Trip Details

Community Construction Volunteer in Laos

If you’re looking for a worthwhile project that uses your handy skills and talents, then look no further! Our Community Construction Volunteer programme in Laos is perfect or those who are, or would like to be, handy with a hammer or a paintbrush! Here, you will improve the lives of the local people of Laos through constructing and renovating buildings and community facilities.  In fact, many of the facilities in Laos, such as medical centres, temples, and schools are run down and in desperate need of repair, so your input will be greatly appreciated on this project!

Help rebuild the Laos Community with your Handiwork!

Good quality buildings and facilities are the foundation for a good standard of living – something everyone deserves. Supported by a dedicated team, you will take part in painting and decorating jobs, restoring and enhancing existing buildings, renewing walls or creating furniture such as tables and chairs for the schools. In some cases, there will also be a need to construct completely new buildings. However, you will only be asked to take on tasks that you are happy to do, so don’t worry about being in over your head! This project is a great way to learn new skills and make new friends as you do something of great value to the Laotian people.

Discover Laos, with its Beautiful Countryside and Vibrant Culture

Whilst you are here, you will have plenty of time to explore Laos and all that it has to offer! Head to Vientiane City, a laid-back colonial town known as ‘a pearl at the Mekong”. Alternatively, you might like to try the nightlife of Vang Vieng, a favourite go-to place for our participants during their weekends with its vibrant nightlife and outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and kayaking. Finally, if you’d like to travel further afield, mountainous Luang Prabang is one of the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia and is well worth a visit! When you’re not exploring, you can also just kick back at your accommodation and get to know your new friends, some of whom may be accompanying you on your project!

Why be a Community Construction Volunteer in Laos?

  • Improve the facilities of a local Laotion community
  • Develop your teamwork skills through practical work in a great team
  • Explore Laos and get to know its friendly and vibrant community
  • Take in the amazing scenery and walks through Laos mountains and hills
  • Discover authentic Laotian cuisine and try out local restaurants & eateries
  • Enjoy staying at our accommodation with meals and beverages* included

*tea, coffee and drinking water

Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.

Trip Itinerary

You will arrive on the Sunday and have plenty of time to unpack and settle into your new surroundings. And if you are travelling here on your own, don’t worry! You will have plenty of other volunteers around to chat to, and your coordinator will support you throughout your stay.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise yourself with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your programme will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
  • Lao Do’s and Don’ts, Lao Culture Lessons and Lao Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • Vegetable planting.

Daily Schedule

Tuesday to Friday

Your Community Construction Volunteer tasks in Laos will depend upon what’s needed at the time. However, the basic structure of each day will be the same. Firstly, you will begin with a breakfast at the accommodation centre before setting off to the project site. Once at the site you will carry out the necessary tasks which could include painting, gardening, building, renovating or anything else which is required at local temples, hospitals, housing or other facilities. Thereafter, you will enjoy a lunch and some rest before continuing with your tasks in the afternoon. Finally, the day ends with dinner and time for you to relax in the evening.

Evenings and Weekends

At the end of your day as a volunteer, you can choose to explore the area or simply relax with new friends back at your accommodation. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures together!

Please note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Places to Visit

Vientiane City

A laid-back, French-influenced city situated on the banks of the Mekong River and is located only 25 minutes away from our centre. This ancient city is different from any other capital city in Southeast Asia. With its authentic Laotian and French colonial style, it truly is a ‘pearl at the Mekong”.

Vang Vieng

A favourite go-to place for our participants during their weekends! The city is a major backpacker hub, made famous thanks to its nightlife and outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and kayaking.

Luang Prabang

Although a bit further afield it is still worth the journey for sure. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia thanks to its alluring mountainous landscapes and riverside location!

Trip Accommodation

You will stay at Ban Houakhoua Village, located in the Naxaythong District, about 25km from Vientiane, the country’s capital. This location allows for the best of both worlds, its rural nature will give you a taste of Laos while still being close enough to the city!

