GIVE Laos: Community Empowerment & Wildlife Conservation

My experience with GIVE Volunteers in Laos was truly unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by both the GIVE staff and the local community. The trip was thoughtfully organized and balanced meaningful volunteer work with cultural immersion and adventure. The GIVE staff created a supportive, encouraging environment that made it easy to step outside my comfort zone while feeling safe and included. They were knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely cared about both the volunteers and the communities they partner with. This experience gave me a new appreciation for different cultures and reminded me of the importance of human connection. I left Laos with lifelong memories, incredible friendships, and a perspective that will stay with me for years to come. I would highly recommend GIVE Volunteers to anyone looking for a meaningful travel experience that combines service, cultural exchange, and personal growth. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm so grateful I had the chance to be a part of it.

I traveled with GIVE to Laos in the summer of 2026 and the trip impacted me in ways I never thought possible. The volunteer projects included building a road up to the village of Sop Chem, and teaching English to the local children. Each project was so important and taught me a lot about hard work and dedication. The adventures we went on were always so fun yet informative. We got to go to: the UXO museum to learn how Laos was impacted by (and continues to be affected by) the Vietnam War; the Save the Bears wildlife refuge; hiking; camping under the stars; swimming in different waterfalls; and so much more. There was never a dull moment. While the volunteer work and fun adventures were great, they are not the most enjoyable part of the trip. The most memorable part was just interacting with and working alongside the local people in Sop Chem each day. The people in Laos may not have many physical riches but they are so rich compassion, community, and love. They taught me to always live in the moment, accept the uncertainty of uncomfortable situations, and to appreciate the little things. Even though there was a language barrier, I still have such a strong connection with many of the women there and I’ll always value the many lessons they taught me. If you are wanting to step out of your comfort zone, volunteer on amazing projects, and travel the world, I highly recommend traveling with GIVE!

GIVE did it again with giving me a second 10/10 trip! The Laos team is nothing short of AMAZING, inspiring, and smart and I am grateful to have gotten to travel with them and learn from them all. Being in the village of Sop Chem was special as I became close to several locals and had the privilege of gaining knowledge of their culture. Beginning with breakfast and ending the day with “good vibes” this organization does one incredible job establishing a personalized and thoughtful itinerary for us travelers. It was an amazing experience working with locals while constructing a road and teaching English to the students of Sop Chem! I also appreciate the pay now, book later option making trips like these more accessible for college students like me! Thanks again GIVE, looking forward to Tanzania and Zanzibar!

This trip completely changed my outlook on life and what I want to do in the future. I grew so much as a person and did things that were out of my comfort zone. Teaching english left the most impact on me, as it was something I never thought I would get the opportunity to do. It was the coolest thing I have ever done and I cannot wait to go on another trip!

There truly aren’t enough words to describe my love for Laos. This trip has been life changing in so many aspects that I can’t even begin to describe. Arriving to the village after a 4 hour car ride and 2 hour boat ride, to see so many smiling faces eager to help you carry your bags is something I will never forget. I will never forget the children and ladies who remembered my name and would say hi to me as I walked through the village. I will never forget the smiles on the kids’ faces every morning as I walked into class. I will never forget the endless piggyback rides that were given to the kids, or the nights that were spent teaching the ladies in the village. I’ll never forget the laughs we shared as a group, the smiles we shared, and even the cries we shared. We shared so many memories that I wish I could go back and experience 1,000 times over again. We ate every meal together, hiked together, rice farmed together, danced with one another, cracked so many jokes together, checked in on eachother… the list goes on. We all endured so much together, and I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. Without the help of any of my tour guides, none of this would have truly been possible. They gave us pep talk after pep talk and constantly encouraged us. If you were to have told me at the beginning of the trip that I would have been 8,000 miles away from home without service for 9 days and still had the best experience of my life, I probably wouldn’t have believed you, but I’m so glad I can look back at this trip with so much gratitude and love. To the cute kids who helped put a smile on my face when I was down, to the ladies who always uplifted my mood and gave me a laugh when needed, and to the other volunteers and guides who were there for me every step of the way, thank you. Khawp jai lai lai, Laos! You’ll always hold such a special place in my heart.

I went on every Southeast Asia trip, and I do not have a single regret. Each trip is unique and provides different opportunities to interact with the country, culture, and people. I genuinely was able to connect with not only those in the group, which I have made some lifelong friends by, but also the locals in every place that I have visited. In Laos specifically, after spending an incredible 9 days in Sop Chem working, teaching, and living with the locals, I feel as if I truly gained a second family. Even though we weren’t able to communicate all the time, I feel as if I was apart of their village. I was constantly playing games with all of the kids and learning from our locals guides and locals about the life of someone who lives there. We got to participate in local cultural ceremonies such as the Baci ceremony, where the locals get to thank you and give blessings and wishes to you as we get to eat, dance, and enjoy each other’s presence. It is these moments that I will remember forever and carry all of the lessons I’ve learned with me no matter where I go.

