When is the best time to travel to Laos and Cambodia?

Laos and Cambodia are two neighboring countries that capture the hearts of travelers with their unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Laos is famous for its peaceful temples, lush mountains and slow-paced lifestyle, while Cambodia is home to the magnificent Angkor temples, lively cities and charming rural landscapes. Choosing the best time to travel to Laos and Cambodia allows you to enjoy both destinations to the fullest, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion. 

Let’s explore together with Hanoi Voyages to find out when is the perfect moment to begin your adventure.

Best time to visit Laos: Complete travel guide

Laos, often called the “Land of a Million Elephants,” is a country of breathtaking mountains, tranquil rivers and timeless Buddhist temples. But before packing your bags, many travelers ask the same question: When is the best time to visit Laos? 

Laos has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it is warm year-round but is influenced heavily by rainy and dry seasons. Broadly, there are two main seasons:

Dry season ( November – April)

November to February – Cool and comfortable

Temple-hopping in Luang Prabang and Vientiane

• Average temperature: 15°C – 25°C (59°F – 77°F).

The dry season is widely considered the most favorable period to explore Laos. Temperatures are mild, with cooler mornings and evenings in the northern highlands and comfortably warm days in central and southern regions. Humidity is low, skies are clear and travel conditions are excellent, making it the peak season for cultural and outdoor adventures.

Recommended activities:

• Temple-hopping in Luang Prabang and Vientiane

• Mekong River cruises with scenic sunsets

• Cycling tours around charming towns and the countryside

• Trekking in Northern Laos (Muang Ngoi, Nong Khiaw) with refreshing cool air

Note: It is the high season, so expect larger crowds and higher hotel prices.

March to April – Hot but festive

Explore Kuang Si Falls and Tad Sae Waterfall

• Average temperature: 28°C – 35°C (82°F – 95°F).

The heat becomes more intense, particularly in the lowlands, but the cultural calendar makes up for it. While it’s hot, natural spots like waterfalls and highland areas provide a refreshing escape.

Recommended activities:

• Joining Boun Pi Mai celebrations in mid-April

• Cooling off at Kuang Si Falls or Tad Sae Waterfall

• Exploring coffee plantations on the Bolaven Plateau

• Visiting local markets and enjoying traditional Lao cuisine

👉 The dry season is the best time to visit Laos, with the most comfortable weather between November and February.

Rainy season (May to October)

The rainy season transforms Laos into a lush green landscape. Though afternoon showers are frequent, mornings are often clear and the countryside becomes incredibly scenic. It’s also a quieter and more budget-friendly season to travel.

May to June – Refreshing showers

• Average temperature: 25°C – 33°C (77°F – 91°F)

Early rains cool down the heat of April and bring freshness to the countryside. Waterfalls grow stronger, rice paddies glow with greenery and the atmosphere feels peaceful.

Recommended activities:

• Visiting Kuang Si Falls at peak flow

• Joining cooking classes in Luang Prabang

• Exploring night markets under cooler evening skies

• Taking photographs of lush rice fields and the countryside

July to September – Heavy rainfall

• Average temperature: 24°C – 31°C (75°F – 88°F)

This is the wettest period of the year, with heavy showers often in the afternoons. Travel to remote mountainous areas may be challenging, but landscapes are dramatic and there are fewer tourists around.

Recommended activities:

• Relaxing in riverside lodges with scenic Mekong views

• Taking meditation or wellness retreats

• Enjoying coffee shops and local cultural experiences in Luang Prabang

• Boat rides on the Mekong River at its most powerful

October – Transition to dry season

• Average temperature: 22°C – 30°C (72°F – 86°F)

October marks the shift from rainy to dry season. The countryside is still lush, rivers are full and the skies begin to clear. It’s a beautiful balance between greenery and comfort.

Recommended activities:

• Taking part in the Boat Racing Festival in Vientiane and Luang Prabang

• Kayaking and river cruises on the Mekong and Nam Ou

• Trekking in freshly green landscapes with cooler weather

• Visiting cultural sites with fewer tourists around

Festivals and cultural highlights in Laos

Boun Pi Mai	Boat Racing Festival	That Luang Festival

Timing your trip with local festivals can enrich your journey:

• Boun Pi Mai (April): Lao New Year, filled with joyful water celebrations.

• That Luang Festival (November): The most important Buddhist festival in Vientiane, with processions and candlelit ceremonies.

• Boat Racing Festival (October): Celebrated at the end of the rainy season, particularly vibrant in Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

Best time to visit Cambodia: Complete Guide

Cambodia enjoys a tropical climate with warm weather all year, but each season brings unique conditions that shape your travel experience. Understanding how the weather changes across the year will help you decide on the best time to visit Cambodia and plan activities accordingly.

Dry season (November – April)

November to February – Cool and comfortable

Royal Palace	Silver Pagoda

• Average temperature: 21°C – 30°C (70°F – 86°F)

During the dry season, Cambodia enjoys clear blue skies, abundant sunshine and lower humidity compared to other months. It creates comfortable conditions for sightseeing, temple visits and long outdoor excursions. Rainfall is minimal, so travel between destinations is easy and roads are in good condition.

Recommended activities:

• Watching sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat

• Visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh

• Taking a boat trip to the floating villages of Tonle Sap

• Cycling tours around Siem Reap’s countryside

• Relax on the idyllic islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem

March to April – Hot but culturally rich

• Average temperature: 28°C – 35°C (82°F – 95°F)

Temperatures rise significantly, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, making midday sightseeing challenging. However, April is one of the most exciting times culturally, with Chaul Chnam Thmey, the Cambodian New Year, celebrated nationwide with water fights, dances and temple ceremonies. Travelers heading south will find beach destinations like Sihanoukville and the islands, refreshing escapes from the heat.

