Laos
Culture & Community
Journey through rivers and mountain valleys to Sop Chem Village—where daily rhythms, deep traditions, and meaningful projects weave you into the fabric of the community.
Laos
Culture & Community
Find peace and purpose in Sop Chem village
Arrive by longtail boat to Sop Chem, a remote village that welcomes you like family. Teach English in local classrooms, build sustainable infrastructure alongside villagers, and volunteer at a sanctuary protecting rescued Asiatic black bears. Between projects, plant rice by hand, meditate with monks, zipline over waterfalls, explore limestone caves and viewpoints, and end your journey with a sacred Baci Ceremony.
Combine & Save up to $1,200:
Thailand Hill Tribes I Thailand Elephants I Thailand Scuba I Laos
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Laos Itinerary
Trip Length: 14 Days – Luang Prabang • Nong Khiaw • Sop Chem
Note: Winter trips are slightly shorter than summer trips (by 1-2 days) to fit within school and holiday breaks—but you’ll still experience the same projects, adventures, and cultural immersion, just in a more condensed format.
Day 1
Touch Down & Take It In
Welcome to Laos! After clearing immigration, meet your GIVE guides and fellow travelers in the arrival hall. That evening is yours—feast on Lao cuisine, wander the vibrant night market, and start building bonds with your new GIVE crew.
Day 2
Falls & Forest Friends
Start your day swimming and ziplining at the breathtaking Kuang Si Falls. Then visit a nearby wildlife sanctuary to learn about conservation and volunteer alongside rescued animals. In the evening, wind down over dinner and reflect on the day with your GIVE crew in Luang Prabang.
Day 3
Rituals & Remembrance
Start your day with the Alms Ceremony, a humbling and sacred Buddhist tradition. Then explore a local temple to learn about Lao history, Buddhism, and take part in a monk-led meditation session. In the afternoon, visit the UXO Museum for a powerful look into Laos’ wartime history and resilience.
Day 4
Mountains & Moonlight
Take a scenic drive through northern Laos to the remote village of Nong Khiaw, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush jungle. Hike to a stunning mountaintop viewpoint, where you’ll settle into a one-of-a-kind glamping experience. That evening, share a hot pot dinner under the stars and soak in a sunset you’ll never forget.
Day 5
River & Roots
Start your day with breakfast overlooking the mountains before boating up the Nam Ou River to a hidden waterfall, where you’ll picnic and unwind in nature. That afternoon, arrive in the remote village of Sop Chem—your new home for the week. Explore the community and get introduced to the volunteer projects you’ll soon be part of.
Days 6-11
Live & GIVE Like a Local
Every day in Sop Chem blends impact, immersion, and adventure.
Mornings: Teach local children or support education projects.
Afternoons: Get your hands dirty with community construction and sustainability projects.
Evenings: Fish with locals, explore jungle caves, farm rice, stay in a homestay, brew rice wine, play with local kids, swim in the Nam Ou River, and learn traditional weaving.
Day 12
Baci & Blessings
After our final day of volunteering, the community will prepare a Lao feast and host a traditional Baci Ceremony to wish us good fortune and safe travels on all future journeys. It’s one of the most powerful expressions of culture, connection, and community you’ll ever experience.
Days 13-14
Sunset Cruise & Closure
After breakfast on Day 13, we’ll say our goodbyes to the community and begin our scenic journey back to Luang Prabang. That evening, we’ll set sail on a sunset dinner cruise along the Mekong River—sharing one final meal and celebrating the journey we’ve taken together.
On Day 14, all good things must come to an end. Soak up your last few hours in Laos before heading home—or continue on to your next Southeast Asia adventure with GIVE.
Want to keep the adventure going in SE Asia?
Extend your trip for up to 5 weeks and save up to $1,200 by combining trips. [Learn more here]
What's Included
When you travel with GIVE, you won’t be surprised by hidden fees upon arrival. Dive into all that’s included in our all-in-one trip prices.
