Laos - Inbound Travel Group

Laos is arguably the spectacular country in Southeast Asia. With nearly three-quarters of the country covered in mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls, this landlocked country greatly rewards those who venture off the trodden path. The cultural diversity in Laos is fascinating, with over 200 ethnic groups constituting the country’s population of six million. Most Lao people live in rural areas, working in agriculture such as growing rice and other crops to export. The government anticipates that by 2025 hydropower will become the country’s largest source of revenue.

Our team has more than twelve years experience working with international high school students visiting Laos. Students get an authentic experience learning about culture, nature and helping to develop communities. We bring students to work with local people in villages and homestays to support projects such as refurbishing schools, installing water sources, building community halls, contracting bathrooms and other community-driven projects. Outside of service, our programming takes students on touring and adventures all over Laos.

Our local team has a wealth of experience managing student travel programs across Laos, achieving consistently high client satisfaction. Please contact us at hello@inboundtravel.com to discuss partnership opportunities in Laos.

Your Students Will...

Explore Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage town that’s a gateway to northern Laos
Experience warm hospitality while living with local families in homestays in remote villages.
Support community development projects and learn from the local people.
Learn about elephant conservation at a rehabilitation sanctuary working to protect Asian elephants in the country once known as The Land of a Million Elephants.
Trek, kayak, swim, rock climb and zip-line through Laos’ spectacular limestone mountain terrain.
Immerse themselves in Laos’ many cultures and learn about buddhism through visits to caves, temples and family homes.

Khamla Duangmala

Director

Khamla was born in rural village of Sayaboury province. After finishing high school, he had the opportunity to study economics at university in Luang Prabang. Once his degree was completed, he worked with a high school travel company for 12 years before establishing his own company that specialises in educational and adventure travel. Khamla manages Inbound’s programs and coordinates our community service projects. In 2019, he began collaborating with the local government to develop Saysathan district into an attractive tourist destination, and he continues to develop partnerships across Laos.

Local Team

Sample Itinerary

Sample Itinerary 1 Sample Itinerary 2 Sample Itinerary 3 Sample Itinerary 4

Sample Itinerary 1

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!

Sample Itinerary 2

Day 1: Sabaidee & Welcome to Laos!

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

Day 2: Deeper into Northern Laos

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head forth from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw. The drive is about 3 hours and passes through beautiful landscape. You will see dramatic mountains and idyllic rivers and villages. Once you arrive to the village you will meet with the head of the village and learn more about the project. We will meet our homestay families and prepare our new homes and get to know our hosts. We will have dinner as a group and a discussion about the upcoming project.

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. Our volunteers work on the project that has been identified as the highest priority by leadership in the village. One can expect to be mixing cement and working with simple tools like hammers and saws. 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: Exploring Nong Khiaow

This morning we will take a boat to Muang Ngoi– an idyllic village a short boat ride from Nong Khaiow. You will travel upstream on the Nam Ou river which carves through beautiful limestone karsts. After visiting the village, you’ll head back to Nong Khiaow and get some lunch. After lunch you will head to the Viewpoint. It is a relatively short trek, but quite steep so make sure you take advantage of lunch to fuel up for the hike! Once at the time you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the river and mountains below.

This evening is our final evening in the village and we will have a traditional Baisee Ceremony with our host community. This powerful and sometimes emotional ceremony will certainly be a memorable part of your experience in Laos.

Accommodation: Village Homestay

Day 6: Back to Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we will head back to Luang Prabang! We should arrive by lunch time, and afterwards we will visit some of the popular attractions the town has to offer. 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. Once we have some downtime in the afternoon, we will head out for 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!

Sample Itinerary 3

Day 1: Sabaidee & Welcome to Laos!

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

Day 2: Head to the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC)

Today we will head to Xayaboury Province to the ECC! This amazing center does an amazing job at conserving and supporting elephants and their environment, while also providing interesting and educational content. You will stay on-site and have some amazing up close and personal experience with the elephants. However, the center has a philosophy of letting the elephants be in as natural of an environment as possible and much of the activities are centered around observation.

