Laos - Construction and Renovation

Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos, lies in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. Inhabited for thousands of years, it was the royal capital of the country until 1975. It's known for its many Buddhist temples, including the gilded Wat Xieng Thong, dating to the 16th century, and Wat Mai, once the residence of the head of Laotian Buddhism. Although a bit further afield, it is still worth the journey for sure. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia, thanks to its alluring mountainous landscapes and riverside location.

- Improve the facilities of a local Laotian community
- Develop your teamwork skills through practical work

Introduction Day
Your project starts with an introduction day on the first Monday including a tour of the area surrounding the accommodation, available facilities, cultural "do's and don'ts", safety concerns as well as some basic local language lessons.

Monday to Friday
Working at the project. Activities include renovation and light construction work such as painting, gardening, building walls, repairing chairs and tables, building sinks, garbage tanks etc. depending on what is required at any particular moment. Please note that the volunteer activities and schedule can change at any time based on the needs of the project, local conditions, the weather and unforeseen circumstances.

Evenings & Weekends
During the evenings the volunteers are generally free, and there are no program activities scheduled unless otherwise mentioned. Weekends are free.

The Culture Week will kick off with an introduction to Laos customs, do’s and dont’s and Laotian language classes. Further during the week, you can try your hand at local agriculture practices, handcraft lessons with local help, cooking classes, take a dip in a beautiful waterfall, experience the real buzz at local markets and many more! Of course, we cannot miss the chance to show you the ins and outs of the ancient historical city and its culturally valuable temples, one which is quite different to other cities in Southeast Asia. You will also get a chance to meet and greet one of the Laotian tribes, giving you some special moments to remember for a lifetime. We have a visit to bear conservation planned just for you during the Culture Week!

Please note:
Modest clothing - ladies are requested to cover their shoulders and legs when visiting temples

This project is closed on the following public holidays when you will join the celebrations with the locals.

2025
08 March
14-16 April
01 & 11 May
10 & 20-21 July
07-08 October
05 November
02 December

Minimum age of 18
Basic level of competency in English
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up *
Passport copy sent with the cv at least two weeks before arrival *
This program can be quite physically demanding so participants should be fit for this.

* Please provide us with the documents at the latest two weeks before your arrival. These documents are required to register you with the Laotian authorities and guarantee the project placement.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.