Community Development Volunteering in Laos

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.

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Volunteer first-hand with Buddhist novice monks and local community youth in the age-old city of Luang Prabang. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it holds an intricate history merging religious and architectural heritage. Teach English and gain a better cultural and linguistic understanding of the community. This aligns you with GVI’s commitment to upholding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. Collaborate with local teachers and like-minded participants to support the empowerment of local community youth. Through a Monday to Friday lesson practice, you’ll assist local teachers in the improvement of educational capacity for community youth and increased educational opportunities. Situated between two rivers, the Mekong and Nam Khan, you’ll be surrounded by Laos waters. In your free time, taste traditional cuisine and travel with participants from around the world. GVI has strict child protection policies to ensure ethical best practices are in place.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

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!

Volunteer in this construction and renovation project in Laos! Immerse yourself in the local community while doing so. Work on infrastructure projects led by an NGO and focus on renovating school equipment. Support larger projects in local schools and the improvement of health and hygiene in communities. Your daily tasks may include fixing chairs or tables, painting, and building walls or toilets You will be in direct contact with the local people and will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about their culture and way of life. Participate in various activities planned throughout the week, alongside the project. Enjoy barbecue evenings on Tuesdays, movie nights every Wednesday, and karaoke night at a restaurant on Thursdays. These activities allow you to connect with the people and other volunteers while seeing another side of the local culture. Volunteering in Laos helps develop teamwork and communication skills and broadens your global perspective. At the same time, you make a real impact on the lives of local people by improving the condition of community facilities.

Discover the charm of Laos, a culturally rich gem in Southeast Asia, known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Mekong River, Kuang Si Falls, and Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden. Wander through ancient Buddhist temples and experience the warmth of local communities deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship. Despite its beauty, Laos faces challenges in areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty, making it a place where your help truly matters. Volunteering here offers a meaningful way to give back while immersing yourself in a fascinating and welcoming culture. With IVI, you can join rewarding programs such as teaching English, supporting local kindergartens, or contributing to construction initiatives. Our affordable projects offer hands-on experience and a chance to make a real impact. Make unforgettable memories while contributing to a brighter future for communities in Laos.

​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!