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What To Wear And How To Dress In Laos?

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 Useful infos Noah

How to dress in Laos? (photo: Luang Prabang)

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.

I. What to wear in Laos depends on the season
II. What to wear in Laos: Clothes tips for women
III. What to wear in Laos: Clothes tips for men
- 1. How to dress in Laos for men?
- 2. What shoes to wear in Laos for men?
IV. Other useful items to prepare when traveling to Laos

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.

Find out: Best time to visit Laos.

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.

Experience wearing traditional Lao costumes in Vientiane

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.

Make sure to bring a bikini when preparing your clothes to wear in Laos if you’re visiting Vang Vieng

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.

Vang Vieng also has many trekking spots, so remember to prepare your sportswear for your trip

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.

Make sure to bring sports shoes if you plan to trek in Laos

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).

Follow this guide to prepare well clothes to wear in Laos

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!

You can refer to:

> Laos transportation

> Laos travel guide

> Authentic Laos 3 weeks

> Laos tours

5/5 - (1006 Vote)

Stezy

5.0 Excellent

Are there any cultural dress norms I should be aware of?

Yes, Lao culture values modesty and traditional attire. While casual and Western-style clothing is common in cities, overly revealing outfits may be frowned upon, especially in rural areas.

Women are generally expected to dress conservatively, avoiding tight or skimpy clothing. Lao women often wear the sinh, a traditional long skirt, for formal occasions, and men may wear a collared shirt.

When attending cultural events, it’s best to dress respectfully. Swimwear should only be worn at beaches or pools and not in public areas. Adhering to these norms will help you avoid unwanted attention and show cultural respect.

Rosado

5.0 Excellent

How should I dress for outdoor activities like trekking in Laos?

For trekking and outdoor activities in Laos, it’s important to wear comfortable and practical clothing.

Choose moisture-wicking fabrics that keep sweat off your skin and dry quickly. Sturdy, lightweight hiking boots or trail shoes are essential for navigating rough terrain.
Long sleeves and pants will protect you from the sun and mosquito bites, which can be a concern in forested areas.
Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun.
Bringing a light backpack with essentials like water, snacks, and insect repellent is also a smart idea.

Koskinen

5.0 Excellent

How do I protect myself from the sun in Laos?

Given Laos’s hot climate, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from the sun. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face, and use sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing can keep your skin covered while keeping you cool, especially when made from breathable fabrics. Apply sunscreen regularly, especially if you’re outside for extended periods. It's also a good idea to carry a small bottle of water to stay hydrated and avoid sunburn.

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