The center is isolated and remote and reachable only by boat. Once you arrive you will meet with the staff and settle into your rooms. The staff will show you around the facility, you’ll have a brief orientation, and then have a Laotian style picnic lunch. In the afternoon you will watch the elephants bathe and then take a visit to the elephant hospital. The hospital staff work hard to keep the elephants healthy and will explain to you some of the common injuries and treatments they employ. The elephants will go back to the forest after their afternoon bath. Before dinner you will have a chance to relax, journal, swim in the lake, take out a canoe, or go to the elephant museum.

Accommodation: ECC Bungalow or Dorm

Day 3: Elephants, Elephants, and more Elephants!

Today you will pick up the elephants in the forest and take a walk in their natural environment. You will stroll with them to the lake where they will take a bath. Afterwards you will observe the elephants in their socialization area where staff will explain the dynamics of the herd. We will have lunch at the center and then meet with the medical team who will explain to you the merits of target training and how to use positive reinforcement to keep the elephants safe, happy, and healthy. From a distance you will see them work.

Again this afternoon you will have time to relax and enjoy the facilities at the center.

Accommodation: ECC Bungalow or Dorm

Day 4: Up the Mountain!

You will have one final activity at the center where you will prepare the enrichment area. By hiding toys and treats you will help keep your elephant friends mentally sharp and entertained. Once you say goodbye we will get back on the boat and head to the vans where we will travel further into Northern Laos.

Xayaboury province is known for its rugged landscape and dramatic mountains. You will head to the top of a mountain where you will enjoy a 360˚ of the landscape. This will be your home for the next few days. Our cooks will prepare dinner as you get acquainted with the area. This evening we will have a discussion to help get us prepared for the service learning project.

Accommodation: Simple Dorm Style or Homestay

Days 5 - 6: Service Learning Project

In the morning you will eat breakfast with your peers, make a plan for the service project and get to work. Our volunteers work on the project that has been identified as the highest priority by leadership in the village. One can expect to be mixing cement and working with simple tools like hammers and saws. 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: Simple Dorm Style or Homestay

Day 7: White Water Rafting and Back to Luang Prabang

This morning we will pack up and head down the mountain. On the way home we will break up the drive with a white water rafting adventure! The strength of the rapids vary depending on the time of year and rainfall, however you are guaranteed to get a little wet and have a lot of fun!

We will continue on to Luang Prabang and get settled at the hotel. After a shower we will head to dinner and then the night market.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Guesthouse

Day 8: UXO-TAEC, Ock Pop Tok Lunch Kayaking

We will grab lunch at Ock Pop Tock– a social enterprise that helps give income to local women by supporting them as they make traditional garments and souvenirs using patterns and style unique to their culture. This helps preserve local culture while stimulating the economy. Afterwards, we will and then head to the river for some kayaking! You will cruise around the Nam Kam River and explore the beautiful sites and waterfalls. After a full day we will head back to the hotel for some much needed rest and after dinner your leaders will organize some games and activities at the guesthouse.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Guesthouse

Day 9: Kuang Sri Waterfall and Laos Dairy Buffalo Farm

No visit to Luang Prabang is complete without a visit to Kuang Sri Waterfall. If the group is feeling ambitious we can go the “secret” way and hike 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 can also get a later start and drive to the waterfall. We will have lunch at the waterfall and on our way back to Luang Prabang we will stop at the Laos Dairy Buffalo Farm.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Guesthouse

Day 10: 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!

Sample Itinerary 4

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: Exploring Vientiane

Vientiane, this capital of Laos, if full of history and culture. Today you will explore some of its most famous landmarks. We will head to Patuxai, or the Victory Gate. This war monument is dedicated to the Laostians who lost their lives in fighting for Laos’ independence from colonial France. Afterwards we will head to the Cope Museum. This center is dedicated to the education of the effects of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in Laos. The center also makes prosthetics for those who have been injured by these ordinances and helps support those in need, especially in rural areas of Laos.

We will break for lunch and then visit the Wat Thad Luang. This temple is the national symbol of Laos. The stupa contains a relic from the Buddha and has undergone renovations due to multiple foreign invasions. Our guides will tell you the fascinating history of the monument.

