Volunteer in Laos: Laos country information

Laos (officially The Lao People's Democratic Republic) is a small, landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Compared with other countries in Southeast Asia, Laos is quite poor and sparsely populated. Rivers and mountains cover over 70% of the land. Laos shares its borders with Thailand, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Burma.
 

Though Laos is not known for its tourism industry, the country is becoming increasingly popular with backpackers and ecotourists. Laos boasts one World Heritage City, Luang Prabang, and one World Historical Site, Wat Phou Champasak. The official language is Lao, however there are many dialects, one of which (Isan) is shared with northeastern Thailand. Some Lao people also speak English, French, or even Russian. Buddhism plays an important role in the life of the Lao people and has given them a deserved reputation for friendliness, gentleness, gaiety, and wisdom.

Laos is a communist state by name, but small private businesses are visible all over. For poor rice farmers in the countryside, however, life continues as it always has. Laos formerly had some of the most untouched stretches of nature in Southeast Asia, but recently Lao forests and wildlife are being threatened by legal and illegal logging, poaching, and development.

 

Practical travel information for volunteers

Visas	Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival that lasts for one month. The visa cost depends on nationality, but in general it ranges from $30-$40 USD. Alteratively, you can apply for a visa in advance at a Lao embassy, which is slightly less expensive.
Travel to Laos	Many visitors arrive in Laos via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai, but it is also possible to fly into Vientiene from Thailand. Regular rail and bus services link Bangkok with Nong Khai, where you can cross into Laos.
Travel within Laos	There are an increasing amount of bus services operating from Vientiene to many towns throughout Laos, but traveling in Laos still remains a very time-consuming process. Lao Airlines connects Vientiane with major towns.
Banking	Banks in Laos are open from Monday to Friday, generally between 8:30 a.m.and 4:00p.m.. ATMs and cash machines can be found throughout Vientiene and Luang Prabang, but are not so common in smaller areas.
Currency	The official currency in Laos is the Lao kip. However, in Vientiene and in border areas, it is often possible to use US dollars, Thai baht, and occasionally the Euro. Do not rely on this if you are heading to the countryside, where only kip is accepted. It is generally recommended you use or exchange all of your kip before leaving Laos as it is not possible to exchange it outside the country.
Clothing	Laos' hot and humid weather calls for light cotton clothing, but warmer clothing may be needed during the cool months (especially in mountainous areas).

• Links to some Thailand projects where volunteers can help: Click here for more Thailand projects
  
  
  

  Wittayalai Kru Ban Keun Teacher College

    Ban Keun Teacher College is one of eight teachers colleges in Laos.The students come mostly from towns and villages nearby, though some come from farther away. They study for 2-3 years. Volunt...
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  The Nam Kading Research and Training Center

  View photos and map.   Special fee applies Project Overview The Nam Kading National Protected Area in Bolikhamxay Province is now open to eco-tourists looking to see some of Lao PDRs most rugg...
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  Phu Khao Khouai (The Water Buffalo Mountains) and the B..

  View photos and map. Pioneering eco tourism site. Simple village life. Beautiful mountains.  Here’s a unique opportunity for an unforgettable experience in Laos!   Phou Khao Khoua...
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  Vocational Training Center for Disabled Women

  View photos and map. The Center is the only organization in Laos dedicated to helping disabled women, many of whom have been injured as a result of munitions (especially cluster bombs) dropped by th...

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