WHY we need you in Laos
- Laos is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, with around 23% living below the poverty line
- Poverty is particularly acute in rural areas, where around 80% of the country's poor reside
- Health issues in Laos include malnutrition, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, and a high incidence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- Education is a priority in Laos, but access and quality remain a challenge, especially in rural areas.
- A report by Save the Children stated from 2015 to 2020, approx. 28.2% of children aged between 5-17 were engaged in labour.
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experience
- Impactful Projects to Choose From in Laos
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
Volunteer in Laos
Laos is a beautiful and culturally rich country located in Southeast Asia. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Mekong River, Kuang Si Falls and the Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardenand, as well as its historic Buddhist temples and traditional handicrafts. Despite facing challenges such as poverty and access to education and healthcare, Laos remains a fascinating and welcoming destination for travellers from around the world.
Volunteering in Laos can be a rewarding experience for those interested in making a positive impact and immersing themselves in the local culture. There are a number of volunteer opportunities available, including teaching English, working in kindergartens and construction programs.
Volunteer Projects in Laos
ENGLISH TEACHING
Teach English to children of a local village in ancient Laos! You will have the opportunity to teach these eager learners in an informal setting, incorporating engaging activities and games. Feel free to be creative in your approach!
Location: Luang Prabang
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A
KINDERGARTEN TEACHING
Assist the local kindergartens by teaching English and arranging fun activities for the kids. You will be assigned to one of the two kindergartens that we support, where you'll teach basic English, manage fun activities, and support the local staff.
Location: Luang Prabang
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A
CONSTRUCTION
Renovate temples, schools, and other structures in beautiful Laos. Many of the community facilities and buildings in this historic city require significant improvements, and your contribution will play a vital role in enhancing the community's well-being.
Location: Luang Prabang
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A
CULTURE WEEK
Experience the true essence of Laos through various cultural activities, city outings, waterfall explorations, and more! Immerse yourself in Laos' culture, natural beauty, delicious cuisine, friendly people, unique traditions, and much more!
Location: Luang Prabang
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A
ADVENTURE WEEK
Embark on an exciting week-long adventure in Laos, as we guide you through the must-visit destinations and immersive experiences this beautiful country has to offer. Enjoy a slow boat cruise, spend two days trekking through picturesque landscapes, and more!
Location: Luang Prabang
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A
1 WEEK SUMMER SPECIAL
Embark on an adventure through Laos, immersing yourself in its cultural richness and natural beauty of this landlocked country. Flower making offerings to the temple, meditation, and a Lao cooking experience, kayaking trip along the Khan River, bamboo forest trek, visiting a Khmu hill tribe village and a homestay, and more!
Location: Luang Prabang
Start Dates: 3rd June 2024, 1st July 2024, 5th August 2024
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: N/A
Laos
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Fees
Standard
Projects
- English Teaching
- Kindergarten Teaching
- *Construction
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1 Week - $455
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2 Weeks - $575
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3 Weeks - $825
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1 Month - $1055
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2 Months - $2155
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3 Months - $3150
- Private rooms cost additional $150 p/week
Standard
Projects
- Adventure Week
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1 Week - $545
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2 Weeks - n/a
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3 Weeks - n/a
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1 Month - n/a
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2 Months - n/a
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3 Months - n/a
- Private rooms cost additional $150 p/week
Specialty
Projects
- Culture Week
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1 Week - $475
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2 Weeks - $825
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3 Weeks - $1250
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1 Month - $1650
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2 Months - $3350
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3 Months - $4990
- Private rooms cost additional $150 p/week
Summer
Special
- 1 Week Summer Special
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1 Week - $975
- Private rooms cost additional $150 p/week
30 Years Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally. We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
Safe & Responsible Projects
Work Experience & University Credits
Laos is a country in Southeast Asia that is known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and unique culture. The country has been shaped by centuries of influences from neighbouring countries such as China, Vietnam, and Thailand, which is reflected in its diverse architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Laos has a rich and diverse history shaped by various influences throughout the centuries. The Lan Xang kingdom emerged in the 14th century, ruling much of what is now Laos and parts of present-day Vietnam and Thailand. Laos came under French colonial rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries, gaining independence in 1954. The country faced conflict and turmoil in the decades that followed, including involvement in the Vietnam War and a communist takeover in 1975. Despite its challenges, Laos has emerged as a culturally rich country, blending traditional and modern influences, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring Southeast Asian history and culture.
The climate of Laos is tropical, characterized by hot and humid conditions year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically runs from May to October, with heavy rainfall and high humidity levels. The dry season, which runs from November to April, is generally cooler and less humid, with temperatures averaging around 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the day and dropping to around 15-20°C (59-68°F) at night.
However, it’s important to note that temperatures and climate can vary greatly depending on the specific region of Laos you are in. For example, areas in higher elevations, such as the northern provinces, can be cooler than lowland areas. It’s also important to note that during the months of March and April, the temperature can soar to around 40°C (104°F) in some parts of the country. Overall, travelers to Laos should be prepared for hot and humid weather, especially during the wet season, and should bring appropriate clothing and gear to stay comfortable in varying conditions.
The culture of Laos is a rich blend of diverse influences, including Buddhist, animist, and French colonial traditions. Buddhism plays a central role in daily life, and the country is home to many stunning temples and religious sites, such as the famous Pha That Luang stupa in Vientiane.
In addition to its religious traditions, Laos is known for its beautiful handicrafts, including silk textiles, silverwork, and woodcarvings. Visitors to Laos can explore local markets and villages to discover these traditional crafts, which are often made by skilled artisans using age-old techniques.
