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12 Gap Year Programs in Laos
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
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At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. ...
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
See All 3 ProgramsPacific Discovery
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Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful e
Where There Be Dragons
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Gain essential travel skills, cross-cultural competencies, and broad exposure to pressing contemporary topics while traveling across Southeast Asia and southern China. The 80-day gap semester, China & Southeast Asia: A Regional Travel Intensive By Land & Water, is for students interested in a compre
Love Volunteers
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Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volu
Volunteer World
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Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller g
See All 2 ProgramsA Guide to Gap Year in Laos
Popular Locations
Despite its landlocked position in the middle of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar, life in Laos revolves heavily on the river. Lush forests, gushing waterfalls, hidden caves, and glorious mountain ranges set a tranquil backdrop for a gap year abroad. Travelers will find the cities of Laos to take on characteristics of bordering countries, while holding tightly to their own culture. From the northern tribes along the Chinese border to the quiet southern villages surrounded by rice paddies, you’ll find diverse locations to call home in Laos.
Vientiane. The capital and largest city in Laos boasts nearly 800,000 people. Vientiane is not your typical capital city, lacking the tall skyscrapers and rush hour traffic found in big cities around the world. Instead, travelers will find themselves in a sleepy town of frangipani-lined boulevards, temples on every corner, and Buddhist monks radiating warmth and tranquility throughout the streets. The French influence gives off an upscale feeling, but with the cheapest prices.
Luang Prabang. This World heritage UNESCO site is located in the heart of the mountains where the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers intersect. Luang Prabang is one of the most popular locations in Laos for those hoping to explore both the cultural and spiritual sides of the country. It is also a great home base for foodies, adventure-seekers, and travelers hoping to explore neighboring countries and tribal villages in their free time.
Vang Vieng. This mountain town radiates serenity with its mountainous backdrop, surrounded by lush green rice paddies. Vang Vieng is a hotspot for adrenaline junkies, featuring extreme landscapes, including Laos’ tallest mountain, Phou Bia. Embark on a trekking adventure, motorbiking expedition, or take it easy in a hot air balloon ride into the clouds.
Popular Activities
Laos’ untouched nature means the country has held onto its culture and traditions. It also means that much of the country is underdeveloped. This brings a sense of rurality and beauty to the destination, as well as a poverty that will make you want to help. While most gap year programs involve some aspect of helping the community, there are diverse opportunities suited for every traveler on a gap year in Laos.
Volunteering. Laos is one of the most impoverished countries in Southeast Asia, with only a quarter of the population living with electricity. Whether you want to stay in Laos for three weeks or three months, there are plenty of areas to make a difference. Volunteer at an orphanage, lend a hand on construction sites, or help develop farmland. Nature lovers may even be so lucky as to volunteer at a local elephant hospital—becoming a savior to these gentle giants.
Teach Abroad. Most of Laos has insufficient educational facilities, which means there are many opportunities for foreign teachers—both paid and volunteers. The most popular is teaching English, as locals will do anything to improve their skills. You’ll open doors for locals—teaching them valuable skills they will carry for the rest of their lives. You may even have the opportunity to teach Buddhist monks who seek out English learning in order to avoid poverty.
Adventure Travel. Striking landscapes make Laos an ideal location for adventurers from around the world. Adrenaline junkies will live in a dream where they can kayak, raft, snorkel, trek, hike, and bike their way through jungles, caves, and country roads. The environmentally-conscious can hop on an eco-tour to enhance their experience even further. No matter how you get your fix, you’ll improve your independence and communication skills through these extreme outdoor expeditions.
Everything else you need to know about gap years in Laos
Costs. One of the highlights of taking a gap year in Laos is the cost. Unlike other travel abroad programs, the affordability of Laotian programs makes it easy to plan. When planning your gap year, think about the assistance you need. Some programs are free to join, while others will charge a fee to organize accommodation, food, airport pick-up, and orientation. It is quite easy to live on just $20 per day for food and shelter. Budget accommodation can be found for under $10 for a double room, delicious street food for only $2, and beer for less than $1. If you’re concerned with the costs of getting there, consider fundraising to cover your flights.
