Laos Adventure - Including Pakbeng
9 Days, 8 Nights
Welcome to Laos, a country once renowned as the 'land of a million elephants,' a charming place in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes and kind people. Nature enthusiasts will fall in love with its beautiful forests, the lush greenery of its mountains and valleys, as well as the tranquil waters of the Mekong River.
Your trip will contribute to the local community by participating in construction and renovation projects and teaching English to school children. These projects encompass a variety of facilities, including medical centers, temples, schools and other community spaces that serve the underprivileged. As well as making a meaningful impact on the Laotian people, you will also get to explore and experience Laos. Your adventure includes swimming in the pools of a stunning waterfall, a boat cruise down the Mekong River, visiting wildlife sanctuaries and learning to cook local meals.
Day 1: Arrival and Project Orientation
You will be picked up at the airport by your tour manager and taken to your accommodation. Once you have had time to settle in, the afternoon will be dedicated to the program orientation, letting you know what to expect over the next few days.
Overnight: Luang Prabang
Day 2: Construction Work, Bear Sanctuary, Waterfall
On the first day of your project you will go to a Laotian village and get your hands dirty building a community project. The work will involve renovation and minor construction activities, including painting, gardening, wall building, furniture repairs and other tasks as required.
In the afternoon, you will visit the beautiful waterfall at Kuang Si. The Bear Rescue Center focuses on the welfare of the Asian black bear, which are targeted for their gall bladder bile, often used in traditional Chinese medicine. These bears have been saved from poachers and given sanctuary in this jungle paradise. By visiting the center, you are providing much-needed support for these animals.
At the end of the day, you will see the village of a local tribe to gain an insight into their way of life. Then in the evening, you will be treated to a Laotian BBQ dinner.
Overnight: Luang Prabang
Day 3: Teaching Project and Cooking Lesson
The teaching part of the project aims to support Laotian children in need of education and make a lasting impact on their lives. This program focuses on enhancing education and life prospects in disadvantaged communities. Primarily held at a local village school, you can teach English or engage in extracurricular activities such as games, sports, music and crafts. These efforts enhance language skills, cultivate interests and inspire ambitions.
After a morning teaching, you will be taught how to arrange flowers to make an offering at the temple in the afternoon. Then it’s time to extend your culinary repertoire with a cooking lesson so you can show off your skills back home.
Overnight: Luang Prabang
Day 4: Construction and Elephant Conservation Center
Following a morning of teaching, you will visit the Elephant Conservation Center in the afternoon. By visiting the center you will contribute to the fantastic work undertaken by the conservationists. Many elephants are bred to work in the logging industry or for tourist rides, but this sanctuary rescues and breeds elephants in an environment that replicates the wild. After the sanctuary, you will visit a local village, and in the evening, visit Luang Prabang Night Market to pick up some souvenirs.
Overnight: Luang Prabang
Day 5: Pakbeng
In the morning, you will see a local fish market, then return to the accommodation and pack up your things for the next leg of your journey - traveling to Pakbeng.
The day begins with a boat trip down the Mekong River to a local village where you will see how Lao whiskey is made from sticky rice. The boat journey continues to Pak Ou Caves, where the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers meet. The caves house stupas, shrines and carvings of Buddha; it was here in the 15th century that the animistic religions peacefully united with Buddhism.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 6: Hiking
In the morning your hike begins down dirt roads that lead to the Kamu villages. Along the way you will stop off at a school, as well as rice and buffalo farms, then finally on to Ban Khma village where locals pan for gold. Try your luck at gold panning and see if you can strike it rich! After lunch, a minivan will take you back to the hotel, passing through a mountainous region where hill tribes still wear traditional dress and lead lifestyles that haven't changed for generations.
Overnight: Resort
Day 7: Oudomxay to Vientiane
Another trek today, this time to the beautiful Nam Kat Waterfall, through the jungle and over 13 flying bridges. After spending some time at the waterfall, you will be driven back to the hotel and then catch a train to Vientiane.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 8: Cooking Class and Sightseeing
This morning, you get to extend your culinary repertoire with another cooking lesson so you’ll always be able to rustle up a dish that will remind you of Laos. In the afternoon, there is a tour of the city, starting with Wat Si Saket and then Wat Phra Kaew. The tour continues to Pha That Luang, a gold-covered Buddhist Stupa that is the most revered monument in Laos and serves as its national symbol. The final part of the tour is the imposing Patuxai or ‘Victory Gate’ celebrating Laos’s independence from France. The day concludes with your last evening meal together before departing tomorrow.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 9: Departure
It’s time to say sabaidi to Laos.
Total cost: From $2900
What is included
Activities:
Mekong River Trip
Pak Ou Caves
Trek through Kamu villages
Trek to Nam Kat Waterfall
Elephant Conservation Center
Bear Rescue Center
Cooking Lesson
Tour of Vientiane
Luang Prabang Night Market
Projects:
Construction work
Teaching English
Accommodation and services:
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
Private transportation throughout the trip
Project accommodation in project center
Post-project accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels
All meals (please note we can cater to all dietary requirements)
Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance
Tickets & Tours:
Wat Si Saket
Wat Phra Kaew
Pha That Luang
Patuxai or ‘Victory Gate’
Not included in this Trip
International flights (we can set these up for you)
Visa costs
Cancellation insurance (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)