Laos
2-4 weeks in
Highlights
- Explore the monuments, markets and boulevards of laid-back Vientiane
- Discover spectacular waterfalls and lush jungle whilst trekking the Boloven Plateau
- Take a boat trip to the ‘four thousand islands’ on the beautiful Mekong River
- Experience spiritual Laos in gilded Buddhist temples and ancient Khmer ruins
- Help to develop educational projects with remote village communities
Teachers!
All of our expeditions are completely tailored to your needs – if you’re undecided about where to go, just call us, we love sharing ideas. The world really is your oyster!
Expedition
Experience a very different culture
Laos is home to ancient Buddhist temples and saffron robed monks, remote hill-tribe communities and French colonial cities. Wherever you go you will find a wealth of traditional arts and crafts, unique culinary experiences and wonderful opportunities for local interaction.
Explore a new landscape
Trekking on the Bolaven Plateau will take teams across the ancient volcano, passing spectacular waterfalls set amongst lush forest. In Xe Pian National Park, discover an abundance of wildlife and remote tribal communities. Learn jungle survival skills from local guides and stay in traditional village homestays for a truly memorable experience.
Be part of a global community
Help to develop educational projects in remote villages in the south of Laos. Task could involve building sanitation facilities and working on sanitation education projects for schools. Living in the community, teams will work with their local hosts to prepare food and will gain a great insight into Laos culture.
Learn something important
The north Lao city of Luang Prabang is a World Heritage site boasting a spectacular combination of atmospheric temples and French colonial period architecture. Travel further back in time at Wat Phu, a rambling mountainside complex dating from the sixth to twelfth centuries and the most evocative Khmer ruin outside of Cambodia.
What to expect
Terrain
Laos has verdant jungles, emerald rice fields, brooding mountains and the mighty Mekong River. Protected areas predominate in remote area, and a focus on ecotourism means visitors can explore these natural attractions whilst experiencing the ‘real Laos’.
Weather
Whilst July and August are wet in most parts of Laos, the landscapes are wonderfully green, and temperatures drop from the scorching heat of April and May, particularly at higher elevations.
Culture
Despite its small population Laos is one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the region, with more than 60 tribal groups. The country is officially Buddhist but with a good deal of animism mixed in, and Lao people are very accepting and respectful of others.