Accommodations. No matter your budget, you’ll have plenty of places to rest your head while traveling through Laos. Some of the most popular options for foreigners are shared dorms or guest houses, as you’ll have the luxury of running water and electricity—but homestays are the ideal if you want to learn about the culture. You may have to sacrifice an indoor toilet, but in return you’ll have home-cooked meals every night and a Laotian family to show you home. Even better, it helps boost the economy to improve the conditions for locals.
Visas. While a visa is required to travel to Laos, the process is simple. You can either apply for a tourist visa by mail to the Laotian embassy or purchase a visa upon arrival. If you apply in advance, keep in mind that you only have two months after the grant date to arrive in Laos. Once you’re on land, you’ll have 30 days to spend in Laos, but it’s easy to extend. Extend your visa up to 60 days for only $2 per day, or hop the border renew your visa and experience a bit more of Southeast Asia. Check GoAbroad’s embassy directory for more information.
Safety. With welcoming locals and a tranquility that radiates throughout the country, it’s rare to feel unsafe in Laos. While it’s important to keep your wits about you, the key to safety in Laos is the seasons. If you visit from May to October during monsoon season, you may experience torrential storms. While these are not always life threatening, they will most definitely bring mosquitoes. Pack your super strength bug spray and watch out for symptoms of malaria or dengue fever!
GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop
Laos is like a chameleon in more ways than one. Its landscape changes from lush jungle to open water, and from green rice fields to tea-leaf covered mountains. The experience will also take the shape of every traveler’s deepest desires. Adventure seekers can explore the jungle by zipline, nature lovers can feel at home at an elephant sanctuary, culture enthusiasts can spend months exploring temples and studying Buddhism, and foodies can experience an adventurous cuisine. No matter your interests, you’ll find your place in Laos.
The motto in Laos is “please don’t rush.” This is the mindset every traveler in Laos should embody during their gap year abroad in Laos since land moves at a slower pace. Travelers should take the time to slow down and experience every aspect of their gap year program in Laos to its fullest. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, feel your blood pumping on the white water rapids, awaken your taste buds with fried frog legs, and let the locals pull on your heartstrings. Not only will your eyes open to this new wonderful culture, but you’ll gain an irreplaceable tranquility to take back with you when you return home.
There is no question Laos is the ideal location for those wanting to spend a gap year in Southeast Asia. You’ll avoid the tourist influx on the typical backpackers’ route and experience an untouched side to this region that will make you fall in love. Embrace your adventurous side and step off the beaten path with a gap year abroad in Laos.
Wondering whether you should join a program or plan your own route through Laos? Consider these pros and cons to organized programs abroad!
Latest Program Reviews
Incredible experience
April 21, 2026by: A L - United StatesProgram: China & Southeast Asia: A Regional Travel Intensive (Gap)
My gap program with Dragons in China and Southeast Asia was truly a remarkable experience. Doing homestays in Cambodia, Laos, and China are experiences that I'll remember for the rest of my life. The instructors were excellent and managed to both challenge the group and make sure that everyone was always supported and had everything they needed. I learned a lot from their instruction, but the full immersion in local culture was my favorite part.
Wildly beautiful
April 13, 2024by: Amisha KalraMy experience was wildly beautiful in all of the places we spent time in - from bathing elephants in the hills of Chiang Mai, trekking in the Laos wilderness, exploring the gorgeous beaches and caves of Vietnam to biking in the Cambodian countryside. It allowed me to grow through the discomfort of traveling, doing activities that I haven’t ever thought to do - such as hiking and rock climbing, and spending time in beautiful villages and guesthouses. Throughout its ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.
