Laos - weather & travel conditions in May

Weather

Weather in May slightly change from dry to wet season with rains become more available across the country though the temperature remain relatively high. Clear days still dominate places almost throughout the month.
In the northern mountainous area including Huay Xai, Luang Nam Tha, Phong Sa Ly, Pakbeng and Oudomxay, the average daytime temperature is around 31-32oC but become easier when the nights fall.
Luang Prabang and neighboring areas are bright and dry and the temperature stays averagely around 34oC. Rain fall start to get high with average precipitation of around 160mm. 
The weather in Centre of Laos including Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Xiang Khoang (plain of Jars) is a bit cooler than previous month with temperature ranging between 31-32oC.
Southern part of Laos including the areas of Savannakhet & around Champasak (Pakse, and 4000 island) also sees more rains and temperatures here during this month stay around 33-34oC.  

Events

Labour day
Celebrated on 1st of May, this is a public holiday in Laos. During this time people, especially government workers have a day off from work so, all the offices are closed. You can see some decoration on the streets like flags and banners are hung, flowers are shown in public places.

Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
Celebrated nationwide. The festival is a call for rain and is a celebration of fertility. People gather in the fields on the outskirts of villages and towns to fired self-made firework rockets into the air to ask the god of rain to help nature a good harvest free from drought, floods or pests. Communities compete to each other by showing the best decorated and the highest travelling rocket. Throughout the celebrations, hosts also prepare a variety of traditional food for their guests.

Boun Visakhaboucha
This festival is held nationwide during the sixth full moon of the Laos lunar calendar. Candlelight processions are held in temples to mark the birth date of Buddha.

How to do and what to expect if travel to Laos in May

The best travel condition is expected in the northern part of the country around Pakbeng and Oudomxay…hence promises a good adventure. Weather in Luang Nam Tha is just a bit different with humidity is higher than the neighboring areas.
If you plan to make a classic easy style holiday then Luang Prabang and Vientiane are still on the top of the list.
During hot days, just drink enough water and dress loose fitting. Avoid to expose too much to the sun.
Traveling in Laos during this month you may witness the effects of 'slash and burn' farming. Farmers burn rice stubble and bushes to prepare for the new crop. In the countryside and farming areas, fires and smoke may cause hazy effect at times.