Volunteer Programs in Vientiane, 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.

In this volunteer program, you will get to live in Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Laos. Located along the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is known for its beautiful scenery and historical monuments, including the must-see Pha That Luang—a breathtaking, golden structure considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in Laos. Volunteers on this project will have the pleasure of teaching English to children between the ages of 6 and 12. Lessons include basic grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing. In addition, volunteers will organize and participate in extracurricular classes, such as sports, music, and art. Volunteers will stay at a single-gender guesthouse and meals will be provided. Qualifications include: Minimum 18 years old Good English Motivation to work with children Able to work in a hot and humid climate Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic) Teaching experience is preferred, but not necessary CV/résumé to be submitted upon registration Police clearance form

Contribute to a wildlife project in Laos. Volunteers will be based at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary, a rehabilitation and release center committed to the protection of animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Working with Laos' first and only rescue center, the program is at the forefront of providing support to wildlife conservation in Southeast Asia. Laos is a major gateway for wildlife illegally traded out of Southeast Asia. The sale and capture of wild animals in the country is one of the key factors that threaten species into extinction. Protected animals are illegally traded through Laos by the thousands every day, mostly for their meat and skin as well as for pets, decorations, and traditional medicines. Volunteers may carry out the following tasks: - Help clean enclosures for animals - Provide enrichments that will stimulate the animals - Prepare food - Plant crops - Feed the animals - Harvest grasses and bamboo for food - Help maintain the enclosures - Assist in the setup of an education center - Assist with special projects - Help clean and repair the center

Volunteer in Laos and discover a country that truly stands out from its Southeast Asian neighbors. Almost untouched by mass tourism, you will find the most stunning nature, beautiful villages and traditional lifestyle like nowhere else. As a volunteer in Laos, you can give back to the community that gave you such a warm welcome. Teach English to children, build community centers or help out at a day care. Whether you will stay in the capital Vientiane or in a more rural area, the unique charm and slow pace of this country will win you over sooner or later.

Laos is a beautiful, tropical, and mostly untouched country that is becoming an up-and-coming destination for travelers looking for an authentic taste of Southeast Asia, due to this, the rewards here are plentiful. It may not be as developed as neighboring Thailand or Vietnam, though this is exactly Laos' uniqueness and charm. Laos is a relatively safe country to travel to, with a slow and laid-back lifestyle, or Ȋ Bor Pen Nyangȋ as the locals say, "No worries!" Laos is sadly one of the major gateways of the illegal wildlife trade from Southeast Asia. There are thought to be thousands of protected wild animals and their parts being smuggled in and out of the country every month. Therefore, having a facility in Laos to combat this illicit activity directly is very important. One of the aims of this program is to improve the conditions for animals currently in the Laos Zoo and help with the zoo’s complete transformation into a wildlife rescue center. Recently, the project site has relocated to a brand-new location, where you'll contribute to its development—work that will directly impact the care of over 400 animals residing there.