The program is over before you know it
April 13, 2024by: Jenna CoffmanI am so grateful to have experienced such a unique trip with an incredible group of people. Southeast Asia is one of the most incredible places from the culture, to the food, to the views! I feel as though I’ve grown so much as a person and am prepared to travel on my own all over the world. I feel that my sense of independence has grown, I’m much more confident in myself, responsible and knowledgeable about the world. This program travels a lot! which is amazing because you do so much from taking care of elephants, to visiting some of the worlds most incredible beaches, temples, and waterfalls, to a 4-day long trek, seeing incredible animals, and so much more. If I had to tell my pre-program self something it would be to soak up every moment because it is such a privilege to travel around Southeast Asia for 70 days and there is so much to take in. The program is over before you know it so go in excited, confident, and believe that you can do anything you set your mind to.
The experience I had was amazing!
April 04, 2024by: James CorradiniThe experience I had was amazing! I feel like I have more confidence in my decisions and thoughts as a person. I feel better prepared to go to college as I feel I can better handle any stressors that it might give me. I would recommend this program, you get to see the world through experiences you otherwise might not be able to see in your lifetime.
I gained leadership skills
April 21, 2023by: Jake WojahnI gained leadership skills in difficult times dealing with people who do not agree with another. The food is out of this world! Know that you went on this trip for a good reason and absolutely go for it!
This is an amazing opportunity if you’re up for adventure
April 04, 2023by: Meghan SimonThis trip will help you learn about other cultures while also looking inward to learn about yourself, AND you’ll be doing this in incredible and beautiful places. This is an amazing opportunity if you’re up for adventure.
I grew into a much more confident, adventurous person
December 28, 2022by: Willow LamkinI grew into a much more confident, adventurous person. I became extremely close with everyone in my group, which helped me become comfortable with myself and be more confident. I went to all of our daily activities, some of which pushed me out of my comfort zone. Showing up each day and trying new things allowed me to discover what my passions and interests are. This program is truly everything I could have asked for and more! I would recommend it to anyone thinking about spending a semester overseas. The instructors are amazing and the program itself is so diverse! We do something new every single day— eating new food, visiting a new temple or starting a new service project. The cultural immersion this program brings is truly incredible and I will never forget the special memories I’ve created in the past ten weeks. I would reassure my pre-program self that I will make once-in-a-lifetime bonds with every single member of my group in the 10 weeks. I’d tell her that she’s going to enjoy every minute of it, even the parts she was nervous about. I’d tell her that she won’t feel homesick and instead will soak in every minute of the program. To sum up my experience in three sentences: This program brought me into the happiest time of my life. I’m extremely grateful for the special moments I’ve made with the members of my group as we’ve traveled to four different countries, immersing ourselves into different cultures and trying new things every day. This trip and the people I’ve experienced it with will always hold a special place in my heart.
I feel more prepared to take on the rest of my life
December 23, 2022by: Stella DonahueI feel more prepared to take on the rest of my life. I have gained an immense amount of confidence in my ability to take care of myself and travel abroad. I would absolutely recommend this program to others. Southeast Asia is incredible and traveling with a group like this with structure and set plans but also free time to explore what you like is so great for young adults. I think I was pretty confident going into the program but I would want to tell myself to slow down and really enjoy every moment of it. In essence this program was traveling to beautiful places, having surreal experiences, and making lifelong friendships.
Trip of a lifetime
December 23, 2022by: ClaireMy experience in Southeast Asia with Pacific Discovery was definitely the trip of a lifetime. I got to explore parts of the world I did not know much about before and immerse myself in different cultures. Prior to the program start, I was very anxious about whether I would relate and connect well with my peers, but I ended up creating amazing memories and learning from everyone. Traveling is just as challenging as it is fun, but patience with yourself and openness toward new people and places is key! There are so many amazing things to embrace during and after the trip!