Accommodation: Vientiane Hotel

Day 3 - Head North to Vang Vieng

After breakfast, load up in the vans and head up north. You will leave the city and watch as the concrete buildings get replaced with rice paddies, rivers, and mountains. Vang Viang is a beautiful mountain town about 3 hours north from Vientiane. We will have lunch on the way and after getting settled in the hotel there will be some downtime. You can rest, relax, journal, or join in for some games and activities with the leaders. We will take a quick trip to one of the local caves before dinner. Afterwards, there will be time for a visit to the night market.

Accommodation: Vang Vieng Hotel

Day 4 - Trekking in Vang Vieng

This morning make sure you eat a hardy breakfast because we will leave for a trek from Vang Vieng. You will go up in to the mountains and see a different and simpler way of life of people who live up in the mountains. The breathtaking views will be highlighted by dramatic mountain peaks and lush greenery. We will take breaks and have some snacks and water along the way before arriving at our homestay accommodation. Get to know your family and even help out with dinner. Tonight you will sleep well!

Accommodation: Homestay

Day 5 - Continue Trekking in Vang Vieng

Wake up, stretch out, and eat up! We will have a full day of trekking today. Say goodbye to your homestay family and then enjoy your time outside as you continue the trek. You will be amazed at how the incredible views never seem to stop! We will stop for lunch, waterbreaks, and photos before arriving at our second homestay accommodation. Relax, play cards, shower up, play with some of the local kids, or help out with dinner. You have the afternoon free to experience the slower paced village lifestyle. After dinner your leaders will organize activities for anyone who has the energy!

Accommodation: Homestay

Day 6 - Head back to Vang Vieng

Today is our final day of trekking. We will head back towards the city where the vans will meet us and take us back. You hard work trekking has earned you a trip to the Blue Lagoon swimming hole! This beautiful lagoon is a lot of fun and a great way to relax and stretch out your legs. Head back into town, get some dinner, and enjoy the creature comforts of your accommodation.

Accommodation: Vang Vieng Hotel

Day 7 - Drive to Luang Prabang

After breakfast, pack up and we will head further into the mountains. You will have a chance to take in the beautiful scenery as we head another 3 hours 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: Vang Vieng Guesthouse

Day 8 - 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 9 - 10: Community Service Learning

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 Kuang Sri Waterfall

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!

Your Students Will...

Khamla Duangmala

Local Team

Somjai Simoonthong

Sample Itinerary

Sample Itinerary 1

Day 1: Sabaidee & Welcome to Laos!

Day 2: Into the Mountains!

Days 3 - 4: Community Service Learning

Day 5: Trekking to Kuang Sri Waterfall

Day 6: Touring Luang Prabang

Day 7: La Khon & Head Home

Sample Itinerary 2

Day 1: Sabaidee & Welcome to Laos!

Day 2: Deeper into Northern Laos

Days 3 - 4: Community Service Learning

Day 5: Exploring Nong Khiaow

Day 6: Back to Luang Prabang

Day 7: La Khon & Head Home

Sample Itinerary 3

Day 1: Sabaidee & Welcome to Laos!

Day 2: Head to the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC)

Day 3: Elephants, Elephants, and more Elephants!

Day 4: Up the Mountain!

Days 5 - 6: Service Learning Project

Day 7: White Water Rafting and Back to Luang Prabang

Day 8: UXO-TAEC, Ock Pop Tok Lunch Kayaking

Day 9: Kuang Sri Waterfall and Laos Dairy Buffalo Farm

Day 10: La Khon & Head Home

Sample Itinerary 4

Day 1 - Sabaidee, Laos!

Day 2: Exploring Vientiane

Day 3 - Head North to Vang Vieng

Day 4 - Trekking in Vang Vieng

Day 5 - Continue Trekking in Vang Vieng

Day 6 - Head back to Vang Vieng

Day 7 - Drive to Luang Prabang

Day 8 - Explore Luang Prabang and Head to Panoor Village

Days 9 - 10: Community Service Learning

Day 11: Trekking to Kuang Sri Waterfall

Day 12: La Khon & Head Home