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Volunteer Programs in Laos

Nestled in Southeast Asia, Laos is a well-kept, landlocked secret nestled in the middle of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar. Despite its history of isolation and war, volunteers flock to this predominantly Buddhist country both because of its tranquil way of life and a desire to help strengthen the country’s growing infrastructure. Volunteering in Laos will introduce volunteers to an off-the-beaten-trail nation with a reputation for warmth (both the people and weather) and an abundance of temples. As one of the most historically well-preserved, traditional cultures in Southeast Asia, a chance to volunteer in Laos is not to be missed.

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23 Volunteer Programs in Laos

A volunteer helping a child in Laos
9.54762 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

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GVI
9.71115 reviews

GVI

Volunteer with Buddhist Novice Monks in Laos

Volunteer first-hand with Buddhist novice monks and local communi...

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Volunteer World
8.7512 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

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Pacific Discovery
9.5531 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Gap Semester

Pacific Discovery's Gap Semester program in Southeast Asia is a t...

Love Volunteers
102 reviews

Love Volunteers

Education Support in Laos

This exciting project was created to help improve the English-spe...

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Globalteer
101 reviews

Globalteer

Volunteer with a Wildlife Sanctuary in Laos

Contribute to a wildlife project in Laos. Volunteers will be base...

Globe Aware
00 reviews

Globe Aware

Wildlife Conservation in Laos

Laos is a beautiful, tropical, and mostly untouched country that ...

Freepackers
00 reviews

Freepackers

Volunteer in Laos: Construction Project

Volunteer in this construction and renovation project in Laos! Im...

Involvement Volunteers International
00 reviews

Involvement Volunteers International

Sports Coaching in Luang Prabang, Laos

This program offers a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful ...

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Laos 2025
GIVE Volunteers - Growth International Volunteer Excursions
1010 reviews

GIVE Volunteers - Growth International Volunteer Excursions

GIVE: Laos Volunteer Excursion & Wildlife Conservation

​Explore the best-kept secret in Southeast Asia, meditate with mo...

Laos Conservation Trust for Wildlife
00 reviews

Laos Conservation Trust for Wildlife

Volunteer with Endangered Wildlife in Laos

Do you dream of working directly with some of the world's most en...

WorkingAbroad Projects
00 reviews

WorkingAbroad Projects

Elephant Volunteer Project, Laos

Volunteer at an ethical sanctuary for elephants in Laos. Experien...

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Latest Program Reviews

One of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

April 18, 2025by: Kellie Butterworth - United StatesProgram: World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
10

I participated in the IVHQ Sea Turtle Nesting Program on Isabela Island from March 31 to April 15, 2025, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. This program combines practical conservation efforts with cultural immersion in one of the most ecologically unique places on earth. Our daily tasks included monitoring sea turtle nests, searching for nesting turtles, collecting scientific data, cleaning up beach debris, and removing invasive plant species that threaten the nesting areas. I worked alongside a wonderful group of international volunteers, knowledgeable local staff, and a park ranger from the Galápagos National Park. The collaborative environment made every day engaging and educational. Scientific Discovery in Action. One of the most emotional and memorable moments came during a nest excavation. As we carefully unearthed the nest, we discovered a single hatchling still making its way out. Watching that tiny turtle begin its journey to the ocean was breathtaking—and witnessing how the scientific data was gathered during the process made the moment even more powerful. The accommodations exceeded my expectations. Staying with a local host family not only gave me a comfortable and welcoming home base but also offered a rich introduction to Ecuadorian culture and daily life. They were incredibly helpful, and the food was fantastic. Eye-Opening Environmental Realities, one of the more surprising aspects of the experience was the amount of trash we encountered on the beaches during our morning patrols. Even though the beach looked clean at first glance, the tides brought in a constant stream of microplastics and debris. It was a stark reminder of the global scope of marine pollution. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone passionate about marine conservation, sustainability, or environmental science. It’s also ideal for those seeking an adventure that blends purpose with exploration. The Galápagos Islands are a natural wonder, and this program offers a hands-on way to help protect them while learning from dedicated professionals and making lifelong memories.

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Laos

Locations

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.

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