I had an amazing experience in Laos! I really enjoyed our time in Sop Chem! The locals were very nice and welcoming and I had a lot of fun playing uno with the children! I am grateful for being able to learn about permaculture. Overall I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in travel or sustainable agriculture.

Before GIVE Volunteers, I had never even heard of the country Laos. Now, it holds a very special place in my heart. Through GIVE, I had the opportunity to experience something truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived in the village of Sop Chem, we were welcomed with open arms. The people of Sop Chem are some of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met, and the community made us feel like family. I felt safe, supported, and cared for every moment of the trip. One of the most special parts of this trip was our local guides. They were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also some of the most patient and kind people I’ve ever met. Whether we were learning about Lao traditions, history, or daily life, they were always eager to share, answer our questions, and help us connect on a deeper level with the culture around us. Our days were filled with purpose. We taught English to over 60 children and supported local women in learning conversational English to sell their handicrafts to tourists. We stayed in their homes and learned traditional weaving techniques. What made our experience so meaningful is that every volunteer project we took part in was what the community wanted and not what outsiders thought they needed. We helped build a new kitchen for the village school. In Luang Prabang, we went to a wildlife sanctuary where black bears are being rescued and protected from illegal wildlife trade and bile farming. We visited the UXO Museum and learned about the country’s history and struggles with unexploded bombs. Between the volunteering, we went ziplining over waterfalls, fishing in the river with locals, caving, and planting rice. Every activity felt meaningful and connected to the land and culture. The trip ended with a Baci Ceremony, an emotional and beautiful sendoff that captured the love and connection we had built in Sop Chem. It was a moment of gratitude I’ll never forget. I came to Laos not knowing what to expect. I left with a full heart, lifelong memories, and a second home in Sop Chem.

This was an amazing adventure from beginning to end. The international guides, local guides and community partners are all exceptional people that really elevated the travel experience. This trip has taught me so much about so many different subjects while also still being fun and safe. As someone with many food restrictions, everyone went above and beyond to ensure that I could eat safe, healthy, and filling meals. I highly recommend booking a GIVE trip and taking on the opportunity to become a responsible international traveler and global citizen.

No review I write could ever truly encapsulate the time I spent in Laos. I learned so much about myself and the world while in the most beautiful country around the kindest and most amazing people I have met in a long time. Sop Chem village refreshed my soul and gave me a new perspective on life and how I want to live. I will forever be grateful for the unforgettable wisdom I got from Aiy’ Ton, the many laughs and stories from Aiy’ Sommaiy and Aiy’ Good, and the teaching and permaculture knowledge from Haylie and Mackenzie. Everyone who made this trip possible my heart goes out to you and I am thankful that you are able to share this amazing place with people like me. To the people of Sop Chem, your kindness and hospitality will never be forgotten and you will stay in my heart forever. Thank you to this beautiful world for reminding me why it is so important to care, why I am here, and the passion I have for protecting our planet.

Over the past few years, I have been increasingly involved in my local communities; however, I have always struggled to see the real impact of my actions. When I heard about GIVE Volunteers during my first year of university, it sounded amazing. I would get to meet like-minded individuals, see the world, learn more about cultures, and make an impact that not only would I be able to see but also feel. After being convinced to sign up at 2 in the morning on a random Tuesday night by completely random thoughts to myself, I knew that I had made the right decision, but not until I reached my first destination did I realize just how correct I was. I went on two different trips: Scuba Thailand and Lao, and let me just say, nothing they can show you online will do either of them justice. Thailand: The Scuba Thailand trip is an amazing opportunity to learn to scuba dive and to learn about actual applications of it in marine life conservation, but you don’t just get to learn about it, you also get the chance to actually put it to work. Despite this trip being a rather short one at only 10 days, I am certain that some of the connections I made on this trip will last a lifetime, probably more if they could. Lao: The Lao trip is out of this world. From what I saw and have heard, it embodies the roots of what GIVE is trying to do. You work hand in hand with the community to make a difference through bottom-up development; you can see the effects TRICKLE down into the community. Teaching kids a language while you don’t speak theirs may be frightening to some, but I can assure you, it is some of the most fun that you will likely ever have. Furthermore, the feeling you get from one of your students coming up to you and using what you have taught them to try to talk to you is absolutely out of this world. Live, Laugh, Love

