14-day Road Trip in Laos
If you would like to explore the best of Laos with peace of mind that everything is planned for you, our local team has a 14-day road trip that is popular with IVHQ volunteers. Experience Vietiane to Luang Prabang and all the hidden gems in between - this road trip with a difference is the perfect opportunity for volunteers who wish to combine meaningful volunteer work with the chance to see the sights and participate in some incredible adventure activities.
Your road trip through this wonderful country will include culture activities, including language lessons, cooking classes and temple visits. You’ll also enjoy social activities, such as a karaoke night and visiting the night markets, as well as outdoor adventures, including kayaking, ziplining and trekking. You’ll also be giving back to a local community - volunteering in a local school and assisting with teaching, construction and renovation.
The 14-day road trip costs US$970 and includes accommodation, transport and meals and the cost of all the activities that are included as part of the program (see the itinerary for the specific meals included).
Please contact us or your IVHQ Program Manager to sign up or to get more information about this trip.
For a full itinerary of the road trip please see the schedule below.
Here’s what you can expect on your road trip:
Sunday - Day 1: You will be provided with an airport pick up from our local team and be transported to our local team’s center, followed by a brief introduction. We know you will be tired from the long journey so after this volunteers are free to relax or explore.
Dinner is provided in the evening.
Monday - Day 2: Start off with an introduction to the local team, general rules and a class on Laotian culture and language. In the afternoon go on a walking tour around the town, arrange your SIM card for your phone if you would like to have one and finish the day with a cooking class!
All meals are provided on this day.
Tuesday - Day 3: Visit the local village in the morning and prepare a flower offering for a local temple. Then head to several famous landmarks in Vientiane such as Victory Monument, Golden Pagoda, and Wat Sisaket. This is followed by a dinner on the riverside, along with a visit to the night market before heading back to the accommodation.
All meals are provided on this day.
Wednesday - Day 4: This morning involves hiking to a scenic location that overlooks the city and a picnic lunch will be provided for you at the top! In the afternoon you will participate in a mediation lesson with local monks. In the evening you will get to ‘belt out’ your favourite tune at a karaoke night in a local Lao restaurant.
All meals are provided on this day.
Thursday - Day 5: After breakfast our local team will transfer you to Vangvieng (3 hours drive). On arrival you will get to enjoy a walking tour of the city, followed by a visit to a local temple and then in the afternoon free time to explore. During the evening you will head to the famous night market!
All meals are included on this day.
Friday - Day 6: Head on a trek to a nearby mountain and explore the caves. More adventure for your afternoon which includes a kayak trip. After dinner you will be able to relax and hang out as you will most likely be a bit worn out from all your physical activity today!
All meals are included on this day.
Saturday - Day 7: Visit the beautiful Pahom village and don’t forget to check out the view from the village cliff! Lunch is next to the river today followed by a trip to the lagoon where you can spend your afternoon swimming and ziplining. Free time after dinner to explore.
All meals are provided on this day
Sunday and Monday - Day 8 and 9: These two days are dedicated to volunteering and you will assist a local school with renovations and spend time teaching local children. After dinner on both days you have free time to hang out with your fellow volunteers and enjoy Vang Vieng.
All meals are provided on this day.
Tuesday - Day 10: Pack your bags as you’re headed to Luang Prabang - on arrival you will be provided with a delicious lunch. The afternoon will involve trekking up a mountain to enjoy a beautiful sunset at the summit. Dinner will be in town tonight and afterwards you will get to explore the world heritage town.
All meals are provided on this day.
Wednesday and Thursday - Day 11 and 12: These two days are dedicated to volunteering and you will assist a local school with renovations and spend time teaching local children. After dinner on both days you have free time to hang out with your fellow volunteers and enjoy Luang Prabang.
All meals are provided on this day.
Friday - Day 13: Spend the morning visiting temples, talking with local monks and lots of shopping while taking in the stunning views of the town. Your afternoon is an excursion to a Bear Rescue Centre followed by a visit to one of the most well known waterfalls in the country. Take a refreshing dip before you head back to the accommodation to pack your bags for an early morning departure.
All meals are provided on this day.
Saturday - Day 14: You will be transported back to Vientiane.
Breakfast is provided on this day.