Service Learning

LAOS

8 days/7 nights | Full Board | Up to 20 participants | From $1,525pp

Immerse yourself in the heart of rural Laos with a journey into the world of traditional mahouts—elephant caretakers living in harmony with the jungle. Experience daily life in a remote village, where you'll support conservation efforts and community projects alongside local families. Join in the rhythms of jungle life through hands-on elephant care, sustainable building projects, and rich cultural exchange.

Itinerary

Laxmi Vilas Palace illuminated at dusk, with fountains in the foreground, palm trees, and a colorful sky.

Day 1

Arrive in the peaceful capital of Laos, where you’ll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a welcome drink and unwind. If time allows, stroll through the Vientiane night market to browse local crafts and souvenirs. Dinner is served at the hotel before settling in for your first night.

A golden Buddhist temple with a tall spire, surrounded by smaller structures, set against a partly cloudy sky, with two monks walking on the grass in the foreground.

Day 2

Visit That Luang, Laos’s most sacred stupa, followed by Patuxai, the iconic monument of Vientiane. Learn about the Secret War at the COPE Center and its impact on local communities. In the afternoon, engage in a creative workshop at the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Center.

Two elephants swimming in a river with green trees and mountains in the background.

Day 3

Begin your journey west with a scenic drive through mountains and forests to Pak Lay. After lunch, travel deeper into Nam Phouy National Park to reach the remote mahout village. Receive a warm welcome from the mahout families, settle into your bamboo homestay, and meet the elephants and community members you’ll work alongside in the coming days.

A woman is weaving on a traditional loom with a brick wall behind her, and a young girl observing in the background.

Day 4

Start the day with a trek into the forest to locate the elephants in their natural habitat. Learn about their care and conservation from local mahouts. Return to the village for a Lao weaving workshop, then join the elephants at the river for their evening bath. End the day with fireside stories and group reflection.

People constructing a bamboo house on stilts in a wooded area with clear blue skies.

Day 5

Trek through the jungle to check on the elephants and return for a traditional Lao lunch. In the afternoon, cool off in the stream and help build bamboo houses and fences. Later, take part in a whiskey-making session or traditional dream catcher workshop. Return to camp before sunset for dinner and rest.

A herd of elephants walking through a lush green forested area.

Day 6

Prepare elephant treats before trekking into the jungle one last time to care for the elephants. Spend your final afternoon helping with construction or gardening in the village. In the evening, join a traditional Baci ceremony and Lao cooking class, ending the night with shared food, gratitude, and a joyful farewell celebration.

People participating in a traditional ceremony outdoors, holding a silver bowl filled with yellow and white flowers, with a small boat and trees in the background.

Day 7

Say your goodbyes to the mahout village and begin the full-day drive back to Vientiane. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or gather with your group. In the evening, celebrate your final night with a traditional Lao BBQ-Hot Pot dinner at a local restaurant.

Night scene of a street food stall with a man grilling meat on a barbecue, surrounded by various vegetables and cooking supplies, with other street vendors and pedestrians in the background.

Day 8

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take the morning to relax or explore on your own before your transfer to Vientiane International Airport. Reflect on your time in Laos as your unforgettable journey through culture, conservation, and community comes to a close.

Meals & Accommodation

Hotels & Homestays | Twin & Dorm rooms for students | Single rooms for staff | Full board

Traditional wooden hut on stilts with a thatched roof, surrounded by greenery and tall trees.
A traditional Asian meal spread with various dishes on blue and white patterned plates and bowls, including grilled chicken wings, skewered meat, sliced vegetables, chili peppers, dipping sauces, lime, and fresh herbs, arranged on a wooden table with flowers and leaves for decoration.
A traditional wooden building with a sloped roof, surrounded by greenery and outdoor seating, identified as a handicrafts and homestay learning center.
A wooden table set for a hot pot meal with plates of raw meats, vegetables, noodles, and bowls of dipping sauces, along with tea and condiments.
A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside lamps, a floral arrangement, and framed artwork on the wall behind the bed.
Outdoor seating area with wooden tables and chairs, surrounded by lush greenery and modern buildings.
People preparing traditional food with rice balls, pandan leaves, and grilled fish on a table decorated with a white cloth and potted plant.
Indoor restaurant dining area with tables decorated with folded white napkins, a buffet station with coffee dispensers, glasses, and food containers, and decorative wall art with yellow flowers and a potted pink orchid.
Two large blue mosquito nets hanging inside a wooden structure, covering beds or bedding.
A mattress on the floor with a pillow and folded blankets inside a rustic wooden cabin. A blue cloth is hanging from the ceiling, and a small window shows green trees outside.
Hotel room with two single beds, a nightstand with a lamp, a framed picture, and a balcony with a view of buildings and trees.
People sharing a hot pot meal with chopsticks at a table filled with drinks and side dishes.

Locations

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation

  • All meals and soft drinks

  • Transportation

  • All activities

  • Entrance fees

  • Certificate of completion

  • Program management

Not included

  • International flights

  • Visas

  • Tips/gratuities

  • Laundry service

  • Alcohol

  • Travel insurance

  • Items of a personal nature

Partners

Logo of Asian Trails featuring an orange elephant and the company name.

Asian Trails Laos is a trusted local partner with deep roots in Laos’s travel and cultural landscape. Known for their commitment to authentic, responsible tourism, they specialize in creating immersive experiences that connect travelers with the people, traditions, and natural beauty of Laos. Through strong community ties and expert local knowledge, Asian Trails Laos plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development and meaningful cultural exchange across the region.

Which courses can our Laos Service-Learning Trip be tailored to?

Global Studies, International Relations, International Development, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Education, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Conservation Studies.

Reach out to learn more…