Laotian cuisine is also a highlight of the country’s culture, featuring a blend of spicy, sour, and sweet flavors. Popular dishes include laap (a minced meat salad), sticky rice, and papaya salad. Visitors can also try a range of delicious street food, such as khao jee (a type of sandwich made with baguette bread and various fillings) and noodle soups.
The Lao Loum, or lowland Lao, make up the majority of the population and are centered around the Mekong River valley. The Lao Theung, or upland Lao, live in the mountainous regions of the country, while the Lao Sung, or highland Lao, are found in the northern provinces near the border with China.
Despite differences in language and customs, the people of Laos share a deep sense of community and family values, with strong ties to their local villages and communities. Visitors can often participate in local festivals and celebrations, which are an important part of Lao culture and typically involve colorful parades, traditional music and dance performances, and delicious food.
Luang Prabang is a picturesque city situated in the northern region of Laos, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and serene Buddhist temples. Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai, and Wat Visoun are some of the most famous temples in the city, offering stunning examples of traditional Lao architecture. The lively night market, where visitors can sample local street food and browse through a wide range of local handicrafts, is also a must-visit attraction. Additionally, the city is a great base for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and visiting the Kuang Si waterfalls, making it a well-rounded destination for travellers seeking cultural, natural, and culinary experiences.
The accommodation is located on the main road of the world heritage town surrounded by a beautiful mountainous view next to the Mekong River. The accommodation is easy to reach the local night market, and the town centre, which is a few mins walk. Rooms are shared dorms with up to 4 people of single gender. Included are wifi, hot showers, air-con, fans, and a laundry facility at an extra cost.
You can find simple groceries and beverages sold in two local restaurants located next to the accommodation. There are also shops and a local market located 3 minutes and 10 minutes away respectively, by foot. There is also a pharmacy and local clinic located less than 5km away.
There is a lake-side makeshift restaurant just for us, where you can enjoy the evenings and order Western or Laotian food at reasonable prices.
We offer a variety of local Laotian dishes. Participants may find that the cuisine is quite different from what they are used to at home, as there are very few Western dishes served. Local dishes can sometimes be adapted to accommodate vegetarians but can be a bit challenging with other dietary restrictions. Please inform the local team of your specific needs and they will do their best. However, please consider that it may not be possible to meet those personal tastes or guidelines every day to your satisfaction. In instances like this, we do suggest, bringing some of your own items to supplement the food being served.
In addition, 3 meals are provided every day of the program scheduled at 8am for Breakfast, 12pm for Lunch, and 6:00pm for Dinner and on weekends only brunch and dinner.
You can choose to add on the 1-week orientation before your program, for an extra fee. This is a fantastic way to learn more about the local culture, get to know the local area, visit some local sights, and take part in cultural activities. It’s also a great way to settle into your new home and can give you confidence for starting your volunteer project, already knowing about what to expect in local life.
All programs have an introduction day where you will learn some of the ‘dos and don’ts’, be shown around the local town and learn some basic local languages phrases.
An arrival airport pickup is included in the cost of your placement. Accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. Arrivals are on Saturdays and Sundays (please check the individual project for the pickup window times, as they can differ). Arrivals on Saturday will need to book another night at the accommodation.
If arriving outside the pickup times we can arrange a private transfer and extra night’s accommodation, depending on availability, or you can make your own way to the project.
Explore the ancient city of Luang Prabang: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautiful blend of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and traditional Laotian buildings. Walk along the Mekong River, visit the night market, and see the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Learn about Laos’s history: Visit the COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane to learn about the effects of the Vietnam War on Laos and the ongoing problem of unexploded ordnance. The National Museum in Luang Prabang is also a great place to learn about the country’s history and culture.
Take a boat ride on the Mekong River: The Mekong River runs through Laos and is a major source of transportation and commerce. Take a scenic boat ride to see the stunning landscape, visit small riverside villages, and experience the local way of life.
Trek through the Laotian countryside: Laos is known for its beautiful natural scenery and trekking is a great way to experience it. Explore the countryside, visit remote villages, and see stunning waterfalls and rice paddies.
Explore the Plain of Jars: The Plain of Jars is a unique archaeological site located in central Laos. It consists of thousands of large stone jars scattered across several sites. The jars date back to the Iron Age and their purpose is still a mystery. Exploring the Plain of Jars is an unforgettable experience and a must-see for history buffs.
Visit the Kong Lor Cave: The Kong Lor Cave is a spectacular limestone cave located in central Laos. It is over 7 kilometres long and includes a river that runs through it. Visitors can take a boat ride through the cave and witness stunning rock formations and underground waterfalls. This is a great activity for adventure seekers.
Relax in the 4000 Islands: The 4000 Islands, also known as Si Phan Don, is a picturesque archipelago located in the southern part of Laos. Visitors can relax on sandy beaches, swim in the Mekong River, and take boat rides to see the famous Irrawaddy dolphins. This is a great place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Attend a traditional Baci ceremony: The Baci ceremony is a traditional Lao ritual that is often performed for special occasions such as weddings or to welcome guests. The ceremony involves tying strings around a person’s wrist to symbolize good luck and prosperity. Visitors can participate in a Baci ceremony and learn about Lao culture and customs.
Experience the Night Markets: Laos is famous for its vibrant night markets, where visitors can find a variety of local food, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Some of the best night markets are located in Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Pakse. This is a great way to experience local culture and mingle with the friendly Lao people.