What To Wear And How To Dress In Laos?
What clothes should wear when traveling to Laos is a question many tourists ask. Located in a tropical monsoon zone, Laos has a hot and humid climate year-round. Therefore, preparing the right clothes to wear in Laos will help you acclimate better to the weather conditions and fully enjoy your vacation while exploring various destinations. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to dress in Laos for both men and women, with suggestions on outfits to prepare for your next trip.
Table of Contents
I. What to wear in Laos depends on the season
Laos has a monsoon tropical climate and is divided into two distinct seasons: the dry season (October to April) and the rainy season (May to September).
Moreover, the weather is warm year-round. If you're traveling to the mountainous regions, like northern Laos (Luang Prabang, Bokeo), it will be cool in the evenings.
In contrast, temperatures in southern Laos (Champasak, Attapeu) will be higher than in other areas. Therefore, depending on the time of year and the places you visit, carefully consider what to wear in Laos to make your stay unforgettable.
II. What to wear in Laos: Clothes tips for women
The first thing to know is that Laos is a Buddhist country with a specific dress culture. Locals generally dress modestly. Even under the scorching sun, they wear long-sleeved clothing to avoid sunburn. Therefore, you shouldn't wear revealing clothes during your trip to Laos to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Pay particular attention when visiting temples: long-sleeved clothes should be prioritized to respect the sacred sites in Laos.
1. How to dress in Laos' cities for women?
What to wear in Laos for women in cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, a T-shirt and shorts are good options if you plan to walk a lot. Otherwise, long or short dresses will allow you to take beautiful photos at tourist sites, especially while strolling through Luang Prabang ancient town.
2. How to dress when visiting waterfalls and the Mekong River?
Although Laos does not have access to the sea, it boasts numerous beautiful waterfalls and the Mekong River for water activities like swimming, cliff diving and zip-lining. For example, the Kuang Si Falls, considered the most beautiful in Luang Prabang, and the stunning bright blue lagoons in Vang Vieng are must-see spots.
Therefore, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit (bikini or a one-piece), when preparing your clothes to wear in Laos. Additionally, if you’re planning a cruise on the Mekong, a dress with colorful patterns will be an ideal choice.
3. How to dress when trekking in Laos' mountains?
If you enjoy trekking, northern Laos is an ideal destination with its majestic mountains, pristine forests, rivers flowing through caves, and stunning waterfalls. In Laos, there are 3 main mountain ranges you can explore: the Annamites, Luang Prabang, and Phi Pan Nam.
Therefore, breathable sports and trekking clothes are suitable for these adventures. If you plan to spend the night in the mountains, don't forget to bring a light jacket, as temperatures will drop. Additionally, consider wearing appropriate sports shoes, a cap, sunglasses, and some other essential accessories.
4. What shoes to wear in Laos for women?
Here are some suggestions for women on what shoes to bring for a trip to Laos:
- Sports shoes for hiking and trekking.
- Sandals or flip-flops for strolling around the city, removing shoes to enter temples, or swimming in waterfalls.
- Flat, more elegant shoes suitable for city tours.
5. Essential accessories for women when travelling to Laos
- A lightweight jacket will help protect your skin from sunburn. Don’t underestimate the sun in a tropical country; you wouldn’t want your skin to be burned and painful during your trip.
- Long-sleeved, long-leg pajamas to avoid mosquito bites.
- Un chapeau, des lunet
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential accessories if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors during the day.
- A backpack (preferably) or a handbag to carry essentials while traveling.
III. What to wear in Laos: Clothes tips for men
1. How to dress in Laos for men?
For men, packing for a trip to Laos is more simple. Here’s a list of items to prepare for your journey:
- Short-sleeve T-shirts and tank tops
- Shorts
- Light jacket (for sun protection and mosquitoes)
- Long pants (for visiting temples and sacred places)
- Sportswear (for hiking and cave exploration)
- Swimsuit (for waterfalls, lakes, and lagoons)
- Essential accessories: sunglasses, hat, underwear, socks
2. What shoes to wear in Laos for men?
When it comes to shoes for your trip to Laos, you simply need to pack:
- 1 pair of sports shoes
- 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops (for city visits, temples, or swimming)
Some hotels also provide slippers, which you can use for getting around the city instead of bringing your flip-flops.
IV. Other useful items to prepare when traveling to Laos
In addition to clothes to wear in Laos, it’s also important to prepare some essential items for a worry-free holiday in the Land of a Million Elephants, including:
- Hat/cap, sunglasses (a must)
- Sunscreen with at least SPF 50
- Travel towel: handy for wiping off sweat or after a swim
- Mosquito repellent: in lotion or spray form
- Power bank: useful if you’re spending the day outdoors
- Travel adapter: to charge all your electronic devices (the most common plug types in Laos are A, B, and C)
- Handbag/backpack (to carry essential items during the day)
- Toiletry kit (in case you prefer not to use local hygiene products)
- Umbrella, raincoat (if traveling during the rainy season).
We hope this detailed guide on clothes to wear in Laos has answered your questions about "how to dress in Laos". If you need further assistance regarding Laos or other Southeast Asian countries, feel free to contact Autour Asia, your Laos tour agency. Our travel advisors will get back to you as soon as possible!
For a 3-week trip to Laos, the budget depends on your travel style.
For budget travelers, expect to spend around $50 per day, totaling approximately $1,000, covering accommodation, meals, and local transportation.
A mid-range budget would be around $60-70 per day, totaling about $1,200-1,500, which includes more comfortable hotels and additional activities. For a higher-end trip, plan to spend around $100 or more per day.
For more information: Laos trip cost.
Shorts are fine for casual sightseeing in Laos, especially when exploring cities, markets, or outdoor attractions where the dress code is relaxed.
However, when visiting religious or cultural sites, such as temples or important landmarks, it’s best to wear long pants or skirts out of respect for local customs. Dressing respectfully not only honors local traditions but also enhances your cultural experience.
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