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Adventure Tours in Laos

Laos may be landlocked, but that doesn’t cramp the style of adventure travel in Laos. Mystical mountain ranges pocketed with hidden caves, lush forests, and gushing waterfalls make it a veritable treasure trove for adventure travelers. Surrounded by rowdier tourism giants like Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is a breath of fresh air harkening back to quieter times, away from the crowds and bustle. Untouched landscapes, a unique mixture of Oriental and French colonial architecture, and a laid-back feel make this undiscovered country on the banks of the Mekong River an ideal place for adventure travel programs.
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12 Adventure Programs in Laos

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

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Pacific Discovery

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Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Gap Semester

Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and globally. Learn traditional crafts, share meals with host families, and experience resilience and hospitality in every community. Conservation work, ethical travel practices, and local partnerships ensure your impact is responsible and real. With leadership training, guided reflection, and mentorship built into the experience, you'll return more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next. Whether you're taking a gap year, earning credit, building your resume, or seeking clarity and purpose, this journey meets you where you are—and helps you grow beyond it. Travel deeper. Grow bolder. Reach out to Learn More!

Travel For Teens

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TFT for Older Teens: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia

Get ready for the ultimate Southeast Asia experience! On this program for older teens, you will get off the stereotypical tourist track and experience some of the region’s best hidden gems in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. The journey begins in charming Luang Prabang, nestled on the Mekong River with magnificent mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements, Buddhist monasteries, and of course, elephants! From there head to Vietnam and experience the stunning beauty of Sa Pa and Halong Bay. Wander through the rice terraces, get a taste of local life, and relax on the water while enjoying everything this beautiful country has to offer. Spend some time in Hanoi, shopping at the markets, exploring the Old Quarter and sampling Vietnamese cuisine on with a mouthwatering culinary tour. Hop over to Siem Reap to explore the famed temple complex of Angkor Wat, then to Phnom Penh to discover the history of the Khmer Rouge in this emerging metropolis. In Thailand, you’ll experience the island paradise of Koh Tao with its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and magnificent snorkeling. Finally, complete the adventure with a couple of days in Bangkok.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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GIVE Volunteers - Growth International Volunteer Excursions

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GIVE Laos: Community Empowerment & Wildlife Conservation

​Explore the best-kept secret in Southeast Asia, meditate with monks, volunteer in regenerative farming, swim in magical waterfalls, and immerse yourself in Lao culture! The Laos Experience is a perfect combination of white-knuckle adventure, cultural immersion, meaningful volunteer work, and, last but not least, moon bears! Project work focuses on improving the lives of these amazing creatures and protecting them, while also supporting rural communities through education and Eco-Friendly Infrastructure projects. Integrate yourself fully into a Buddhist monastery as local monks teach you about the ancient practice of meditation. Wake up to the sunrise on the riverbank, surrounded by the stunning mountainous landscape of Northern Laos. Round out your expedition by kayaking to remote villages and trekking through rice paddies and jungle paths to a hidden waterfall! Come and see for yourself why Laos is the best-kept secret in Southeast Asia! After volunteering in Laos, extend your trip for 11 days with our Scuba Marine Conservation Add-on in Southern Thailand! Or, mix and match with any of our Southeast Asia trips to travel for up to 7 weeks!

Asianventure Tours

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5-Day Adventure Through the Serene Beauty of Southern Laos

Explore the peaceful beauty of southern Laos on this five-day trip through the Mekong archipelago. Starting in Champasak, you’ll visit the ancient Wat Phou Temple and its hillside museum, offering great views over the valley. In Don Khong, enjoy a relaxed bike ride through quiet countryside to the Wat Chom Thong pagoda. You’ll also take a traditional boat cruise along the Mekong River, passing through Ban Khone village and the old French colonial railway. This tour includes visits to the Liphi, Khon Phapheng, and Tadlo Waterfalls, with chances for trekking and swimming. Experience local culture by visiting a coffee plantation and meeting people from hill-tribe communities. Private airport transfers and experienced local guides ensure a smooth and enriching experience. The mix of biking and boating offers a unique way to see the region’s natural beauty and cultural sites. From scenic waterfalls to quiet villages, this tour provides a relaxing and immersive escape into the heart of Laos.

