Teaching
Laos, Luang Prabang5(2)
Volunteer with children in Laos
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 18 years old
from €800 for 2 weeks
Laos
Volunteer opportunities in Laos
Volunteer in Laos, a land of mountains, emerald rice fields and Buddhist temples, and support local communities through teaching and construction projects.
2 programmes in this country
Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. The landscape of Laos includes mountains, fertile plains with emerald rice fields, and temples that bear witness to 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. Buddhist temples found all over the country attract visitors from around the world. Some of the most popular sites in Laos include Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Plain of Jars and the Bolaven Plateau. The beauty of Laos attracts more and more travellers each year.
Good to know before you go
- Visa
- Most European travellers need a visa, which can be obtained online (eVisa) or on arrival.
- Health
- Please check with your doctor or a travel clinic which vaccinations you need for your destination. You can also find up-to-date health advice for each destination on the Institut Pasteur website.
Our programmes in Laos
Construction
Laos5(2)
Construction project in Laos
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 18 years old
from €890 for 2 weeks
Responsible travel by Freepackers
Not looking to volunteer?
Travel in Laos with Planeta First
No project to join here: you discover the country with local guides and hosts, at your own pace.
About the destination
About Laos
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 the country’s 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 nearby.
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. Always make sure you drink safe or 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+, be proficient in English, have a valid passport and have travel insurance.
Volunteering opportunities in Laos
Discover essential volunteer work in Laos. By choosing a humanitarian trip to 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 support progress in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and hygiene. The goal is to improve their living conditions and strengthen local structures. Freepackers offers teaching and construction volunteer projects.
Want to make a positive impact? Join a Freepackers project in Laos!
