Useful Information for Construction & Renovation: Laos

Come with an open mind and realistic expectations. Life on a volunteer project is simpler and slower than at home: shared rooms, basic facilities, heat and humidity, and a culture with its own customs. Everyone feels a little out of place at first, and that is normal.

Before you travel, read the programme information we send you. When you arrive, the local team introduces you to the project, the house rules and local customs, and they are there to talk to if you feel homesick or unsure. Most volunteers find the first few days are the hardest, and the rest flies by.

We should always be healthy and maintain our fitness. However, it depends on the project you choose and you should always be ready to work.

Nothing formal. Pack modest, practical clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. On teaching and kindergarten projects, wear neat, casual clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. On construction and conservation projects, wear hard-wearing clothes and closed shoes you do not mind ruining, plus a hat and light long sleeves for the sun. Vest tops and short shorts are not allowed while you are working.

Away from the project, dress with respect for local customs, especially in villages and at religious sites. Your coordinator will tell you about any local rules when you arrive.

Your arrival transfer is included. You will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation, so there is nothing to arrange for the journey in.

The departure transfer at the end, from your accommodation back to the airport, is not included. You can add it as an optional extra in your account, or make your own way.

Once you have booked your flights, log in to your account and add them under Flight Details so we know when you are landing.

Of course! We encourage everyone to talk over our social networks. You can find a list of them at the bottom of this page. If you’ve joined a tour, we will send you an invite to a dedicated Facebook group made for your tour a few weeks before it starts. Your tour guide and a tour manager will also be in the group to answer any questions you may have. You can also join the General Discussion Board on Facebook!

You need to be 18 or over to join this program. There is no upper age limit, as long as you are in good health and able to do manual work.

No. No qualification is required and no building experience is expected. The work is light construction and renovation, the tools and materials are provided, and experienced local project coordinators supervise the work and take on the heavy tasks.

What you do need is basic English, good health and a willingness to work as part of a team and turn your hand to whatever the day needs. On signing up we will ask for a criminal record check (CRB/DBS), a copy of your passport and a CV.

Yes. Volunteer Teaching: Laos and Volunteer Sports Coaching: Laos use the same volunteer house, so one stay can take in more than one: a week building, say, then a week teaching English or coaching sport, without moving.

Book this program and add teaching or coaching weeks as an extra, or book either of the others and add construction weeks.

No. Basic English is enough, and the local coordinators are there on site. Your orientation includes a first lesson in basic Lao, along with the cultural do's and don'ts, and the people you work alongside will be happy to teach you more.