The best time to visit Vientiane is during the cooler months of November to March, though it is also the peak tourist season so prices may be higher and the sites may have more visitors.

Best time to travel

Vientiane rarely feels, crowded however. If visiting in April expect some hot, sticky days but it's also a good chance to see how the locals cool down with their New Year's water festival. Similar to the famed Songkran festival in neighbouring Thailand, the Vientiane version is much more low-key though equally enjoyable.