When you’re encapsulated by an environment so intimate and genuine, I sometimes find it difficult to articulate the full spectrum of the impact it holds. With such an intense and immediate impact, my perspectives and journey in this life of mine have forever changed/expanded following my GIVE trip. I think this is because it’s not just one or many things that you learn/unlearn or are inspired by… in my everyday life, since my GIVE trip to Laos, I am constantly reflecting on and utilizing different moments and insights from the trip. It holds a presence in my life no matter where I am or how long ago I was there. The experience guides me through life, helping me grow and become a more open-minded, confident, compassionate, and aware human being. A few highlights from my trip to Laos include ziplining over waterfalls, meditating in caves, learning how to make kombucha, learning from and teaching the women and kids in the village of Sopchem, partaking in an Alms ceremony (sharing food with the monks), once in a lifetime conversation with a monk, hiking to a hidden waterfall, cooking class, working with the free the bears foundation, learning about and visiting the UXO museum (heavy heart when I learned about this information), and SO SO much more! At the end of your time in Sopchem, you get the privilege to be involved in a Baci Ceremony, a Lao farewell tradition, where the entire village comes together to prepare one last union between the volunteers and the village. They prepare dinner, a guided blessing, and then the ENTIRE village will go around and share love, gratitude, and a blessing with each and every volunteer. It was one of the most wholesome, heartfelt experiences of my life. On a broader and more personal note, my trip to Laos helped me realize just how much I value the concept behind being a global citizen. How separation between human life doesn’t actually exist. How walls, distance, religion, ethnicity, etc. don’t change that we all bleed red. That every human on this planet has come from the same source, and we all deserve to live a healthy and fearless life. How mother nature is our home, and anywhere in the world is our backyard! My guides and the community in Laos taught me that no seed, no step goes without rippling out into this world – our world! I am forever grateful to have a piece of every adventure and human I crossed paths with in Laos in my heart – the heart that they all tremendously grew and filled with so much love! Thank you, GIVE and the crew/community in Laos, for providing the opportunity to grow and learn in such a safe and wholesome environment. GIVE helps nourish your garden – it plants the seeds of awareness into your garden. Whether it be the seeds of culture, permaculture, curiosity, history, or empathy, the seeds are planted, watered, and then you get to watch them grow and form this beautiful garden of your own. How inspiring is it to then watch the seeds from your garden help nourish others gardens!

Traveling with GIVE to Laos was single handedly the most impactful and fulfilling traveling I have ever experienced. I know that before my trip I was full of concerns regarding traveling the world on my own and volunteering in different countries in a respectful and helpful way. I’m happy to say that this trip exceeded my expectations for meaningful volunteering and sustainable practices! What I wasn't expecting was the lifelong friendships and powerful connections I made with not only my fellow volunteers but also the amazing and strong people of Sop Chem. The connections GIVE has with these local communities is inspiring, and whether it was teaching English, shoveling sand, or sharing a beautiful dinner with the community on our last night, I truly felt welcomed in these places that months ago would have seemed so foreign to me. A special thank you to all the incredible GIVE guides, they will be there to support you through every stomach ache, tear shed, and beautiful moment experienced, you all truly made Laos all the more impactful and special. Yes it was very hot, and there will be moments that push you way out of your comfort zone, but if you are looking for a meaningful and life changing volunteer experience, GO TO LAOS WITH GIVE!!

First, I want to address a few concerns that some people I met had about the Laos GIVE trip. The trip cost and traveling across the world by themselves. I believe that this experience was invaluable and it was something that I will forever hold close to my heart. If cost is a problem for you I would recommend fundraising for your trip. I appreciated being informed during my trip of where my money was going to. The logistics like accommodations, transportation, food and activities are all covered with the trip price. Most importantly, GIVE does a wonderful job of using those funds to support local businesses and people everywhere you go throughout the trip. By going on this trip you get to support the local people of Laos so they can provide for their families and make a living. One thing I appreciate about GIVE is that they push you out of your comfort zone. During this trip you will experience personal growth, discover new insights about the world and gain a fresh and meaningful outlook on life. Traveling across the world to a country you know nothing about can be intimidating, but once you arrive in Laos you will be greeted by the nicest guides that will make you feel like you are home. Also, you get to meet other like-minded volunteers that you will get very close with on the trip. There has been so much to reflect on after returning home from the Laos GIVE trip. The local guides make this experience so special by having connections and relationships with people in the communities that you visit. Experiencing the Lao culture was an incredible adventure. The kindness and warmth of the people make you feel welcomed, like you're in a second home. Their genuine hospitality creates a special bond. You'll stay in a remote village for the majority of the trip, where you'll be fully immersed into the culture and live alongside the locals. You will have the chance to teach English to kids, helping create a brighter future for them. You'll also get involved in local projects like permaculture and construction work that makes you feel like you are a part of something greater than yourself. Along with all of that, you'll get to experience the everyday lives of the men and women of the village that work hard to weave, fish and farm rice. You'll learn so much from the locals and guides about the history, traditions, and way of life of the village. You'll encounter a different way of life, characterized by hard work and resilience. Though it can be challenging, its clear how much joy they find in their simplicity. The strong sense of community is something you'll never forget, and the love they have for one another is evident. Their lifestyle is genuinely inspiring, and I hope to bring a piece of that back to my own community. The bonds and connections I formed with the locals will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know that if I return, I'll always have another home away from home. Thank you GIVE Volunteers for this life changing experience!

