Laos Adventure Including Vang Vieng, Nam Ngum, and Vientiane
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, exploring underground caves, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, and staying at an exclusive beach resort.
Day 1: Arrival
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: Vang Vieng
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 Vang Vieng.
An exciting day lies ahead, beginning with exploring a series of caves. The first, Tham Xang (Elephant Cave), lies on the banks of the Nam Song River. Tham Hoi (Snail Cave) winds deep into the mountain so you will explore on inflatable tubes. The final cave, Tham Nam (Water Cave), has a pool of fresh spring water so you can take a refreshing swim to cool down. This will be followed by a trek to a Hmong village, passing through rice paddies and vegetable gardens.
Overnight: Vang Vieng
Day 6: Hiking and Nam Ngum
Today you will hike to another Hmong village where you will be greeted with stunning views and treated to a musical performance on a qeej (pronounced geng), a traditional instrument used by the Hmong people to communicate with spirits. In the afternoon you travel to Nam Ngum Beach Resort where you have the afternoon to relax by the sea.
Overnight: Nam Ngum
Day 7: Walking Tour and Cooking Class
On the walking tour you will visit a local market and see how fish are preserved by drying. In the afternoon you get to extend your culinary repertoire with a cooking lesson so you can show off your skills back home. Expert chefs will teach you how to prepare a four-course banquet that you will be eating for dinner.
Overnight: Nam Ngum
Day 8: Vientiane
After you arrive in the capital 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: Vientiane
Day 9: Departure
It’s time to say sabaidi to Laos.
Total cost: From $2900
What is included
Activities:
Caves exploration
Trek to Hmong village
Nam Ngum Beach Resort
Elephant Conservation Center
Bear Rescue Center
Walking Tour
Cooking Lesson
Luang Prabang Night Market
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:
Tour of Vientiane
Wat Si Saket
Wat Phra Kaew
Pha That Luang
Patuxai or ‘Victory Gate’
Projects:
Construction
Teaching English
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)