Home › When to Visit › December
Vientiane - Things to Do in Vientiane in December

Things to Do in Vientiane in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Vientiane

29°C (84°F) High Temp
19°C (66°F) Low Temp
5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

  • Peak dry season conditions with minimal rainfall (just 5 mm or 0.2 inches across the month) make this ideal for exploring temples and outdoor markets without weather disruptions - you can actually plan your day without checking the sky every hour
  • Cooler mornings at 19°C (66°F) create perfect conditions for early cycling along the Mekong riverfront or visiting Pha That Luang before the midday heat kicks in - locals call this the 'comfortable season' for good reason
  • December marks the beginning of festival season with Lao National Day on December 2nd bringing parades, traditional performances, and street celebrations that give you genuine insight into contemporary Lao culture beyond the tourist veneer
  • Lower tourist volumes compared to neighboring Thailand mean you'll find better accommodation rates (typically 15-20% cheaper than January-February) and can experience places like Buddha Park without fighting through tour groups for photos

Considerations

  • The 19°C (66°F) morning temperatures might sound mild, but most guesthouses in Vientiane don't have heating - you'll want to pack a light sweater or long-sleeve shirt for early mornings and evenings, which catches many Southeast Asia travelers off guard
  • December sits at the start of peak season, so while it's quieter than January-February, you're already seeing price increases at popular restaurants along the riverfront and should book accommodation at least 3-4 weeks ahead if you want specific neighborhoods like around Nam Phou Fountain
  • The 70% humidity combined with daytime highs of 29°C (84°F) creates that sticky feeling by midday - this isn't the refreshing dry heat some travelers expect, and air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for afternoon downtime

Investigate Other Months

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
View Year-Round Climate Guide →

Best Activities in December

Mekong River Sunset Cycling Routes

December's cooler evenings make the riverside cycling paths genuinely enjoyable rather than an endurance test. The 19°C (66°F) evening temperatures mean you can comfortably ride the 8 km (5 miles) stretch from Chao Anouvong Park to Buddha Park without arriving drenched in sweat. Locals pack these paths during December evenings, creating a social atmosphere you don't get in hotter months. The dry conditions also mean the unpaved sections near Tha Ngon are actually rideable.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes from guesthouses or shops near the riverfront for typically 20,000-40,000 kip per day. December is low season for bike rentals so you don't need to reserve ahead - just show up in the afternoon. Look for bikes with working lights since you'll likely return after sunset. See current cycling tour options in the booking section below if you prefer a guided experience with cultural stops.

Morning Temple Circuit Visits

The combination of cool mornings and dry weather makes December ideal for the classic temple walking circuit. Starting at 7am when it's still 19°C (66°F), you can comfortably walk the 3 km (1.9 miles) route connecting Wat Si Saket, Haw Phra Kaew, and Pha That Luang before the midday heat. You'll also catch monks during morning alms rounds, which happens year-round but is far more pleasant to observe when you're not already sweating through your shirt. The golden morning light on Pha That Luang's gold leaf is genuinely spectacular in December's clear air.

Booking Tip: Entry fees run 5,000-10,000 kip per temple. No advance booking needed - just show up early. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, though December mornings might actually make you want that coverage anyway. If you want context beyond the basic signage, look for cultural walking tours (typically 150,000-250,000 kip) through the booking section below.

Vang Vieng Adventure Day Trips

Located 150 km (93 miles) north, Vang Vieng becomes genuinely appealing in December when the rivers are still flowing well from rainy season but the weather is dry enough for reliable kayaking and rock climbing. The 3-hour drive is worth it for activities that would be miserable in hot season - tubing down the Nam Song River at 29°C (84°F) air temperature is refreshing rather than scorching. December also has better visibility for the karst mountain views that make this area famous.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 250,000-400,000 kip including transport, activity equipment, and lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead through operators in Vientiane rather than showing up in Vang Vieng where quality varies wildly. Look for packages that include multiple activities since you're making the drive anyway. Check current tour options in the booking section below for licensed operators with insurance.

Night Market and Street Food Tours

The evening night market along the Mekong really comes alive in December when the 22°C (72°F) evening temperatures make browsing actually pleasant. This is when locals do their shopping too, so you'll find better selection and more authentic food stalls than in the sweltering hot season when it's mostly tourists. The dry weather means vendors set up their full displays rather than the abbreviated rain-ready setups you see other months. Plan for 2-3 hours of wandering between handicraft stalls and food vendors.

Booking Tip: The night market runs Tuesday through Sunday from roughly 5pm to 10pm, no entry fee. Budget 100,000-200,000 kip for a full dinner sampling multiple stalls plus some shopping. If you want guidance on what's actually good versus tourist traps, food walking tours (typically 200,000-300,000 kip) provide context you won't get wandering solo - see current options in the booking section below.

Buddha Park Extended Visits

Located 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast, Buddha Park is far more tolerable in December's weather than during hot season when the concrete sculptures radiate heat. The park's open layout with minimal shade means timing matters - arrive by 8am when it's still 20°C (68°F) or after 4pm when temperatures drop. December's dry conditions also mean the Mekong riverbank next to the park is accessible for photos, and the lower water levels expose interesting rock formations. Plan for 2-3 hours including transport time.

Booking Tip: Entry is 15,000 kip. Local buses run from Vientiane's morning market for 6,000 kip but involve waiting around - most travelers hire a tuk-tuk for the round trip at 150,000-200,000 kip, which gives you flexibility on timing. Some guesthouses arrange shared transport for 50,000-80,000 kip per person. Check the booking section below for half-day tours that combine Buddha Park with other southern attractions.

Mekong Riverfront Restaurant Evenings

December evenings at 22°C (72°F) make the riverside restaurant strip actually enjoyable rather than sticky and mosquito-filled. This is when the outdoor seating that exists year-round finally makes sense - you can sit along the Mekong watching the sunset over Thailand without constantly wiping sweat or swatting insects. The dry season also means clearer views across the river and more reliable sunset colors. Locals pack these spots during December weekends, which is your signal that conditions are right.

Booking Tip: Riverside restaurants range from 80,000-250,000 kip per person for dinner with drinks. No reservations typically needed except Friday-Saturday evenings during National Day week in early December. Look for places with Lao menu sections rather than just tourist standards - December is when locals actually want to sit outside too. Beer Lao runs about 15,000-20,000 kip, making sunset drinks genuinely affordable.

December Events & Festivals

December 2

Lao National Day Celebrations

December 2nd marks the 1975 establishment of the Lao PDR, bringing government-organized parades, traditional dance performances, and evening celebrations around Pha That Luang and along the Mekong riverfront. This is one of the few times you'll see large-scale public gatherings in Vientiane, with locals in traditional sinh skirts and military displays. The evening fireworks over the Mekong are visible from most riverfront locations. Worth experiencing for understanding contemporary Lao national identity beyond the tourist-facing temple culture.

Early December

That Luang Festival Spillover

While the main That Luang Festival typically occurs in November, the trade fair and carnival atmosphere often extends into early December depending on the lunar calendar. You might catch the final days of vendor stalls selling regional handicrafts and the evening carnival rides that pop up around Pha That Luang. This varies year to year, so worth checking locally if you're visiting the first week of December.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light long-sleeve cotton shirt for mornings - the 19°C (66°F) early temperatures feel genuinely cool after you've acclimated to tropical heat, and this doubles as temple-appropriate clothing
SPF 50+ sunscreen for face and neck - UV index of 8 means you'll burn within 20 minutes during midday temple visits despite the comfortable air temperature
Lightweight breathable pants or long skirt - required for temple entry and actually more comfortable than shorts in December's 70% humidity, which makes fabric stick to skin
Small daypack with water bottle holder - you'll still need 2 liters of water daily despite cooler temperatures, and Vientiane's limited public fountains mean carrying your own
Flip-flops or slip-on sandals - constant shoe removal at temples makes laces impractical, and December's dry paths mean you won't be slogging through mud like rainy season
Basic rain jacket - those 10 rainy days typically mean brief afternoon showers rather than all-day rain, but getting caught without coverage is miserable even in warm weather
Insect repellent with DEET - December mosquitoes are less aggressive than rainy season but still present during evening riverside activities, particularly around sunset
Small headlamp or flashlight - Vientiane's street lighting is inconsistent, and if you're cycling back from dinner or navigating guesthouse stairs during power cuts, you'll want your own light
Modest swimwear if doing Vang Vieng day trips - December weather makes river activities appealing, but Lao cultural norms mean avoiding revealing swimwear even in tourist areas
Cash in small bills - Many temples, markets, and street food vendors don't accept cards, and having 20,000 kip notes rather than 100,000 kip notes prevents the constant 'no change' problem

Insider Knowledge

The morning market (Talat Sao) runs two shifts - the local produce market from 5am to 9am, then the tourist-facing handicraft section from 9am onward. December mornings are cool enough to make the early shift worthwhile, when you'll see actual Vientiane residents shopping and can grab breakfast from vendors setting up. The quality and prices at 7am are noticeably better than 10am.
December marks when locals start eating khao piak sen (thick rice noodle soup) for breakfast instead of lighter dishes - this is the Lao equivalent of comfort food for 'cold' weather. Try it at any morning market stall for 15,000-20,000 kip to understand what Vientiane residents consider cold-weather food, even though 19°C (66°F) might not feel cold to you.
The Mekong water level in December exposes sandbanks that become impromptu evening hangout spots for young locals - you'll see groups gathering with Beer Lao and portable speakers around sunset. These aren't organized or marked, just organic gatherings that happen when conditions are right. Look for the clusters of motorcycles parked along the riverfront south of Chao Anouvong Park.
Book accommodations before November 25th if possible - Vientiane sees a noticeable uptick in regional tourists (particularly Thai and Vietnamese) during their December holiday periods, and the city's limited mid-range hotel inventory fills up. The difference between booking in mid-November versus early December can be 200,000-300,000 kip per night for the same room.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming December means consistently cool weather and packing only light clothing - while mornings hit 19°C (66°F), midday temperatures reach 29°C (84°F) with 70% humidity. You need layers, not just shorts and t-shirts. First-time visitors regularly underestimate how warm 'cool season' still feels.
Skipping sun protection because it doesn't feel that hot - the comfortable air temperature masks the UV index of 8, and tourists consistently get burned during long morning temple walks. The cooler air tricks you into staying out longer without noticing sun exposure until evening.
Visiting only during midday when the city empties out - Vientiane operates on early morning and evening rhythms year-round, but December's comfortable temperatures make this even more pronounced. The best food, market activity, and local life happens before 9am and after 4pm. Midday is when locals retreat indoors, leaving mostly confused tourists wandering empty streets.

Explore Activities in Vientiane

Continue Planning Your Trip

November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Vientiane

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.