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Volunteer in Laos

Go off the beaten trail on International Volunteer HQ’s Laos volunteer abroad program. Choose from a range of trusted Laos volunteer projects, including Teaching, Childcare and Construction and Renovation. Volunteer work in Laos is based in a variety of communities in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Center in northern Laos. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 135,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Laos.

Highlights:
  • 3 meaningful project options available year-round
  • Program Fees from $285 for 1 week
  • Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation in a dormitory-style volunteer house in Luang Prabang

Apply For Free

Key information

Fully hosted experience from $285
Volunteer from 1 - 12 weeks
Ages 16+ and families
Based in Luang Prabang
Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Impact driven projects run by locals
B Corporation certified organization
Discover stunning waterfalls & temples

Volunteer opportunities in Laos

Increases access to education

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $285

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based in Luang Prabang
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Assist local staff in childcare centers, providing general support in lessons and free time. Help to arrange games and activities, assist with routine jobs like meals and cleaning, and be an enthusiastic influence for local children.

Supports community development

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $335

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based in Luang Prabang
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Help with construction and renovation tasks for a variety of community services including schools, daycare and medical centers.

Increases access to education

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $285

  • Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based in schools and monasteries in Luang Prabang
  • Volunteers aged 16+ and families

Help to teach English in primary schools or monasteries, often with students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

TL
Tiffany Lombardi
30 Jan 2024

My two sons (11 years and 17 years) and I (mom) did construction volunteering in Luang Prabang. It was one of the best experiences of our lives. It was also meaningful work. We got dirty, we sweat a bit (though the weather was perfect in December /January) and were tired by the day's end... but we just loved it. My sons said it was the best and most meaningful thing they had ever done and by far the best "trip" we had ever been on. They felt like they did something worthwhile. We learned how to make and lay bricks from Uise who was fun and patient, we painted a fence outside a primary school after cleaning debris, and had a lot of fun the entire time. My sons ended up playing football with school children at the very end of each day, and made friends helping a small community. They could see the nice job they had done when we finished and felt satisfied. It was great fun working together and in the evenings/weekends we rested and explored temples, waterfalls, markets, and surrounding villages. ANYONE and everyone should consider construction, it's fun work. Make sure to bring on change of clothes to work in- paint, get dirty, etc.!

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MB
Mana Barron-Judd
08 Nov 2023

My experience in Laos was very eye opening and grounding. I felt so at home from the day I arrived and was welcomed with enthusiasm from Micky, Ticky, Onsee, Khon and Nali.

The program itself was very rewarding and the staff at both the childcare centre and ESL school made working there feel super fun and less overwhelming than I expected. The kids at the daycare were so sweet, funny and energetic and were an absolute pleasure to be around. I loved working alongside the teachers there and learnt a lot from them. Working at the ESL school was a whole different experience but left me with the same feelings of gratitude and warmth. The students were so respectful and keen to learn. It was my first time teaching but their attitude towards me made me feel super comfortable and helped the classes to flow smoothly. I really loved learning from the teachers there too and am so grateful for how trustingly they welcomed me into their classrooms, allowing me to have quite a bit of freedom with how I taught whilst sticking to their workbook.

On top of that I spent my whole stay in Laos excited about my next meal because the chef, Dao, is an absolute genius and makes the most delicious meals I’ve ever tasted. One morning I was craving rice soup which I had been eating a lot in Thailand and she went and got some for me, what an angel! The team is always happy and willing to help out with transport and organising things outside of the volunteer work too, I mean it when I say they truly go above and beyond. I had been travelling solo for two months before arriving in Laos and I felt the most comfortable and safe and supported here out of anywhere else I have visited. I loved learning about Laos history and culture and there is truly so much beauty to see in this place from the people to the nature and traditions. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who is thinking about doing it.

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MG
Maurice Gallant
25 Oct 2023

I was impressed by the quick response time from IVHQ whenever I made enquiries about some part of the registration process or the various programs.

