Things to Do in Vientiane in June

June Weather in Vientiane

32°C (90°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

264mm (10.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Lower accommodation prices - June falls in shoulder season with hotel rates 30-40% below peak December prices, plus fewer advance bookings required
Mango season peaks in June - street vendors sell over 15 varieties of fresh mangoes (฿20-60/kg) that aren't available other times of year
Perfect temple visiting weather in early mornings (6-8am) and late afternoons (5-7pm) when temperatures drop to 26-28°C (79-82°F) and crowds are minimal
Festival season begins with Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) preparations - witness traditional rocket construction in villages around Vientiane without tourist crowds

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm, lasting 30-45 minutes and flooding some street-level areas near the Mekong
High humidity (70%) makes outdoor activities feel exhausting between 10am-4pm, limiting sightseeing to early morning and evening hours
Some riverside restaurants and markets close temporarily during heavy rain periods, disrupting food tour schedules

Best Activities in June

Early Morning Mekong Riverside Cycling

June mornings offer perfect cycling weather (24-27°C/75-81°F) with dry conditions before afternoon rains. The Mekong riverside path is less crowded than dry season months, and you'll see locals fishing and morning markets at their most authentic. The humidity hasn't built up yet, making 10-15km (6-9 mile) rides comfortable.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes the evening before (฿50-80/day) to start by 6am. Look for shops offering helmets and basic repair kits. Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead during shoulder season - typically ฿800-1,200 including guide and refreshments.

Traditional Cooking Classes with Market Tours

June brings peak season produce including fresh herbs, young bamboo shoots, and seasonal vegetables perfect for traditional Lao dishes. Morning market tours (7-9am) avoid afternoon heat and rain, while indoor cooking sessions provide comfortable refuge during typical 2-5pm shower periods.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes typically cost ฿1,500-2,500 including market tour and meal. Book 5-7 days ahead as many operators limit group sizes to 6-8 people. Look for classes that include seasonal June ingredients like fresh tamarind and young jackfruit.

That Luang and Buddhist Temple Complex Tours

Late afternoon temple visits (4:30-6:30pm) in June offer golden hour photography without extreme heat. Post-rain air is clearer for photos, and the wet season brings fewer crowds to major sites. Temple grounds are lush and green, creating better contrast for architecture photography than dry season visits.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are standard ฿10,000 kip per major temple. Private guides typically charge ฿400-600 for 3-4 hour tours. Book cultural tours 2-3 days ahead, and confirm tour continues during light rain - most operators provide umbrellas and covered waiting areas.

Mekong Sunset River Cruises

June's variable weather creates dramatic sunset skies with cloud formations impossible during dry season. Evening cruises (5:30-7:30pm) avoid daytime heat and afternoon storms while offering cooler river breezes. Post-rain sunsets in June are considered the most photogenic of the year by locals.

Booking Tip: Traditional long-tail boat cruises cost ฿300-500 per person for 2-hour sunset trips. Larger boats with covered areas charge ฿800-1,200 but provide rain protection. Book same-day or 1-2 days ahead - operators are flexible with weather-dependent scheduling.

Traditional Textile and Handicraft Workshop Visits

June's rainy afternoons are perfect for indoor cultural activities. Visit traditional weaving cooperatives and silversmith workshops during 2-5pm when outdoor sightseeing is impractical. Many artisans work indoors during wet season, making workshops more active and authentic than dry season visits.

Booking Tip: Workshop visits typically cost ฿200-400 per person with demonstrations. Half-day textile tours including multiple cooperatives run ฿1,000-1,500. No advance booking usually required for individual visits, but group tours should be booked 2-4 days ahead.

Ban Phanom Traditional Village Day Trips

June rice planting season offers authentic agricultural experiences in villages 45km (28 miles) from Vientiane. Witness traditional farming methods, participate in rice planting, and experience rural Lao life during its most active season. Rain-filled paddies create stunning photography opportunities unavailable in dry months.

Booking Tip: Full-day village tours cost ฿2,000-3,000 including transport and lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead as villages coordinate visitor schedules with farming activities. Tours include rain gear and covered rest areas. Best experienced Tuesday-Saturday when village activities are most active.

June Events & Festivals

Mid to Late June

Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) Preparations

Traditional bamboo rocket construction workshops in surrounding villages prepare for regional festivals. Witness master craftsmen building elaborate rockets using centuries-old techniques. Local competitions and community gatherings provide authentic cultural immersion.

Throughout June

Seasonal Food Markets

Special wet season produce markets appear throughout June featuring mangoes, rambutan, and traditional rainy season vegetables. Night markets extend hours (6pm-midnight) to take advantage of cooler evening temperatures and post-rain freshness.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket (not umbrella) - afternoon storms create strong winds that make umbrellas useless, jacket allows mobility

Quick-dry synthetic clothes - cotton stays damp in 70% humidity and doesn't dry between rain showers

Closed-toe shoes with grip - temple floors and sidewalks become slippery when wet, sandals are impractical despite heat

SPF 50+ sunscreen in small tubes - UV index 8 requires reapplication, and large bottles are heavy when walking between indoor refuges

Waterproof phone case or zip-lock bags - sudden downpours give no time to shelter electronics

Thin merino wool socks - stay comfortable when wet unlike cotton, essential for temple visits requiring shoe removal

Small microfiber towel - for drying hands, face, and glasses during humid conditions and post-rain dampness

Electrolyte tablets or oral rehydration salts - humid heat causes more sweating than dry heat, dehydration happens faster

Antifungal foot powder - humid conditions and wet shoes create ideal fungal environments

Portable phone charger - air conditioning use drains batteries faster, and you'll rely more on indoor spaces with charging

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants serve special wet season dishes in June like 'som tam boo' (young bamboo shoot salad) and 'gaeng nor mai' (bamboo shoot curry) - ask specifically for seasonal menus

ATMs inside shopping centers work more reliably than street ATMs during rainy season - outdoor machines often malfunction when wet

Tuk-tuk drivers charge 20-30% more during rain periods (฿40-50 instead of ฿30-40 for short trips) but negotiate before getting in

Many locals take afternoon naps (1-3pm) during peak heat and humidity - shops may close unexpectedly, plan important errands for morning or late afternoon

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 10am-4pm when humidity makes even light walking exhausting and afternoon storms are most likely

Bringing only sandals - temple visits require shoe removal but you need closed shoes for wet streets and slippery surfaces

Not carrying small bills (20,000-50,000 kip notes) for sudden tuk-tuk rides when caught in rain - drivers rarely have change during busy periods