GoAbroad

Wildlife Conservation in Laos

by: Globe Aware

Add first reviewVerifiedSince 2001

Laos is a beautiful, tropical, and mostly untouched country that is becoming an up-and-coming destination for travelers looking for an authentic taste of Southeast Asia, due to this, the rewards here are plentiful. It may not be as developed as neighboring Thailand or Vietnam, though this is exactly Laos' uniqueness and charm. Laos is a relatively safe country to travel to, with a slow and laid-back lifestyle, or Ȋ Bor Pen Nyangȋ as the locals say, "No worries!" Laos is sadly one of the major gateways of the illegal wildlife trade from Southeast Asia. There are thought to be thousands of protected wild animals and their parts being smuggled in and out of the country every month. Therefore, having a facility in Laos to combat this illicit activity directly is very important. One of the aims of this program is to improve the conditions for animals currently in the Laos Zoo and help with the zoo’s complete transformation into a wildlife rescue center. Recently, the project site has relocated to a brand-new location, where you'll contribute to its development—work that will directly impact the care of over 400 animals residing there.

Program Highlights

Enjoy traditional meals such as laap or minced meat salad—the national dish, black sticky rice, and noodle soup.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture by taking part in festivities, including the two-week Lao Pii Mai or Laos New Year, which is the biggest festival celebrated throughout the country.

Explore the surrounding nature.

Visit local shops, markets, local-style food houses and bars, and small temples all within walking distance from the center.

Make a lasting impact and see how much the animals and the local staff appreciate it!

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Vientiane, Laos
Starts At: $1500-2000
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 02, 2026

Awards

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Vientiane, Laos

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Starts At

$1500-2000

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Training
  • In-Country Orientation
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Medical / Accident Insurance
  • Some Program Activity Costs

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Laos?

The best months to visit Laos are between December and February. The weather is perfect this time of year, with Vientiane especially enjoyable for travelers who like warm climates.

What is the most famous dish in Laos?

Khao niao, or known as sticky rice, is one of the most popular foods in Laos since it's used with a variety of other foods. 

What are some safety recommendations before traveling to Laos?

We recommend all volunteers, at the very least, to have their DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio) vaccinations up to date.

Program Reviews

This program has no reviews

Review this Program

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like