Service Learning
LAOS
8 days/7 nights | Full Board | Up to 20 participants | From $1,295pp
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. This meaningful adventure fosters connection, protects endangered elephants, and uplifts the mahout way of life beyond tourism.
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.