At my placement, I hope I had a positive impact at the very least. I was teaching and tried to fit in as best I could. I felt like I had a good connection with both the teachers I was assisting and the students. I could say it had a very positive impact on me. I’ve taught ESL for over 30 years but never learners as young as the ones in my classes, so it was interesting to figure out how to connect with them and help them learn (and enjoy learning).

I had expected I would be sharing a room, but during the two weeks I was in Luang Prabang, there was only one other volunteer, so I got a room to myself. This was an unexpected bonus. Overall, I was satisfied with the accommodation. Though I have done a good deal of travel inAsia and familiar with many of the cultures, a person cannot be smug and think they know everything. This experience taught me there’s always something new to learn about cultures and people. I fully appreciated the effort put into making my stay in Luang Prabang a positive one.

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HR
Hoana Renau
29 Sep 2023

I found the IVHQ pre-departure process really easy, everything was clear in the portal and the support was amazing from start to finish :)

The local team in Laos were absolutely amazing, they made me feel welcomed and comfortable from the moment I arrived to well after I left. The accommodation was great and the food cooked for us by Dao the Chef was outstanding. The team in Laos ended up feeling like family. I didn't want to leave! I support them in every way and I hope they get more volunteers there as the country itself is beautiful and their hospitality was incredible.

I cannot rate this place enough! I loved every minute I was there from the culture and the food, through to the lovely people and overall atmosphere.

After travelling for 3 months through SE Asia I was blessed to see several different countries and meet many different people. I am so glad I added Laos to my itinerary. It is the most beautiful place with the best people.

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CS
Carlota Sousa
26 Apr 2023

Being with the kids, see their smile and play with them was, for sure, the best part of the all experience. Kids were adorable, easy going and super friendly and excited with us!

As a person I grew a lot during this experience. It gave me a different perspective on life, making me appreciate what I have much more, being grateful for all I have and lastly made me see that I have all the reasons to smile everyday. Life is simple, easy going and fun. We should stop complicate it and adjust life goals for something more rather than material things and "achievements". I would say to future volunteers, "Think no more and go for it". This will be one of the most amazing experience of your life. Go with an open mind, challenges will be on the way (mostly mental and emotional challenges), but at the end you'll grow and your hearth will double in size after all the experience.

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PP
Paolo Pucci Di Montaltino
22 Nov 2022

It’s a truly incredible team! A three man team, hardworking, and will do everything to ensure you have a perfect experience. Very friendly and warm, I’ve become very close to them over this month as have all past volunteers. It was incredible, to see your students’ level progress as the weeks went by and learn the pronunciations and phrases you taught them. Very nice accommodation, safe, clean, wonderful shower. Very central, a short walks away from the night market. Everything I could have asked for. The best was a stupendous rooftop terrace with views across all Laung Prabang, where you eat your meals. It was like eating at a high end restaurant three times day. The cook made the most delicious local dishes, and even made western food if wanted. Lots of variety and always an abundance of food. There is nothing better that you can do. At first I was hesitant even considering backpacking but I can say that volunteering abroad truly allows you to immerse yourself in the culture, while giving something to the community.

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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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Webinar: Volunteering abroad in Laos with IVHQ

Considering volunteering abroad in Laos? Watch the replay of our webinar where our experts will answer all your questions, give their top program recommendations, and give you tips and tricks to make the most of your volunteer abroad program.

Free-time experiences & tours in Laos

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Laos! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Laos program.

Introduction Week
Introduction Week

The Introduction Week is an awesome way to kickstart your volunteer abroad experience and it covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Laos.

$435
Laos Adventure Week
Laos Adventure Week

Explore Laos in a fun packed week where we take you to some of the must visit places and experiences in Laos.

$489
Introduction Week
Introduction Week

The Introduction Week is an awesome way to kickstart your volunteer abroad experience and it covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Laos.

$435
Laos Adventure Week
Laos Adventure Week

Explore Laos in a fun packed week where we take you to some of the must visit places and experiences in Laos.

$489

Check what's required to visit Laos

Other volunteer destinations in Asia

How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!