Our Educational Journeys Program

12 Days | Laos Conservation, Culture & Community Adventure

Day 1 - Sabaidee, Laos!

Welcome to Laos! Our staff will meet you at the Vientiane Airport (VTE). After clearing customs and collecting baggage, we will head to the hotel. Today’s activities will depend on your flight time, but we will make sure to fit in an orientation and make sure you have your bearings and help to set expectations for the rest of the week.

Accommodation: Vientiane Hotel

Day 2: Vientiane to Lao Elephant Home

starts with a nourishing breakfast before we drive to the Lao Elephant Home and Sanctuary to spend time with the world’s largest terrestrial mammal. Lao Elephant Home and Sanctuary is a conservation and rehabilitation center dedicated to providing a safe and ethical environment for elephants, And it is an Eco-Tourism project to bring more new jobs for local people and protect wildlife in Nampouy National Park.

Accommodation: Lao Elephant Home

Day 3 - Lao Elephant Home

Today we will have full day of activities with Elephants at Lao Elephant Home and Sanctuary, You can observe elephants in their natural habitat, learn about their individual stories and backgrounds, and participate in activities such as trekking to see elephants in the real natural environment, this interaction are designed to be respectful and non-intrusive, prioritizing the elephants well-being
Accommodation: Lao Elephant Home

Day 4 - Lao Elephant Home to Vang Vieng

The last day with Elephant and the jungle, Say good bye to mahouts families then continue our trip to Vang Vieng.

Accommodation: VangVieng

Day 5 - Full day in Vangvieng

Vang Vieng is a popular tourist destination in Laos, known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant outdoor activities, and relaxed atmosphere. Nestled along the Nam Song River and surrounded by limestone karst mountains, Vang Vieng offers a variety of activities such as tubing, kayaking, rock climbing, and exploring caves. The town has a mix of laid-back vibes with lively nightlife, thanks to numerous bars and restaurants catering to tourists. The area is also culturally rich, with nearby traditional Lao villages and temples offering a glimpse into the local way of life.

Accommodation: Vang Vieng

Day 6- Take high speed train to Luang Prabang

After breakfast, pack up and we will head further into the Train station . You will have a chance to take in the beautiful scenery as we head another 1 hour north to Luang Prabang. This charming, quaint town is located on the convergence of the Mekong and Nam Kham River. We will first stop at the hotel before heading out into town to visit Phousi Mountain– the highest point in Luang Prabang where you can see a beautiful 360˚ view of the town below. Afterwards we will go out to dinner and then have a chance to explore the night market.

Accommodation: LuangPrabang

Day 7 - Explore Luang Prabang and Head to Panoor Village

The first stop is the UXO Center– a small museum sponsored by the UN which tells the story of Laos during the Vietnam-American War and some of the dangers that still exist today as a result of the heavy bombing. Next up is Big Brother Mouse. This NGO was created to help pair tourists and locals to make conversation partners. This will be a great way for you to learn more about Laos culture, as well as helping the locals practice their conversational English. After lunch, we will drive about 45 minutes to Panoor Village. This village is charming and mainly inhabited by Khmu people. We have worked with them for several years helping to improve the infrastructure and facilities of the village. Upon arrival you will meet the head of the village as well as your homestay family.

Accommodation: Village Homestay

Days 8- 10: Community Service Learning

You will quickly notice the slower pace of life in the village. In the morning you will eat breakfast with your peers, make a plan for the service project and get to work. After a break for lunch, you’ll put in a couple more hours of work and then spend the afternoon with your host family, your peers, or with some of the local kids.

You will have discussions and activities with your leaders at night, and will find yourself enjoying the peace and quiet in the village.

Accommodation: Village Homestay

Day 11: Trekking to KuangSi Waterfall

No visit to Luang Prabang is complete without a visit to Kuang Sri Waterfall. However, you will be going the “secret” way and hiking from the village to the waterfall. The hike takes about 3 hours and and is not too strenuous or technical, but you are certainly rewarded with a spectacular waterfall that you can swim in and enjoy. We will have lunch at the waterfall and on our way back to Luang Prabang we will stop at the Laos Dairy Buffalo Farm.

The Buffalo Farm is an amazing social enterprise that is able to support local farmers while also making delicious dairy products– including ice cream! The farm has different areas dedicated to being a model of sustainable agriculture and ethical animal husbandry. We will head to the hotel and take a shower before heading out to dinner and the night market.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Guesthouse

Day 12: La Khon & Head Home

This time has gone by so fast, but we really hope that you have memories that will last a lifetime. Please come back and visit us soon!