Recommended activities:

• Joining the Khmer New Year celebrations in April

• Beach relaxation on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem

• Visiting temples early in the morning to avoid the heat

• Exploring Cambodian street food culture during festival time

👉 The dry season is the best time to visit Cambodia for hassle-free travel and outdoor adventures.

Rainy season (May to October)

May to June – Start of the rains

• Average temperature: 25°C – 33°C (77°F – 91°F)

Early rains bring relief from the heat, refreshing the landscapes. The countryside glows green and the temples are surrounded by vibrant vegetation. This period is great for travelers who enjoy photography and quieter sightseeing.

Recommended activities:

• Exploring Angkor Wat in a calmer atmosphere

• Taking photography tours in the green countryside

• Visiting local markets in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

• Enjoying riverfront walks during cooler evenings

July to September – Wettest months

Visiting waterfalls in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri

• Average temperature: 24°C – 31°C (75°F – 88°F)

These are the wettest months, with heavy showers that may occasionally disrupt travel in rural areas. However, the upside is dramatic skies, lush rice fields and full rivers. This is also the best time to experience the Tonle Sap Lake, which swells to several times its dry-season size.

Recommended activities:

• Taking boat trips to floating villages when the lake is at its fullest

• Visiting waterfalls in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri at peak flow

• Enjoying museum and cultural visits on rainy afternoons

• Relaxing in eco-lodges or riverside retreats

October – Transition to dry season

• Average temperature: 23°C – 30°C (73°F – 86°F)

October is a transitional month with fewer showers and vibrant landscapes. It’s also the time of Cambodia’s Water Festival (Bon Om Touk), a major cultural event celebrating the reversal of the Tonle Sap River. This festive season offers unique insights into local traditions while keeping the charm of green scenery.

Recommended activities:

• Watching boat races during the Water Festival in Phnom Penh

• Taking kayaking and boat tours on rivers and lakes

• Exploring Angkor temples before the high season rush

• Trekking in the lush eastern highlands with cooler weather

Festivals and cultural highlights in Cambodia

Chaul Chnam Thmey	Bon Om Touk	Bon Om Touk

Timing your trip to match Cambodia’s festivals adds an extra layer of cultural depth to your journey. Some of the most important celebrations include:

• Chaul Chnam Thmey (April): The Cambodian New Year, one of the most joyful festivals, filled with water fights, temple visits and traditional games.

• Pchum Ben (September or October): Also known as the Ancestors’ Day, when Cambodians honor deceased relatives with offerings at pagodas.

• Bon Om Touk (November): The famous Water Festival celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow. Highlights include boat races, fireworks and illuminated floats in Phnom Penh.

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Best time to travel to Laos and Cambodia

If you are planning to visit both countries on the same trip, the best time to travel to Laos and Cambodia is generally from November to February. Both countries share a similar tropical climate, so the weather patterns align quite well, making it easier to plan a combined trip. Below are details and suggestions based on different travel styles.

📌For culture lovers (November – February): This is considered the most pleasant period with cool, dry weather, perfect for sightseeing.

• Visit Angkor Wat and the temples of Siem Reap in Cambodia.

• Explore Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Laos.

• Enjoy vibrant city tours in Vientiane and Phnom Penh.

📌For festival seekers (April): April is one of the most exciting times of the year in both countries.

• Experience Boun Pi Mai, the Lao New Year, with water-splashing celebrations.

• Join Chaul Chnam Thmey, the Khmer New Year, filled with traditional games, dances and local festivities.

• A unique opportunity to immerse in the cultural spirit of Southeast Asia.

📌For nature & adventure travelers (May – October): The rainy season transforms the landscapes into lush greenery, while waterfalls reach their peak beauty. Despite short tropical showers, mornings and evenings are often clear.

• In Laos: go trekking in Nong Khiaw or visit the stunning Kuang Si Falls.

• In Cambodia: explore the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake during the flood season.

• Fewer crowds and lower prices make this a rewarding off-season journey.

📌For beach & relaxation fans (December – March): If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, this is the best time to enjoy sun and sand.

• Relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville and Kep in Cambodia.

• Stay at riverside resorts along the Mekong in Laos, where the weather is warm and dry.

• Perfect for combining cultural exploration with a laid-back vacation.

Practical tips for traveling to Laos and Cambodia

Planning your trip at the right time can make a big difference in how much you enjoy it. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your journey when deciding the best time to travel to Laos and Cambodia:

FAQs

1. What is the best time to travel to Laos and Cambodia?

The best time to travel to Laos and Cambodia is from November to February, when the weather is cool, dry, and ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and cultural exploration.

2. Can I visit Laos and Cambodia during the rainy season?

YES! From May to October, rain showers are usually short and refreshing. This is the green season, with fewer tourists, lower prices, and lush, beautiful landscapes — especially waterfalls and rice fields.

3. Which month is the hottest in Laos and Cambodia?

April is typically the hottest month, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C (100°F). However, it’s also a fun time to visit because both countries celebrate their traditional New Year festivals with lively water fights and parades.

4. What is the coldest month in Laos and Cambodia?

December and January are the coolest months, particularly in northern Laos (like Luang Prabang) where evenings can be chilly.

5. Is it possible to combine Laos and Cambodia in one trip?

Absolutely! Many travelers combine both countries in one itinerary since they share similar weather patterns. A 10–14 day trip is ideal to cover highlights such as Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh.

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