Laos is a country with rich and beautiful biodiversity and is naturally a hotspot for eco-tourists and nature lovers alike. It is home to over 800 bird species and 100 types of mammal and there’s plenty to see when you arrive.
Of course, Laos is a great place to visit and support the following conservation efforts:
- Rescue elephant sanctuaries
- Wildlife sanctuaries
- Sustainable agriculture
- Veterinary work
- Community project work
However, knowing how many days to spend in the country is essential for planning your trip. Not least as you will also require a visa for Laos from the UK which you must obtain before you go. This will give you around 30 days to spend in the country.
Are 30 days in Laos enough for your trip? Find out below where we examine how many days you’ll need to get the most out of a visit to this extraordinary Southeast Asian nation.
How long should I allow for a short trip to Laos?
If you’re just travelling to Laos to visit a specific sight you will only need a few days. Around 5 -10 days should be enough if you have a focused plan.
This will give you enough time to really see the sights you’ve chosen to prioritise on your trip, with enough flexibility to manage the sometimes leisurely transport options available once you arrive.
The most important thing is to allow enough time to ensure the trip doesn’t feel like a hurried rush. Give yourself at least an extra day or two just to really savour your experience and allow room for slower travel times.
Suggested activities for shorter trips:
- Luang Prabang
- Explore Vientiane
- Trip to Vang Vieng
- Tour of Pakse
How many days should I spend in Laos for a holiday or vacation?
You will need around 1 – 2 weeks to spend time getting to know Laos better as a foreign traveller. This gives you plenty of time to explore a few cities and cultural sites at your leisure.
Plus, you’ll have much more of a chance to get from the top to the bottom of the country. You’ll also have more time to try out many of the exciting and eco-friendly activities that are available in the country.
Suggested activities for medium-length trips:
- Take a slow boat down the Mekong river
- Luang Prabang
- Travel to Pakse by boat
- Spend some time in Vang Vieng
How many days to spend in Laos if you want to volunteer?
It’s better to stay for the full 30 days permitted by your visa if you want to volunteer in Laos. This will give you the maximum flexibility possible to support one of the eco-tourism or conservation projects in the country and experience the land as a tourist too.
It’s relatively easy to find country tours and volunteering opportunities that last around 2 to 3 weeks or less. This will leave plenty of time to visit many of the country’s main attractions as well in the remaining 7-14 days left over.
The amount of time you need will ultimately depend on the project that you end up registering for. Yet, the 30 days you are allowed to spend in the country is more than enough to lend your support to one of the many worthy causes found in the country.
Suggested volunteering options in Laos:
- Teaching English as a second language
- Community projects
- Sustainable farming and development
- Animal welfare
Whether you decide to teach English to schoolchildren, assist in sustainable development projects or support a wildlife sanctuary there are plenty of options to choose from. Numerous organizations offer eco-friendly choices that allow tourists to help out with the natural environment in the country.
Laos is a great country to explore as a tourist or as a volunteer. Having a clear plan is the best way to make the most of the time that you are permitted to spend in the nation and to truly experience the majesty of its culture, landscape and natural environment.