Our Educational Journeys Program

7 Days: Community Service & Cultural Immersion – Luang Prabang

Day 1: Sabaidee & Welcome to Laos!
Our leaders will meet you at the Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ) and after we collect baggage we will head to our accommodation- just 20 minutes from the airport. After checking in, we will have a brief orientation we will have our first of many delicious meals together! If time allows we can visit Phousi Mountain– the highest point in Luang Prabang which has a beautiful sweeping view of the city and rivers below. If you arrive later in the day don’t worry! We will be sure to squeeze this in at some point.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Guesthouse (several options are available upon request based on group size and budget)

Day 2: Into the Mountains!
Wake up early this morning and give alms to local monks. This is a traditional done by many Laotians on a regular basis. The monks and temple community rely on donations from the residents to sustain themselves and others in need. We will give rice and other foodstuffs as the monks make their rounds around the city. Afterwards we will shop for any last-minute supplies you may have forgotten before heading up to the village.

Panor Village is about 45 minutes from the city, but it is like stepping back in time. You will notice stark differences in infrastructure and facilities, but the local Khmu People are welcoming and incredibly friendly! We will meet with the head of the village, learn more about the needs of the community, and get to work! For most projects, visitors will be helping to mix cement, use simple tools like hammers and saws, and also help with language exchange sessions at the local school.

Accommodation: Village Homestay

Days 3 - 4: 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 5: Trekking to Kuang Sri 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 6: Touring Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we will head out for a fun day exploring Luang Prabang! 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 the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC) is an interesting and interactive center where you can learn more about the different cultures and ethnic groups living in Laos. We will grab lunch in town, and then head to the water for some kayaking! You will cruise around the Nam Kam River and explore the beautiful sites and waterfalls. If we haven’t already gone to Phousi Mountain, we will head there for sunset this evening before a special goodbye dinner.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Guesthouse

Day 7: La Khon & Head Home
This week 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!