Laos, Asia

Luang Prabang in December

Beautiful weather and the peak of the season. Book ahead for Christmas and New Year.

BestDry and cool, highs near 79F (26C), mornings near 57F (14C)

Wat Xieng Thong temple, Luang Prabang — Luang PrabangPhoto: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Luang Prabang. Beautiful weather and the peak of the season. Book ahead for Christmas and New Year.

Weather: Dry and cool, highs near 79F (26C), mornings near 57F (14C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Luang Prabang

December is the peak of the season. Days are dry and cool, with highs near 79F (26C) and mornings near 57F (14C). The weather is beautiful, the air is clear, and the town is at its busiest. Prices are at their highest, and the best guesthouses sell out for Christmas and New Year.

It suits families, couples, and first-timers who want the best weather and can book ahead. If you want lower prices and fewer crowds, November or late February give similar weather. Bring a warm layer for dawn alms and misty river mornings.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Luang Prabang this month.

Crisp, clear mornings

Cool dawns and misty rivers make early walks and the alms procession special. Watch from a quiet side street.

Perfect waterfall weather

Kuang Si's turquoise pools are at their clearest.

Holiday season buzz

Christmas and New Year bring a lively but calm atmosphere to the old town.

What to pack for December

A warm layer for early mornings
Light clothes for warm afternoons
A swimsuit for Kuang Si
Modest clothes for temples

Our timing tip

Book rooms for Christmas and New Year months in advance, since the old town fills completely.

Book Luang Prabang for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Luang Prabang
Opens a hotel search for Luang Prabang in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Luang Prabang
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Luang Prabang
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Luang Prabang for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Luang Prabang

Full guide

Tak Bat (morning alms giving)

Around dawn on Sakkaline Road. Keep your distance, do not use flash, and only take part if you do it respectfully with properly prepared rice.

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Wat Xieng Thong

The town's most important temple, with its sweeping roofs and glass mosaics. Go early morning before tour groups.

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Kuang Si Falls

Turquoise in the dry season, often cloudy after heavy rain. Go at opening or late afternoon to swim without the crowds.

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Mount Phousi at sunset

A steep climb to a stupa with views over the rivers. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early for a good spot, or go at sunrise instead.

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Royal Palace Museum

The former royal residence, with the Phra Bang Buddha image in a temple on the grounds. Dress conservatively.

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Pak Ou Caves by boat

Two caves filled with thousands of Buddha images, about two hours upriver. Best on a clear dry-season morning.

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Beat the crowds

Visit Kuang Si right at opening. By late morning in high season the lower pools are crowded with day trippers.
Watch the alms procession from a quieter side street rather than the main strip where tour groups gather.
Climb Mount Phousi for sunrise instead of sunset. It is far quieter and the morning mist over the rivers is beautiful.
November and late February offer dry-season weather with fewer visitors than December and January.

Know before you go

During Pi Mai, some shops and businesses close for several days, and you will get wet whether you plan to or not. Protect your phone and camera.
Mekong boat trips and some rural treks are less appealing in the peak rainy months (July and August), and some are suspended when water levels are high.
Temples require covered shoulders and knees. The Royal Palace Museum has a strict dress code and does not allow bags inside.
Luang Prabang has a curfew culture: many bars and venues close around 11pm or 11:30pm.

Luang Prabang in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Luang Prabang?

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Luang Prabang. Beautiful weather and the peak of the season. Book ahead for Christmas and New Year.

What is the weather like in Luang Prabang in December?

Dry and cool, highs near 79F (26C), mornings near 57F (14C).

Is Luang Prabang crowded in December?

December is peak crowd season in Luang Prabang; expect lines at the headline sights.