Description

Are you seeking a very different traveling experience? Do you want to help out and learn about traditional ethnic communities in Laos? Do you want to do all that in a really remote, off-the-beaten-track place? This project and voluntourism program gives you the rare opportunity to be a visitor with a purpose. We hope you can stay for a few days, as it is less disturbing and more beneficial to the community. Ecoteer Responsible Travels partner co-operate with local villagers to generate alternative income to former Opium growing communities. You will live in an Akha ethnic minority village, located in Phongsali Province, the northernmost, remotest and poorest region in Laos.

Day 1
Transfer from Luang Prabang to the project destination in minivan (7 hrs+), orientation session, briefing and overnight in a hotel. (D)

Day 2
Trek to your village (2-3hrs), upon arrival you will be given an introduction to the village and your activities. (B, L, D)

Day 3
Become part of the Akha tribe and help your new family and friends with their daily tasks including working in the field, cooking and making handicraft (B, L, D).

Day 4
Go trekking along the mountain ridge, whilst trekking you will be hunting and collecting for your dinner and evening ceremony (B, L, D)

Day 5
Continue daily activities and have a go at basket making, gardening and some new local cultural activities. In the evening is your farewell dinner
in the host community. (B, L, D)

Day 6
Say some sad farewells and take the 2-3 hour hike back to the road. You will then be transferred back to Luang Prabang by minivan (7hrs)

Highlights

* Live as one with the Akha Community;
* Trek in the forest and collect your own food for the evening dinner;
* Join in with the local villagers making traditional handicraft and meals;
* Trek and live in some of the most untouched regions in Laos;
* A unique opportunity for you to make new friends and family in Laos and help them to live without being dependent on growing opium;

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Camping
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Heritage Tourism
• Homestay
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Tours
• Trekking

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

399 for 6 days

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18-75

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 1-10

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Ecoteer's Mission Statement

To help locally run grass root organisations to achieve their aims via attracting paying volunteers and tourists. Plus we personally help develop and improve the projects we work with to help them to achieve their objectives.

Year Founded

2005