This program has truly changed me for the better
December 23, 2022by: Cady WoodThis program has truly changed me for the better. It helped me find a group of people, who all come from incredibly different backgrounds, that share many of the same interests. I fell in love with so many different places, foods and cultures. I was inspired to become a more environmentally conscious, self-less and low-maintenance person. This trip alone feels like a whole chapter in my life because of how much I grew and experienced in these last 10 weeks.
Do it
December 21, 2022by: Lucia CorreaDo it. Even if you don’t know where you need to grow, you’re gonna grow one way or another. And so much. This trip is an overstimulation of your insanely beautiful surroundings, complex relationships, and time with self. You’re gonna have more time with yourself than you ever have. And it’s gonna be for the best.
Cloud 9
November 27, 2019by: Abigail Rowe - United StatesThis whole semester it seemed I was living on cloud 9. of course there were times when I was mad, or sad or just annoyed, but those are not the times I remember. The thing I remember was the long bus rides watching movies with my friends, the spontaneous adventure we would do when we got free time from the whole group, the amount of gut-wrenching laughing that occurred at all times of the day. These are the things I am going to remember, for me experiences are often not about the places, yes while Southeast Asia was definitely one of the most amazingly beautiful places I have ever seen, what made this trip so special was the incredible people who were on this journey with me. People make these places amazing for me and I was lucky enough to be surrounded by people who made our little group into a family. That is what is so special about this program is that it takes you so far out of your comfort zone that you learn how to be comfortable in your comfort. This experience has allowed me to open so many doors for myself because I am not afraid of the discomfort, in fact, I look forward to the discomfort because I know that's when I will learn and grow the most.
Turtle conservation project in Costa Rica
April 30, 2018by: Drew Copping - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
Costa Rica's Turtle Conservation Project was one thing I will never forget! Such an eye opening and amazing experience. The IHQV program is an amazing way to explore the world in a feasible way. Not only is it affordable but I would have never experienced anything like it! IHQV Brings so much more, more ham any guided tour, more than a resort, and more than anything you could experience on your own. They have demonstrated such strong dedication to make sure every part of the trip is a great learning exprenice while keeping it fun. One of my most memeroble moments would be seeing the indangered leather back turtle lay her eggs. Because the leather back is in such danger it is critical that her eggs are gathered and re-nested in the hatchery where they can be taken care of and monitered to keep them safe from predators. I was lucky enough to be able to personally collect her eggs and dig a new nest to place each egg carfully. It was truley an amazing experience. I wish I could go back to see them hatch! Not only was this such an amazing experience, but every single person I met on this trip through the program m, I will dearly miss. IHQV brings everyone with similar ambitions together and from all over the world. I loved to meet people from the UK, Australia and Italy. Never could I go anywhere and meet such amazing people in one single place. I would recommend this program a million times. Leaving was hard, I'll miss my friends I have made and most importantly all the work that was done everyday to help such a wonderful project!
![International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.goabroad.com%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Fc_pad%2Cw_67%2Ch_67%2Fv1%2Fimages2%2Fclients%2Flogos%2FMAIN%2Fb7aQwxqKkTQs1TCbQKDnmQAVGPjGCilE6Nj4ktx5.jpg&w=96&q=75){kind=small}
Hi Drew, thank you for sharing your incredible experience on the Turtle Conservation project in Costa Rica! It's amazing that you were able to help in the protection of the leatherback turtles eggs as this is such an important task in the conservation of the turtles. We would love to have you join us again in the future! ^Rachel - IVHQ Costa Rica Program Manager
Amazing!!
April 04, 2018by: Caroline - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
My time volunteering in Portugal was the most amazing experience. It gave me the comfort and growth to travel and experience new adventures on my own. The staff, locals and coordinators ensured my stay was the best possible experience.
Hi Andy - It's awesome to hear about your time on the program, and I'm so glad you enjoyed your experience in Ghana. Our local team is awesome and I'm thrilled to hear you felt supported by them in every capacity during your time on the program. I wish you all the best! ^Caroline - IVHQ Portugal Program Manager
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