Zoom Vacations

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Zoom Vacations Gay-Friendly Group Adventure Trips

Venture into a “magical” journey with Zoom Vacations, a leader in LGBTQ+ group travel, where inclusivity, luxury, and adventure come together seamlessly. Whether with your significant other or family, each meticulously curated trip celebrates diversity while offering unforgettable experiences in some of the world's most stunning destinations. Explore the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, cruise through the Galápagos Islands, or marvel at the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Wherever you go and what you do, you'll connect with like-minded travelers in a supportive and welcoming environment. These gay-friendly group adventures are designed to combine cultural immersion, thrilling activities, and indulgent moments of relaxation. From private guided tours and five-star accommodations to exclusive events that highlight local LGBTQ+ communities, Zoom Vacations ensures that every trip is both meaningful and fun.

A Guide to Adventure Travel in Laos

Locations

Laos has been hailed the best-kept secret in Southeast Asia (oops, guess the cat’s out of the bag now!). From the northern tribes along the border with China to the southern coffee plantations, adventure travelers in Laos will find sleepy villages, exotic cuisine, and inspiring landscapes beaconing.

Just across the river from Thailand, UNESCO World Heritage city Luang Prabang blends traditional Lao culture with glittering temples and Indochinese influences.Though Luang Prabang has seen considerable investments in recent years, it maintains a sleepy charm showcasing Laos’ cultural and spiritual sides. From here you can hop a ferry to Thailand or venture toward the tribal villages and lesser-known national parks of Laos’ northern region.

Four hours south of Luang Prabang sits quaint Vang Vieng, a departure point for some of Laos’ best trekking, and a gem in its own right. With a small, but dedicated, nightlife scene and an even more dedicated influx of outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Vang Vieng is a hot spot for adrenaline junkies. (Motor)biking through the rice plantations, local schoolyards, and jutting rock formations offer a feel for rural Laotian life. Vang Vieng’s surroundings are best seen from a hot air balloon, from which the peak of Phou Bia, Laos’ tallest mountain, might even make an appearance.

The pearl of adventure travel in Laos is The 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don). Dotting the Mekong just north of the Cambodian border, time seems to stand still here. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! Get your adrenaline pumping with a tube ride or take a break from lounging in your beach-side hammock to take a dip in the river. While you splash around, watch out for the world’s last remaining Irrawaddy dolphins, which locals believe have incarnated human souls. The area is also ideal for kayaking, sunset BBQs, and leisurely bike rides through local villages. There are three main island destinations: Don Khong, Don Det, and Don Khon. Be aware that there are no ATMs on the islands, so you’ll want to come with enough kip to cover your trip.

Pakse, meaning “mouth of the river” in Lao, served as the capital of the Champasak Kingdom until it was unified with the rest of Laos in 1946. In the heart of Laos’ coffee country, you’ll find plenty of Arabica elixir to energize adventures. Take a short daytrip into the mountains to pluck coffee beans fresh from the branch and meander through lush rice fields. Just don’t stray too far off the road, as the countryside is still littered with undetonated cluster bombs and mines left behind during the Vietnam War.

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Latest Program Reviews

Awesome volunteer program in Victoria Falls

June 30, 2022by: Cecilia Hugo - United StatesProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
10

I volunteered at Nakavango in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, as part of the IVHQ Wildlife Conservation Project. It truly was one of the highlights of my life. And I’ve had some pretty remarkable experiences so that says a lot. The staff a Nakavango was incredible and extremely knowledgeable. They create the perfect balance of hard work and joyous moments playing with the children at Masuwe School, observing wildlife in the bush, and taking in the sights of one of the seven wonders of the world. We each had our own room, were provided three yummy meals a day with great care to accommodate those who have special diets. Highlights of my stay included morning and evening game drives, sitting around the fire pit under the stars, camping out in the bush, and completing a work task feeling that we had made progress on a project. Yet, the most outstanding aspect of this experience for me, was bonding with my fellow volunteers. Prior to arriving at Nakavango, I thought I’d be the senior member of the crew so I was a bit apprehensive even though I had worked for weeks to get in shape physically so I could contribute equally. Well, I wasn’t the most senior. In fact, we had a wonderful range of ages, nationalities, and personalities. We became a family, caring for and respectful of all. That truly blew me away. And now, we continue to stay in touch. I am so grateful for the IVHQ program at Nakavango. It changed my life!

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