- All accommodations
- Transportation (not including flights)
- 3 meals per day & clean drinking water
- 24/7 guide support
- All adventures and cultural experiences
- Funding for volunteer projects & sustainability initiatives
- Pre-trip & in-transit support from GIVE’s Travel Specialists
- Access to your personalized GIVE Profile
- Access to GIVE’s preferred insurance & flight partners
- Trip preparation tools, guides and checklists
- Access to GIVE’s Ambassador Community post-trip
Simply put: we care. GIVE goes above and beyond for our travelers before, during and after your trip. See all that’s included in your GIVE trip here!
What's Not Included
Once you arrive at your destination, everything is organized and included, so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without having to worry about your wallet GIVE helps you organize all your travel logistics to make your trip preparations and travel smooth.
- Flights and Travelers Insurance (mandatory)
- Passport, visa (if required), and vaccinations (if required)
- Immigration entry/exit fees (depending on location)
- Personal souvenirs, snacks and refreshments (drinking water is included 24/7)
- See all that’s included in your GIVE trip here!
* GIVE reserves the right to change program dates
* Winter trips are slightly shorter due to school/holiday breaks
Trip dates & Combinations
Mix & match trips, travel for 1-7 weeks, and save big when you combine 2 or more
Stack your trips and save up to $1,200. Prices drop when you stay longer–lock in your seat before spots fill up.
🏝️ All-inclusive trips 🌱 Real Impact ⛰️ Real Adventure
Thailand Hill Tribes Immersion I 14-days
$2,795
Laos Culture & Community I 14-days
$2,595
Thailand Scuba Conservation I 11-days
$3,195
Thailand Elephant Experience I 8-days
$2,295
Thailand Hill Tribes + Laos I 28-days
$5,390 $4,790 Combine & save $600
Thailand Scuba + Laos I 25-days
$5,790 $5,290 Combine & save $500
Thailand Hill Tribes + Elephants I 21-days
$5,090 $4,690 Combine & save $400
Thailand Scuba + Elephants I 18-days
$5,490 $5,190 Combine & save $300
Thailand Elephants + Scuba + Laos I 33-days
$8,085 $7,385 Combine & save $700
Thailand Hill Tribes + Elephants + Scuba I 32-days
$8,285 $7,585 Combine & save $700
Thailand Hill Tribes + Elephants + Scuba + Laos I 46-days
$10,880 $9,680 Combine & save $1,200
Laos Culture & Community I 14-days
$2,595
Thailand Scuba Conservation I 11-days
$3,195
Thailand Scuba + Laos I 25-days
$5,790 $5,290 Combine & save $500
Thailand Scuba + Elephants I 18-days
$5,490 $5,190 Combine & save $300
Thailand Hill Tribes + Elephants + Scuba I 32-days
$8,285 $7,585 Combine & save $700
No Hidden Fees
Your GIVE trip includes everything you need—from meals, guides, and accommodations to local transport, epic adventures, cultural experiences, and funding for the volunteer projects you’ll help bring to life. Just show up ready to make an impact—we’ll handle the rest.
How to Book a Trip
Lock in your spot with a $595 USD trip deposit in your GIVE Profile. For add-ons or multi-trip packages, it's just $295 more per trip. Your deposit counts toward your total cost, never expires, and can be transferred if plans change.
Pay the rest on your own schedule—just be paid in full 80 days before your trip. Need more time? We’ve got you. [Terms & conditions apply.]
Worry-Free Booking
Plans change—we get it. Your deposit is fully transferable, never expires, and lets you switch trips or dates for free. Total flexibility, zero stress. [Learn more about our worry-free booking policy.]
We Got Your Back
We’ve got your back—every step of the way. Before your trip, we’ll help you book flights, secure travel insurance, and handle passport or visa needs without the headache. On the road, our team’s on call 24/7 to help with anything that comes up.[Learn more about our 360° travel support.]
Small Groups, Big Vibes
Travel with a tight-knit crew, guided by a team of local and international GIVE guides. With an average group size of 16-20 people, a 5:1 traveler-to-guide ratio, and 24/7 support, you’ll never feel lost in the crowd.
Thailand Hill Tribes + Elephants + Scuba + Laos I 46-days
$10,880 $9,680 Combine & save $1,200
Don’t see your preferred trip combination or dates? Contact us.
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