Volunteer Programs in Laos

Luang Prabang is one of the most popular destinations for volunteering in Laos, due to its World Heritage UNESCO site status in the heart of the mountains and the intersection of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. Volunteer work in Laos is a top pick because of the nation provides a sense of rurality, yet is complete with at-home amenities due to the rather recent influx of tourism. Luang Prabang is well known for volunteer projects in orphanages, working on developing farmland, and at the local elephant hospital. During downtime, individuals who volunteer in Luang Prabang will enjoy touring the well preserved architectural and artistic blend of traditional and colonial architecture which is a staple of Laos.

Vientiane, the largest city in Laos with an estimated population of 783,000 people, isn’t the typical capital city. Instead of high speed commuter trains, tall skyscrapers, or bustling bumper-to-bumper traffic, the relaxed pace of volunteering in Veintiane may come as a welcome surprise to international volunteers. River life is front and center in this city, due to its location on the Mekong River bordering Thailand. The most common type of volunteer opportunities in Vientiane are related to social projects, such as education, nonprofit assistance, and economic development.

Rural areas are also popular locations for volunteering in Laos, and placements in these areas usually involve volunteer work across multiple towns or villages. Since Laos is one of the least developed and most impoverished countries in Southeast Asia, volunteers are in demand to assist with community development and infrastructure. Only 75 percent of the country has electricity and most governmental and educational facilities are insufficient. In these areas, the most common types of projects are related to construction, renovation, and repairs.