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Adventure Tours in Laos

Laos may be landlocked, but that doesn’t cramp the style of adventure travel in Laos. Mystical mountain ranges pocketed with hidden caves, lush forests, and gushing waterfalls make it a veritable treasure trove for adventure travelers. Surrounded by rowdier tourism giants like Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is a breath of fresh air harkening back to quieter times, away from the crowds and bustle. Untouched landscapes, a unique mixture of Oriental and French colonial architecture, and a laid-back feel make this undiscovered country on the banks of the Mekong River an ideal place for adventure travel programs.

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13 Adventure Programs in Laos

Pacific Discovery
9.5531 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Gap Semester

Pacific Discovery's Gap Semester program in Southeast Asia is a t...

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.54761 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

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Travel For Teens
101 reviews

Travel For Teens

TFT for Older Teens: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia

Get ready for the ultimate Southeast Asia experience! On this pro...

The Dragon Trip
00 reviews

The Dragon Trip

31-Day Southeast Asia Adventure Tour

Embark on an unforgettable 31-day adventure through Southeast Asi...

GIVE Volunteers - Growth International Volunteer Excursions
1010 reviews

GIVE Volunteers - Growth International Volunteer Excursions

GIVE: Laos Volunteer Excursion & Wildlife Conservation

​Explore the best-kept secret in Southeast Asia, meditate with mo...

Asianventure Tours
00 reviews

Asianventure Tours

5-Day Adventure Through the Serene Beauty of Southern Laos

Explore the peaceful beauty of southern Laos on this five-day tri...

Zoom Vacations
00 reviews

Zoom Vacations

Zoom Vacations Gay-Friendly Group Adventure Trips

Venture into a “magical” journey with Zoom Vacations, a leader in...

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Latest Program Reviews

Awesome volunteer program in Victoria Falls

June 30, 2022by: Cecilia Hugo - United StatesProgram: World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
10

I volunteered at Nakavango in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, as part of the IVHQ Wildlife Conservation Project. It truly was one of the highlights of my life. And I’ve had some pretty remarkable experiences so that says a lot. The staff a Nakavango was incredible and extremely knowledgeable. They create the perfect balance of hard work and joyous moments playing with the children at Masuwe School, observing wildlife in the bush, and taking in the sights of one of the seven wonders of the world. We each had our own room, were provided three yummy meals a day with great care to accommodate those who have special diets. Highlights of my stay included morning and evening game drives, sitting around the fire pit under the stars, camping out in the bush, and completing a work task feeling that we had made progress on a project. Yet, the most outstanding aspect of this experience for me, was bonding with my fellow volunteers. Prior to arriving at Nakavango, I thought I’d be the senior member of the crew so I was a bit apprehensive even though I had worked for weeks to get in shape physically so I could contribute equally. Well, I wasn’t the most senior. In fact, we had a wonderful range of ages, nationalities, and personalities. We became a family, caring for and respectful of all. That truly blew me away. And now, we continue to stay in touch. I am so grateful for the IVHQ program at Nakavango. It changed my life!

A Guide to Adventure Travel in Laos

Locations

Laos has been hailed the best-kept secret in Southeast Asia (oops, guess the cat’s out of the bag now!). From the northern tribes along the border with China to the southern coffee plantations, adventure travelers in Laos will find sleepy villages, exotic cuisine, and inspiring landscapes beaconing.

Just across the river from Thailand, UNESCO World Heritage city Luang Prabang blends traditional Lao culture with glittering temples and Indochinese influences.Though Luang Prabang has seen considerable investments in recent years, it maintains a sleepy charm showcasing Laos’ cultural and spiritual sides. From here you can hop a ferry to Thailand or venture toward the tribal villages and lesser-known national parks of Laos’ northern region.

Four hours south of Luang Prabang sits quaint Vang Vieng, a departure point for some of Laos’ best trekking, and a gem in its own right. With a small, but dedicated, nightlife scene and an even more dedicated influx of outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Vang Vieng is a hot spot for adrenaline junkies. (Motor)biking through the rice plantations, local schoolyards, and jutting rock formations offer a feel for rural Laotian life. Vang Vieng’s surroundings are best seen from a hot air balloon, from which the peak of Phou Bia, Laos’ tallest mountain, might even make an appearance.

The pearl of adventure travel in Laos is The 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don). Dotting the Mekong just north of the Cambodian border, time seems to stand still here. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! Get your adrenaline pumping with a tube ride or take a break from lounging in your beach-side hammock to take a dip in the river. While you splash around, watch out for the world’s last remaining Irrawaddy dolphins, which locals believe have incarnated human souls. The area is also ideal for kayaking, sunset BBQs, and leisurely bike rides through local villages. There are three main island destinations: Don Khong, Don Det, and Don Khon. Be aware that there are no ATMs on the islands, so you’ll want to come with enough kip to cover your trip.

Pakse, meaning “mouth of the river” in Lao, served as the capital of the Champasak Kingdom until it was unified with the rest of Laos in 1946. In the heart of Laos’ coffee country, you’ll find plenty of Arabica elixir to energize adventures. Take a short daytrip into the mountains to pluck coffee beans fresh from the branch and meander through lush rice fields. Just don’t stray too far off the road, as the countryside is still littered with undetonated cluster bombs and mines left behind during the Vietnam War.

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