Volunteer Programs in Laos

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.

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.

This exciting project was created to help improve the English-speaking abilities of the residents of Luang Prabang. As is common in many of the world's poorer communities, the ability to speak English unlocks a new world of possibilities for children. It opens up employment opportunities for adults, often within the service and tourism industries, both growing markets in Laos. The program welcomes teaching volunteers, giving them a wonderful opportunity to work with students in a beautiful Buddhist temple school. They help pave a brighter future and improve the lives of young people by imparting vital English language skills.

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!

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 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!

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.

Do you dream of working directly with some of the world's most endangered wildlife? Gain firsthand experience in our husbandry program at our wildlife rescue facility in Laos. Our newly built site features huge soft-release enclosures for animals to be released into the wild. We also offer immersive viewing experiences for our visitors at non-release enclosures. Volunteers help care for over 200 animals on-site, working alongside our dedicated husbandry team in a truly multicultural environment. See what it takes to run a large, busy wildlife rescue facility in the tropics. You could be doing anything from feeding 100 crocodiles, building a new enclosure for leopard cats, making enrichment for our bears, and much more! No day is the same here, so you will leave feeling fully immersed in wildlife rescue and conservation. Our center is strictly hands-off, ensuring you are supporting an ethical sanctuary. Several successful breeding programs mean there are always baby animals to care for, giving you an experience like no other.