Volunteer Opportunities in Laos

ABOUT LAOS

Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. The landscape of Laos entails mountains, fertile plains with emerald rice fields, and templates, witnesses of its past. 70% of the land area is covered by forests as well. Laos is known as the “Land of a Million Elephants and Rivers,” highlighting two of the most iconic features of Laos’ culture and landscape.

Laos has many protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in an effort to preserve the natural beauty of the country. 14% of the land area is protected, including habitats such as tropical rainforests, mountain habitats and limestone karsts. Laos is home to endangered species as well, including the famous elephants, tigers and gibbons, not to mention a variety of bird and insect species.

It is famous for its ethnically diverse population and the cultivation of rice. The official language of Laos is Lao, also known as Laotian. The culture is heavily influenced by the predominant religion, Theravada Buddhism. There are many Buddhist temples found all over the country which attract visitors from all over. Some of the most popular sites in Laos include Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Plaid of Jars and the Bolaven Plateau. The beauty of Laos attracts more and more travellers each year.

The economy of Laos is mostly agricultural and still dependent on foreign aid and investment. Laos also faces many challenges such as poverty and inequality, despite recent progress. The rapid economic development, partially attributed to infrastructure development has had a significant negative impact on the environment. In addition, Laos can be prone to natural disasters. All these issues have hindered Laos in their development.

Advice before volunteering in laos

Although English may be spoken in urban and tourist areas, learning some basic Lao phrases will definitely be very useful in connecting with the local communities as well as in showing respect for the local culture. Being culturally sensitive and respecting local traditions and religious practices will benefit your experience as well.

Be sure to look after your health and safety both before you leave and when you arrive at the project. Check with your doctor and the Pasteur Institute for any recommended vaccines and medications. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

When packing, remember to check the climate in the area where you will be volunteering. Laos is generally hot all year though weather conditions can depend greatly on the time of year as well as the river levels of the Mekong River, if your project is near to it.

Is it safe to volunteer in laos?

All of the projects are very safe and you will have 24/7 support, guidance and emergency assistance. Nevertheless, you should always be careful and alert when in an unfamiliar area. Petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Check with your doctor and take any necessary medications. Check that you are always drinking potable/purified water as well. In addition, exercise caution when travelling by road and always obey road signs as the traffic conditions can become chaotic.

Requirements to volunteer in laos

In order to volunteer in Laos, you must be 18+, have at least proficient English, have a valid passport and have travel insurance.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES IN LAOS

Discover essential volunteer work in Laos. By choosing humanitarian trips in Laos, you choose to help the most vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly. International volunteers can support communities by teaching them skills for long-term development. These skills help advance in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and hygiene. The goal is to improve their living conditions and strengthen local structures. Freepackers suggest teaching volunteer projects and volunteer construction projects.

Want to make a positive impact? Join a Freepackers project in Laos!