GoAbroad

Gap Year Programs in Laos

Lao-trageous—aka the word that will describe your time in Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret. While many of its neighboring countries attract travelers from around the globe, the landlocked country of Laos is often overlooked on the typical backpackers’ route. The country possesses a unique charm, slow pace, strong traditions, and welcoming community that is paradise for those on a gap year. So if you’re planning to take a gap year in Southeast Asia, ditch your friends in Thailand, dare to be different, and explore the untouched land of Laos!
Read More
Seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

11 Gap Year Programs in Laos

Laos

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

795

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

See All 4 Programs

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.68

37

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

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 medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

See All 3 Programs

Pacific Discovery

9.55

31

Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Gap Semester

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 exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and globally. Learn traditional crafts, share meals with host families, and experience resilience and hospitality in every community. Conservation work, ethical travel practices, and local partnerships ensure your impact is responsible and real. With leadership training, guided reflection, and mentorship built into the experience, you'll return more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next. Whether you're taking a gap year, earning credit, building your resume, or seeking clarity and purpose, this journey meets you where you are—and helps you grow beyond it. Travel deeper. Grow bolder. Reach out to Learn More!

Where There Be Dragons

0

0

China & Southeast Asia: A Regional Travel Intensive (Gap)

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 comprehensive travel experience that strengthens leadership skills, travel savvy, and understanding of the region. From ancient trade routes to shared waterways, China and Southeast Asia's intertwined histories and natural resources shape the region’s future and play a vital role in a rapidly changing global context. This travel-intensive semester offers students comprehensive exposure to a globally critical region while loosely following the course of the Mekong River across borders. Participants journey through diverse landscapes and cultures while acquiring essential travel skills and a deeper awareness of contemporary topics.

Love Volunteers

0

0

Gap Year Adventures with Love Volunteers

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 Volunteers has provided safe, affordable and ethical volunteering and gap year projects. Join a program today for a life-changing experience.

Volunteer World

8.69

16

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

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 grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

See All 2 Programs

A 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 Providers

Latest Program Reviews

Wildly beautiful

April 13, 2024by: Amisha KalraProgram: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Gap Semester
7

My 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.

Deals Banner Image
Apply for Scholarships & Deals on GoAbroad

to get exclusive discounts on meaningful travel programs!

Apply Now

Recent Gap Year Articles

pros and cons of living in new zealand
Culture
person holding carrots with dirt on them
Top Picks
taking a year off work to travel
How to
man on swing in Indonesia
Program Selection Tips
range rover in snow
Scholarships & Funding
girl posing with graduation cap in the street
How to
How a Gap Year Builds Resilience and Life Skills
After Your Life Abroad