About the Accommodation

The accommodation is tucked away in the countryside of Laos, allowing you to get a true taste of Laotian scenery. It has a sports area where you can play football or volleyball with other volunteers. Further, it is surrounded by rice fields and lakes, which you can take advantage of through activities such as swimming and boating. In addition, we offer standard rooms which are on a single-gender basis 4-6 people per room. However, you also have an option to request a private room, subject to availability.

Food Arrangements

Enjoy a variety of delicious Laotian dishes accompanied with a lot of fruit – all included in our programme! Dishes can include, vegetables, rice and noodles and are generally healthy and nutritious. However, you can also buy snacks from markets, nearby, if you need a little sweet treat now and again! Be aware that whilst vegetarians can be catered for, it’s a little difficult to cater for other dietary requirements, so do ask about this at the time of booking.

Facilities

You can find simple groceries and beverages sold in two local restaurants located next to the accommodation. In addition, you’ll find shops and a local market located 3 minutes and 10 minutes away respectively, on foot. There is also a lake-side makeshift restaurant just for us, where you can enjoy the evenings and order Western or Laotian food at reasonable prices. Importantly, there is also a pharmacy and local clinic located less than 5 kilometres away, and our coordinator is also on hand should you need any assistance with your health.

Transportation

Vientiane is located about 25km away and it is very easy to reach via public transport from our centre and back. Anything that you might need can be found there, with its numerous shopping malls, a cinema and local markets to explore! There are also bikes available for you to use to explore the area during the afternoons.

Money

The closest ATM machine is on the main road to Vientiane, approximately 5km from the accommodation. We advise all volunteers to bring some local currency with them for personal expenses, although you don’t need a lot of money when you stay with us!

Activities & Events

Enjoy these regular activities provided for volunteers at our centre:

Tuesday Evenings

There is a BBQ night every Tuesday, which provides a perfect opportunity to relax and spend time with other participants in our lakeside restaurant!

Wednesday Evenings

Cosy movie night at the accommodation

Thursday Evenings

Enjoy one of Southeast Asia’s favourite activities – Karaoke! (or “sing a song”, as the locals like to call it)

Transportation

From this location we provide free transport to your next programme at the following location:

  • Sayaboury

Trip Country Info

Laos

Capital: Vientiane
Language: Lao
Currency: Kip (LAK)
Time zone: ICT +7:00

Once known as the ‘land of a million elephants’, Laos is the only landlocked country in Asia, bordered by Burma, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. It became a French protectorate in 1893 and finally became an independent country in 1953 with a constitutional monarchy. This monarchy however was shortly ended by a long civil war. Today Laos is a single-party socialist republic whilst remaining strongly influenced by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Vietnam People’s Army. The Laotian people make up roughly 60% of the population whilst indigenous groups and hill tribes account for 40% of the Laotian population.

It is a country that has a lot to offer whether it’s the underground river caves, the white-water rapids and jungle zip lines for thrill seekers, the beautiful forests for trekkers and nature lovers or the wonderful cuisine for the foodies!

Gap year travel in Laos is enjoyed in a country of stunning natural beauty and strong spiritual traditions which remain relatively unexplored. With a population of over 6 million people, it is one of the least populated countries in the world. Much of the country is dominated by forested mountains, lush green valleys and broad snaking rivers, including the famous Mekong, the 12th longest in the world.  This natural beauty is why many people choose volunteer and travel to Laos.

The Lao wilderness is drawing travellers looking for nature, adventure or both. Kayaking, rafting, rock-climbing and biking are all available, but it’s trekking that is most popular because it combines spectacular natural attractions with the chance to experience the ‘real Laos’ with a village homestay.  We have a choice of opportunities for your gap year travel in Laos such as medical work, conservation work, voluntary projects and much more.  If you are thinking about a volunteer experience in Laos have a look at our latest programs below or contact us for more information about exciting experiences in this fantastic country.

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

Under 18, Parental Consent is Required
Travel Insurance

Additional Requirements

Sturdy Boots/Shoes
Team Player

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Airport drop off
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa