Things to Do in Vientiane in December

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

Perfect weather window: 19-29°C (66-84°F) with minimal rainfall makes December the most comfortable month for walking tours and outdoor temple visits
Festival season peak: That Luang Festival (full moon in December) transforms the city with thousands of pilgrims, night markets, and traditional ceremonies you won't see other months
Cool mornings ideal for cycling: 19°C (66°F) dawn temperatures make 6-8am perfect for exploring the Morning Market and riverside cycling paths before crowds arrive
Clear skies for Mekong sunset viewing: Only 5mm (0.2 inches) of rain means 80% chance of perfect sunset photos at Chao Anouvong Park and riverside restaurants

Considerations

Peak tourist pricing: Hotel rates increase 40-60% compared to rainy season, and popular restaurants like Kualao or Tamnak Lao require reservations 2-3 days ahead
Cool evenings require layers: Temperatures drop to 19°C (66°F) after sunset, catching many visitors off-guard who only pack for daytime heat
Dusty conditions from dry weather: December's dry spell creates dusty streets and hazy air quality, especially problematic for those with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in December

That Luang Temple Complex Pilgrimage Tours

December's That Luang Festival transforms Laos' most sacred temple into a vibrant celebration with thousands of Buddhist pilgrims, traditional music, and elaborate offerings. The cool 19°C (66°F) mornings make the 2km (1.2 mile) ceremonial walk comfortable, while evening temperatures of 25°C (77°F) are perfect for the candlelight processions. Clear skies provide stunning photos of the golden stupa without rain interference.

Booking Tip: Book temple ceremony tours 14-21 days ahead during festival period (typically third weekend of December). Tours typically cost ฿800-1,500 per person including transportation and English-speaking guides. Look for operators offering early morning slots to avoid crowds and heat.

Mekong River Sunset Cycling Routes

December's dry weather provides perfect conditions for cycling the 12km (7.5 mile) riverside path from Chao Anouvong Park to the Friendship Bridge. Cool morning temperatures of 19°C (66°F) make 6-8am starts comfortable, while the dry season's clear skies guarantee spectacular Mekong sunsets without rain disruption. Low water levels reveal sandy beaches perfect for rest stops.

Booking Tip: Rent quality bikes from morning markets for ฿80-120 per day. Guided cycling tours typically cost ฿1,200-2,000 including bike, helmet, and refreshments. Book through licensed operators with insurance coverage - see current options in booking section below.

Buddha Park Cultural Photography Tours

December's low humidity (70%) and clear skies create ideal conditions for photographing the iconic concrete Buddhist and Hindu sculptures at Xieng Khuan Buddha Park. The 25km (15.5 mile) journey from central Vientiane takes advantage of dry roads, while cool morning light provides perfect shadows for the dramatic statuary without the harsh glare of wet season.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost ฿1,500-2,500 including transportation and guide. Book morning departures (7-8am) to capture best lighting and avoid afternoon heat. Licensed operators provide cultural context about the sculptures' meanings and history.

Morning Market Food Walking Tours

December's cool 19°C (66°F) mornings make early market exploration comfortable, while the dry season ensures fresh ingredients and active vendor stalls. The Morning Market (Talat Sao) and nearby street food areas come alive at 5am with breakfast specialties like khao piak sen and fresh baguettes that reflect Vientiane's French colonial influence.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically cost ฿1,800-2,800 for 3-4 hours including multiple tastings. Book early morning slots (6-10am) when vendors are most active and temperatures comfortable. Look for tours including both market visits and street-side breakfast stalls.

Patuxai Victory Monument and COPE Visitor Center Tours

December's clear weather provides perfect visibility from the top of Patuxai Monument's 45m (148 ft) height, offering panoramic city views without haze or rain. The comfortable walking weather makes the educational COPE Center visit ideal for learning about unexploded ordnance impacts while supporting community development initiatives.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours combining both sites typically cost ฿1,000-1,800 per person. Monument entrance is ฿15,000 kip (about $1.50). Book afternoon tours to capture golden hour lighting from the monument's viewing deck around 4-5pm.

Traditional Textile and Silver Craft Workshop Tours

December's dry conditions are perfect for visiting weaving villages like Ban Hat Hien, 30km (18.6 miles) from Vientiane. The comfortable temperatures make workshop participation enjoyable, while clear roads ensure easy access. This is when master weavers prepare textiles for New Year celebrations, offering visitors authentic cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Full-day craft tours typically cost ฿2,200-3,500 including transportation, materials, and lunch with local families. Book through operators supporting fair trade practices. Morning departures allow full workshop participation and village meal experiences.

December Events & Festivals

Full moon of December (typically mid-month)

That Luang Festival (Bun That Luang)

Laos' most important Buddhist festival transforms That Luang Temple into a pilgrimage destination with thousands of visitors, traditional alms ceremonies at dawn, cultural performances, and elaborate temple decorations. The festival culminates in candlelight processions around the golden stupa and traditional handicraft markets selling items specifically for this celebration.

Mid to Late December weekends

Vientiane Christmas Market at Chao Anouvong Park

The expatriate community and tourism board organize evening Christmas markets featuring Lao crafts, international food stalls, and live music. While not traditionally Lao, it's become popular with locals and provides unique shopping opportunities for handmade textiles and silver jewelry alongside seasonal treats.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light cotton sweater or fleece jacket - temperatures drop to 19°C (66°F) in early mornings and evenings, much cooler than many visitors expect

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid synthetic materials in 70% humidity which trap moisture and become uncomfortable quickly

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - dry season creates dusty, sometimes slippery temple surfaces requiring solid footing

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and temple visits involve extended outdoor exposure with minimal shade

Light scarf or shawl - essential for temple visits (covers shoulders/knees) and useful for cool evening river walks

Small daypack with water bottle - December's dry air increases dehydration risk during walking tours and cycling

Basic dust mask or bandana - dry season creates dusty conditions, especially near construction areas and busy markets

Modest clothing for temples - long pants/skirts and covered shoulders required at all religious sites, strictly enforced

Light rain jacket - despite dry conditions, brief afternoon showers occur on 10 days, typically lasting 20-30 minutes

Comfortable sandals - easy to remove for temple visits and practical for riverside restaurant dining

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early November - December demand from regional holidaymakers inflates prices 40-60% and reduces availability near That Luang Temple area during festival period

Visit temples before 8am or after 4pm to avoid tour bus crowds and harsh midday sun; locals prefer dawn visits when temperatures are coolest at 19°C (66°F)

Exchange money at gold shops rather than banks for better rates - Samsenthai Road shops offer 2-3% better rates than hotel exchanges, especially important during peak season pricing

The Night Market (Talat Sao Evening Market) operates differently in December - vendors start earlier (4pm vs 6pm other months) to take advantage of comfortable evening temperatures and tourist crowds

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold evenings get - many visitors pack only for daytime heat and are surprised by 19°C (66°F) temperatures requiring layers for evening activities

Visiting Buddha Park in afternoon heat instead of early morning - despite December being 'cool' season, afternoon temperatures still reach 29°C (84°F) with intense sun reflection off concrete sculptures

Not booking festival-period activities in advance - That Luang Festival draws visitors from across Southeast Asia, making last-minute bookings impossible for quality accommodations and guided experiences