Things to Do in Luang Prabang in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Luang Prabang
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect weather with cool mornings at 18°C (64°F) ideal for early temple visits and hiking Mount Phousi without sweating through your clothes
- Crystal clear Mekong River views and minimal rainfall (only 3 rainy days) make boat trips and photography spectacular with excellent visibility
- Post-rainy season means lush green landscapes and powerful waterfalls like Kuang Si are at their most dramatic after October rains
- Cool evenings perfect for night markets and outdoor dining - you'll actually want to sit outside at riverside restaurants until late
Considerations
- Peak tourist season means popular temples and Kuang Si Falls can be crowded by 10am, requiring very early starts for peaceful experiences
- Accommodation prices increase 30-40% compared to rainy season, and riverside guesthouses book out 2-3 weeks ahead
- Cool mornings mean layers are essential - many tourists underpack warm clothes and shiver during sunrise alms ceremony at 6am
Best Activities in November
Kuang Si Waterfall Swimming and Hiking
November's post-monsoon conditions create the most powerful waterfall flow of the year with perfect 26°C (79°F) swimming weather. The 3km (1.9 mile) jungle trail to the top is comfortable in cool morning air. Water levels are ideal - not the shallow trickle of dry season, but safe for swimming unlike peak monsoon.
Mekong River Sunset Cruises
November's dry, clear weather provides perfect visibility across the Mekong to distant mountains. Cool 18°C (64°F) evening temperatures make deck seating comfortable, and minimal rain means cruises rarely cancel. The post-monsoon river is wide and calm, ideal for photography.
Mount Phousi Summit Hiking
Cool November mornings make the 328-step climb to the 150m (492ft) summit comfortable before 8am. Crystal clear post-monsoon air provides stunning 360-degree views across the Nam Khan and Mekong confluence. Avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Traditional Cooking Classes
November's comfortable indoor temperatures make 3-4 hour cooking classes enjoyable. It's peak season for fresh herbs and vegetables after the rains. Morning classes (9am-1pm) take advantage of cool weather for market visits and outdoor cooking.
Cycling to Traditional Villages
Perfect cycling weather with cool mornings and comfortable 26°C (79°F) afternoons. Post-monsoon countryside is lush green, and dirt roads are dry but not dusty. The 15-20km (9-12 mile) rides to Hmong and Khmu villages are comfortable in November temperatures.
Pak Ou Buddha Caves Exploration
November's low river levels reveal rocky outcrops and make the 25km (15.5 mile) upstream boat journey more scenic. Cool weather makes the cave exploration comfortable, and clear skies provide excellent lighting for photography of the 4,000 Buddha statues.
November Events & Festivals
That Luang Festival
Laos' most important Buddhist festival celebrating the golden stupa in Vientiane, but many Luang Prabang monks and locals travel south to participate. Local temples hold special ceremonies and offerings. Experience traditional music, food stalls, and evening candlelight processions.
Boat Racing Season Finale
Traditional longboat races on the Mekong River mark the end of Buddhist Lent season. Teams paddle ornate wooden boats while crowds gather on riverbanks. Local betting, food vendors, and traditional music create a festival atmosphere.