Description

Magical Laos is nestled between Thailand and Vietnam and provides a unique and largely untouched window into life in Southeast Asia. Nearly forgotten by the rest of the world for 40 years, Laos offers visitors the chance to step back in time to an era when water buffalo plowed the fields and bicycles were the primary form of transportation. Lao people are quick to laugh and sincerely enjoy the simple life.

The Most Laid-Back Capital on the Planet
Start with a visit to Vientiane, Laos's relaxed capital, which is slowly transforming from a sleepy river town into an international city. Wander down tree-lined boulevards and explore ancient temples as you learn about the unique cultural influences that have molded Laos, from ancient kingdoms to French colonialists to Communist governments. Visit the must-see Pratuu Xai (an Asian-inspired replica of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris) and the temple of That Luang, the national architectural symbol of Laos. Then feast on your first meal of larb and sticky rice the sun sets over the Mekong River.

A Retreat to the Rural
A three-hour journey north will carry you into the rural countryside where most Lao people live. Check out the Nam Ngum Reservoir, a stunning fresh-water lake dotted with hundreds of islands that are home to villages reachable only by boat. Swim in the lake's crystal-clear waters, cruise on a long-tail boat, and explore limestone caverns before ending the day at Houay Poung village. You'll soon find yourself close friends with the smiling, kind-hearted Lao people.

Houay Poung Village Service
Dig into your first community service project at Houay Poung village. Teach students and upgrade the humble elementary school, help to repair buildings in the village, and assist at the local Buddhist temple. You'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a full day's work and how a little energy goes a long way in making connections with the community. Your journey here will end by torchlight as you explore a magic cave hidden high above the islands and then enjoy a relaxing cruise back to base on the calm waters of Nam Ngum.

Lovely Luang Prabang
The next stop on your trip is Laos's most charming destination, Luang Prabang. Often ranked as one of the top travel destinations in the world, Luang Prabang is one of the most beautiful, welcoming, and relaxing places in Southeast Asia. A fascinating mix of French colonial and Southeast Asian cultures, Luang Prabang is a treat to explore. You'll swim in cascading waterfalls, explore caves filled with Buddha statues, and travel to a mountaintop village that will provide a view of the entire region. Spend early mornings giving alms to monks streaming through the streets, and pass the evenings walking through the handicraft-laden lanes of the enchanting night market just down the road from the Rustic Pathways Base. This UNESCO World Heritage town will be your base as you explore and join one or two of the ongoing service projects in Northern Laos, which may include working to improve a local school, bringing running water to a village, renovating temples, teaching rural students English, or helping out with service needs in the villages we visit.

A Million Memories
Leave Laos with memories of emerald green mountains, dazzling rice fields, snaking rivers, spicy larb, and lots of new Lao friends. This program is perfect for young travelers looking to explore this fascinating area of the world and get to know the kind people here. You will truly treasure your time on this memorable service adventure.

Combine this trip with the Mystical Caves and Shamans program for The Lao Overland Service Adventure - a rewarding and in-depth experience with both the land and people of this charming destination.

Highlights

JOURNEY back in time as you explore one of Asia's best-kept secrets and learn what life in Southeast Asia was like years ago.

TRAVEL down dirt roads to small villages and remote hamlets, where you'll learn about Laos's many ethnic minorities and help rebuild a dilapidated school in the tiny village of Houay Poung.

EXPLORE the French-inspired cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, where you'll sip fine coffee and snack on fresh bread.

FLOAT downriver to one of our local staff member's villages, where you'll work with Lao students on several ongoing service projects such as repairing roofs and fixing houses for the elderly.

TEACH English in a humble, dirt-floored school, assist at a Buddhist temple, and help repair buildings in an isolated village.

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,495 USD + 390 USD Internal Airfare + International Air

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983