I like honest reviews not just good reviews, so…you are thinking about Give – Laos. The first thing I think you should know is that it is hot, really hot. Not Arizona desert (lived there for 5 years) hot, not US South (lived there for 4 years) hot. This is a totally different hot, and they do NOT provide air conditioning once you are fully immersed in the rural village, because it is not a thing there. So, keep this in mind and think of ways you can pack a portable cooling device. I fully recommend bringing a solar or battery-operated fan to assist. If you want to go big, bring a portable single room/cubicle unit to cool off your accommodation at night. Just remember that electricity is like gold, so it is recommended that you use it sparingly. Now that we are past that, it was a great experience. Others who went on Thailand stated that was more vacation-y while this was more volunteer like. You spent you AM teaching English to the kids, your PM doing a permaculture or construction project. Evenings were usually a nice learning experience or helping the village. For example, we taught basic words to assist the ladies of the village in selling their wares or we learned to cook a native meal. The men took us fishing on their boats and the ladies taught is how they weave. The people of the village are what will draw you back. They were all lovely people who are more than willing to share everything and help you with anything. They also have a great sense of humor, and they speak and understand enough English that there is not a point where it becomes uncomfortable. Watch out for Leanne, that lady is a hustler and will talk you into spending all your money at her booth, lol! If you are willing to get past the heat (or go in the winter months), this is a great volunteer fulfilling experience.

Wow, is Give Volunteer special! This company provided a safe, positive, welcoming, and motivating environment for my month long adventure in Southeast Asia! Words cant describe how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to travel to both Thailand and Laos! The trips included inspiring guides with endless knowledge and welcoming energy, unforgettable endeavors in caves, rivers, villages, and more, and a packed yet organized itinerary! I truly felt safe the entire trip which helped me be present in the culture and activities! I learned so much more than I even imagined about permaculture, teaching english, Buddhism, and more. Not only were the guides amazing but all of the participants and I became family! This program is set up to encourage likeminded people to come together to make the world a better place. I encourage anyone considering taking a leap of faith to attend a Give trip, you will not regret it:)

There seems to be a subtle charm to Laos not many people get to see and I felt incredible lucky to experience. The beautiful green landscape of this country is beyond beautiful. I loved the pace of the program. We had a lot of time to take in such beauty and engage in meditation and even deep conversations with our fellow travelers. Although the level of comfort fluctuated throughout the trip, it felt intentional and you get to grow to love it. Staying at a remote small village, Sop Chem, felt unreal and extremely different from what you are probably used to. Giving back to this community through education, permaculture projects, and overall social engagement felt effortless. The people here are so warm and welcoming. I can genuinely say I'll carry all I learned with me for a long long time.

GIVE is an absolutely incredible organization and you would be silly to chose anyone else. When you travel with GIVE you are fully immersed in the culture, you live and feel like a local. With GIVE you get experiences like no other tourist will ever get, you get to do good by volunteering in your host communities while having fun too! I was transformed by my time in Southeast Asia with GIVE, I got to experience a culture completely different from the one I was raised in a safe and meaningful way. When traveling I became apart of the communities we were volunteering in and I felt like I was family to these communities that had only known me for a few days to weeks and it was so wonderful. GIVE has opened my minded to a whole new world of possibilities, they have shown me through a number of experiences how amazing it can feel going outside your comfort zone - it is there that life truly begins! I urge you if you are unsure or on the edge about traveling with GIVE just do it, take that leap of faith, it will be the best decision you ever make!

This June I traveled to Laos with GIVE. I was recruited for this program during my time at college. I chose to do this trip and travel across the world by myself. The experiences I gained during this time were invaluable. I had an amazing group of guides who motivated me and taught me things that I will keep with me forever. The itinerary was laid out perfectly with adequate time for adventure, leisure, and volunteering. Working with the children and women of Sop Chem was the most impactful part of this trip. This experience was beyond what I even imagined it could be. If you are reading this, you should definitely consider going to meet the amazing guides and people in Laos!

My trip to Laos with Give was transformative and inspiring. We had the opportunity to go on fun adventures, bond with the local community, work hard for a bigger goal, and become friends with so many people. I loved zip lining, going to the bear sanctuary, swimming in waterfalls, but the best part was the friends, jokes, and amazing people of Sopchem.