Things to Do in Vientiane in November

November Weather in Vientiane

30°C (87°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Cool season begins - temperatures drop to comfortable 21°C (70°F) at night, perfect for evening riverside walks along the Mekong without the oppressive heat of October
Minimal rainfall with just 15 mm (0.6 inches) - brief afternoon showers clear quickly, allowing full days of temple exploration and outdoor markets without weather disruptions
That Luang Festival season - November marks the most important Buddhist celebration in Laos, with golden stupas illuminated and thousands of monks participating in dawn ceremonies
Post-rainy season river levels - Mekong waters are clear and high enough for scenic boat trips to Pak Ou Caves, while dirt roads to countryside temples are dry and accessible again

Considerations

Tourist season transition - accommodation prices increase 30-40% from October as cool season approaches, with fewer budget options available near That Luang area during festival period
Hazy air quality - post-harvest burning in surrounding provinces creates occasional smog, reducing visibility for sunrise photography at temples and causing issues for those with respiratory sensitivities
Variable weather patterns - some years bring unexpected late monsoon bursts, causing 2-3 day periods of heavy rain that can disrupt outdoor temple visits and countryside excursions

Best Activities in November

That Luang Festival Temple Circuit

November is the only time to witness Laos' most sacred festival around the golden That Luang stupa. The three-day celebration features dawn alms-giving ceremonies, evening candle processions, and traditional Lao cultural performances. Cool morning temperatures of 21°C (70°F) make the 2-hour temple walking circuit comfortable, while minimal rainfall ensures ceremonies proceed without interruption.

Booking Tip: Temple festivals require no advance booking, but arrange accommodation 3-4 weeks ahead as central Vientiane hotels fill up. Festival occurs mid-November around the full moon. Budget ฿200-500 for offerings and local transport.

Mekong River Sunset Cruises

Post-monsoon river levels create perfect conditions for evening boat trips along the Mekong. November's reduced humidity and clear skies offer spectacular sunset views toward Thailand, while comfortable 25°C (77°F) evening temperatures eliminate the need for air-conditioned boat cabins. River waters are cleanest after rainy season runoff has settled.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through riverside operators near Chao Anouvong Park. 2-hour sunset cruises typically cost ฿300-600 per person. Avoid weekends when local families crowd popular boats.

Buddha Park Cycling Tours

The 25 km (15.5 mile) ride to Buddha Park becomes pleasant in November as temperatures drop and roads dry completely after rainy season. Morning departures at 8am avoid midday heat, while the sculpture park's metal statues are no longer scorching hot to touch. Clear post-monsoon air improves photography of the park's surreal concrete Buddhas.

Booking Tip: Rent bicycles from shops near Nam Phu Fountain for ฿80-120 per day. Full-day guided cycling tours cost ฿800-1,200 including lunch. Start early to return before afternoon heat builds.

Traditional Weaving Village Day Trips

November marks the beginning of silk production season in villages like Ban Phanom, 35 km (22 miles) from Vientiane. Cool, dry weather is ideal for the 1-hour countryside drive on newly dried dirt roads, while weavers work longer hours in comfortable temperatures creating textiles for upcoming Lao New Year celebrations.

Booking Tip: Arrange through guesthouses or cultural centers for ฿1,500-2,500 including transport and lunch. Villages welcome visitors 8am-5pm. Bring small denomination kip bills for purchasing handwoven scarves directly from artisans.

Morning Market Food Walking Tours

Vientiane's wet markets bustle with post-harvest abundance in November - fresh herbs, seasonal fruits, and preparations for That Luang Festival foods. Cool 23°C (73°F) morning temperatures make the crowded, covered market areas comfortable to explore, while reduced rainfall means fewer muddy market floors and cleaner food preparation areas.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market tours work best - start at Talat Sao Morning Market by 7am when selection is fullest. Budget ฿300-500 for food sampling. Avoid rainy days when market aisles become slippery.

Pak Ou Caves River Excursions

The 2-hour upstream journey to these sacred Buddha caves is most comfortable in November when Mekong waters run clear and high from recent rains, while cool air temperatures make the open longtail boat ride pleasant. Cave exploration is easier in dry conditions without muddy approaches or slippery rocks.

Booking Tip: Book day trips 5-7 days ahead for ฿2,000-3,000 including boat transport, cave entrance, and lunch. Morning departures at 8:30am return by 4pm. Bring headlamp for cave exploration as provided flashlights are often weak.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

That Luang Festival (Boun That Luang)

Laos' most important religious celebration transforms Vientiane into a spiritual center as thousands of pilgrims arrive to worship at the golden That Luang stupa. Three days of dawn alms ceremonies, traditional rocket festivals, evening candle processions, and a massive temple fair with local foods and handicrafts. The festival culminates with monks from across Laos gathering for special prayers.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants and shirts for temple visits - November's comfortable temperatures allow cotton blends that cover shoulders and knees without overheating in 70% humidity

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - brief afternoon showers on 10 days require quick protection but heavy rain gear is unnecessary

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with Mekong river reflection intensifies sun exposure during boat trips and outdoor market visits

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - temple steps and market floors can be slippery after light rains, avoid smooth-soled sandals

Thin long-sleeved shirt for evening - temperatures drop to 21°C (70°F) after sunset, especially during riverside dining and temple ceremonies

Small daypack for temple offerings - carry water, camera, and small kip bills for donations during That Luang Festival period

Modest scarf or sarong - essential for covering up at temples, also useful for dusty tuk-tuk rides on dry countryside roads

Insect repellent with DEET - November's warm evenings and riverside locations still have mosquitoes, particularly around Mekong sunset areas

Portable phone charger - long days exploring temples and markets drain batteries, while power outlets in older temples are rare

Cash in small denominations - many local markets and temple donations require 20,000-50,000 kip bills, larger notes difficult to break

Insider Knowledge

That Luang Festival dates shift annually with the lunar calendar - confirm exact dates with your accommodation before booking November flights, as the festival can fall in early or late November

Morning alms ceremony at 6am is most authentic at smaller neighborhood temples like Wat Si Saket rather than touristy spots - locals appreciate respectful foreign observers who maintain silent distance

Vientiane's evening food markets along the Mekong riverfront expand significantly in November's cooler weather - arrive after 6pm when vendors set up additional stalls selling seasonal specialties

Local buses to countryside attractions resume reliable schedules in November after rainy season disruptions - save 60% compared to tuk-tuks by taking public transport to Buddha Park and nearby villages

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming temples close early during That Luang Festival - major temples actually extend hours and hold special evening ceremonies throughout November, missing these means missing the month's highlight

Packing only shorts and tank tops - November's comfortable daytime temperatures fool travelers into bringing summer clothes, but temple dress codes and cooler evenings require modest coverage

Booking riverside restaurants for lunch - most local eateries along the Mekong focus on dinner service, with limited midday menus and slower service until evening rush begins