings, providing an amazing natural experience.
Khone Phapheng Waterfall
Just nearby lies the Si Phan Don region, also known as the 4,000 Islands. Here, the Mekong splits into countless channels, forming a maze of green islands scattered across the river. Among them, Don Det and Don Khon are the most popular islands, beloved for their peaceful atmosphere, simple village life, and stunning sunsets over the water.
One of the most unique experiences when traveling to Laos in August is taking a boat ride to see the Irrawaddy dolphins, a rare freshwater species often spotted near the Cambodian border. Catching a glimpse of these gentle creatures surfacing in the river is a magical moment that many visitors cherish.
This village is sleepy and close to 4000 islands. The Internet connection isn't great, but the natural beauty is at its peak here. Most of the time, this region is very calm and beautiful, however tourists come here especially during the Champasak festival. There are a few places around here where you can get great views of the Mekong River. There are a lot of locations to stay along the river that have balconies that look out over the river. These are some of the most popular and nicest spots for traveling to Laos in August.
Champasak on the rainy season
Here are some tips to make the most of your traveling to Laos in August, even during the rainy season.
Many outdoor attractions can still be enjoyed in Laos in August. The rainy season brings lush greenery and vibrant landscapes, making visits to waterfalls particularly rewarding (Kuang Si & Tad Sae in Luang Prabang), as they are often at their most spectacular during this time. Let Asia King Travel take you beyond the guidebooks with our unique Laos tours, crafted by local experts for a truly meaningful journey.
