Gap Year Programs in Laos

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.

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.

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!

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!