Laos in October

Rains end; Boun Ok Phansa boat races and floating lanterns (lunar, check).

• North · Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Luang Namtha, Phonsavanfine

  Cool, misty mornings Dec–Jan (near 10 °C at altitude); the burning season (Feb–Apr) brings thick smoke; rains wash roads May–Oct.

• Centre · Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Thakhekfine

  Dry and pleasant Nov–Feb; April tops 37 °C; the Thakhek Loop is hard in the rains.

• South · Pakse, Bolaven Plateau, 4,000 Islandsfine

  Hottest region in April; the Bolaven Plateau is cooler and wettest; river islands flood partly at high water.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Boun Ok Phansa and boat racing

  Oct full moon (lunar — check)

  End of Lent; lantern boats in Luang Prabang, boat races in Vientiane the next day.

Crowds · Laos

Medium

Prices · Laos

Medium

Nothing unusual for the weather this month.

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Rated best or good this month

• Luang Prabang

  Rain easing; boat-race season at the end of Buddhist Lent.