Things to Do in Vientiane in January

January Weather in Vientiane

29°C (84°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season conditions with only 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) rainfall - ideal for walking tours and outdoor temple visits without the muddy ground common in other months
Cool mornings at 18°C (64°F) make sunrise temple visits at Pha That Luang genuinely comfortable instead of sweltering - locals call this 'morning jacket weather'
Post-New Year tourism lull means 40-50% fewer crowds at major attractions compared to December, plus accommodation prices drop 20-30% after January 5th
Traditional Boun Khoun Khao harvest festivals in surrounding villages offer authentic cultural experiences as rice harvest celebrations peak in late January

Considerations

Cool evenings require layers - temperatures can drop to 18°C (64°F) after sunset, catching unprepared visitors off-guard who expect consistent tropical heat
Harmattan winds from December carry haze that can reduce visibility and create less photogenic sunsets, especially mid-month
Tourist boat services to nearby islands may run reduced schedules due to lower demand, requiring advance booking

Best Activities in January

Mekong River Sunset Cruises

January's cool evenings at 18°C (64°F) make sunset cruises genuinely pleasant instead of humid ordeals. The dry season ensures calm waters and reliable departures. Best visibility occurs in early January before mid-month haze arrives. Traditional long-tail boats offer the most authentic experience.

Booking Tip: Book morning of or day before - January's low tourist numbers mean availability is good. Expect to pay 120,000-180,000 LAK per person for 2-hour sunset trips. Look for operators offering traditional kaipen (river weed) snacks. See current options in booking section below.

Buddhist Temple Cycling Tours

Cool mornings make cycling between Vientiane's temples comfortable until 11am, when temperatures reach 25°C (77°F). January's dry conditions mean dustless roads and clear temple compound access. That Luang, Sisaket, and Haw Phra Kaeo form the perfect morning triangle route of 8 km (5 miles).

Booking Tip: Rent bikes the evening before for early morning starts. Daily rentals typically cost 40,000-60,000 LAK. Choose bikes with baskets for water and temple scarves. Independent exploration works best - most temples open at 6am for morning prayers.

Laotian Cooking Classes

January brings winter vegetables like Chinese broccoli and daikon radish to local markets, offering seasonal ingredients unavailable other months. Cool mornings make market tours comfortable, and afternoon cooking sessions avoid the crushing heat of hot season. Traditional winter dishes like or lam stew are at their seasonal peak.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 days ahead as expat cooking instructors may travel during January school holidays. Half-day classes typically cost 280,000-350,000 LAK including market tour and meal. Morning classes (8am start) offer best market selection and cooler cooking conditions.

Nam Phou Fountain Evening Markets

January's cool evenings transform the area around Nam Phou fountain into a comfortable street food paradise. Vendors serve seasonal specialties like grilled river fish and warm sticky rice desserts that locals prefer in cooler weather. The 18°C (64°F) evening temperatures make walking between stalls pleasant.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed - arrive after 6pm when temperatures drop and stalls fully open. Budget 80,000-150,000 LAK for full meal sampling multiple vendors. Bring small denominations as most vendors don't carry change for large bills.

Buddha Park Day Trips

January's low rainfall means dry paths through Xieng Khuan's concrete sculpture gardens located 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast of city center. Cool mornings provide comfortable conditions for climbing the three-story pumpkin structure and exploring the 200+ Buddhist and Hindu statues without excessive sweating.

Booking Tip: Rent motorbike or hire tuk-tuk for half-day trip. Motorbike rentals cost 80,000-120,000 LAK per day. Tuk-tuk round trips typically 200,000-300,000 LAK including 2-hour wait time. Depart by 8am to enjoy coolest conditions and return before afternoon heat peaks.

Traditional Textile Weaving Workshops

January marks traditional weaving season when Laotian families prepare textiles for upcoming festivals. Cool, dry conditions prevent fabric moisture damage and make indoor workshop time comfortable. This timing offers authentic insight into seasonal cultural practices rather than tourist-focused demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Contact workshops 5-7 days ahead as January is peak production season for local weavers. Half-day workshops typically cost 200,000-280,000 LAK including materials for small piece. Morning sessions (8am-12pm) align with traditional weaving schedules and cooler temperatures.

January Events & Festivals

Late January

Boun Khoun Khao Rice Harvest Festivals

Traditional village celebrations marking rice harvest completion in surrounding areas. Features monk blessings, community feasts with new rice, and traditional Lao dancing. Villages within 30 km (18.6 miles) of Vientiane host weekend celebrations throughout late January.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light sweater or fleece for evenings - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) after sunset, much cooler than expected

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even in 'cool' season, particularly dangerous during midday temple visits

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - temple floors can be slippery from morning dew in cool weather

Long pants in breathable fabric - required for temple visits and comfortable in cool mornings

Light rain jacket - brief showers occur 10 days per month, usually lasting 15-20 minutes

Portable water bottle - dry air and 70% humidity require constant hydration despite cooler temperatures

Small daypack for temple visits - needed for carrying layers as temperatures fluctuate 11°C (20°F) daily

Cash in small denominations - many vendors and tuk-tuk drivers cannot change 100,000 LAK notes

Respectful temple clothing - long sleeves for cool morning visits and proper coverage requirements

Dust mask or scarf - January winds can carry haze and dust, particularly mid-month

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation after January 5th for 20-30% lower rates as post-holiday pricing takes effect - but book at least 10 days ahead as good properties still fill despite lower overall tourism

Morning temple visits between 6-8am offer both cool temperatures and opportunities to witness actual morning prayer ceremonies with local devotees, not tourist-focused demonstrations

January's cool evenings create Vientiane's only comfortable night market season - locals emerge after 6pm for street food that's too hot to enjoy in other months

Traditional medicine practitioners consider January ideal for herbal treatments due to cool, dry air - several established practitioners near Talat Sao morning market offer consultations for common travel ailments

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming tropical heat year-round and packing only summer clothes - January evenings at 18°C (64°F) require warm layers that many visitors don't bring

Booking accommodation at December holiday rates - prices drop significantly after January 5th but many travelers book months ahead at peak pricing

Skipping early morning temple visits thinking they'll be too tired - cool January mornings are the only time temple exploration is genuinely comfortable instead of exhausting