24th Feb 2027 - 5th Mar 2027
10 days/Laos /Project Trip
This unique trip gives you the opportunity to learn about Baraka’s programmes in Laos whilst helping Laotian children and spending time in one of Asia’s hidden gems.
This trip offers a real South East Asian experience; meeting the people, enjoying the cuisine and discovering the culture of Laos all while making a practical difference to the local community. We will spend time working and engaging with a variety of Baraka projects which include Baraka’s famous book boat, one of their Learning Centres and a supported school.
Starting in the wonderful city of Luang Prabang, where we are based for the first few nights. We depart Luang Prabang and head north for a couple of nights in the much quieter and spectacular setting of Nong Kiaw. We then travel back to Luang Prabang ready to fly home (you may wish to stop off on route in Bangkok or elsewhere in nearby Asia).
You don’t need any building experience to take part — just enthusiasm, a willingness to work hard and the desire to make a difference!
Baraka has been working in Laos for over 15 years running Learning Centres and books boats, building school classrooms, dormitories and kitchen facilities, and facilitating water and sanitation programmes. The two library ‘book boats’ provide books and educational sessions to village schools inaccessible by road. Working on the projects in our itinerary is not compulsory but a willingness to get stuck in is appreciated by the locals who find our efforts useful. No experience is required and if painting or manual work isn’t for you, interaction with the local children and people will be a pleasure in itself.
Due to the nature of travelling in developing countries such as Laos, you should be prepared for a degree of flexibility in case of last-minute changes of plan. Accommodation is in hotels that are ensuite and comfortable.
The group will generally be between 8-15 people. Andy McKee is leading the tour on behalf of Baraka Community Partnerships. He will be assisted by Laotian colleagues.
The minimum age to participate in this trip is 18 years old, or 15-17 if accompanied by an adult.
You will stay in decent hotels on an en-suite basis. The accommodation is on a twin-share basis but a single room can be requested (subject to availability) at a supplement of £375. Ear plugs are strongly recommended for a peaceful night.
February is a great time to visit Laos with dry, sunny days with warm temperatures ranging from 15-35℃.
During your visit to Laos you will be able to try typical Lao cuisine. Steamed sticky rice is a staple and salads and noodles, meat, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables all play a part in typical Lao dishes. All meals are included per the itinerary. If we are informed in advance, the majority of special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. or any dietary preferences can be catered for to the best of The Different Travel Company’s, and our local partners’ ability. However, we cannot guarantee that food preparation will have taken place in a contamination free environment.
Luang Prabang
Make your own way to Laos and transfer to Hotel Sala Prabang (or similar).
Meals: Dinner
Luang Prabang
One of the next two days will be spent working at a school project that Baraka supports within driving distance of Luang Prabang. The other day will be a trip out on the Mekong book boat when we will also stop to visit the famed Pak Ou Budha caves on our return from the school we visit.
Meals: Breakfast
Luang Prabang – Nong Khiaw
Today we head north to the beautiful town of Nong Kiaw which is located on the banks of the Ou river. After checking in we will head off to visit the Nong Khiaw Learning Centre where we will be working for the next few days.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Nong Khiaw
These two days will be spent helping to build a new IT room at the Nong Khiaw Learning Centre.
Meals: Breakfast
Nong Khiaw
Today is a free day to enjoy at your leisure, or you may wish to head up river on the Ou book boat to visit a local school.
Meals: Breakfast
Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang
This morning we return to Luang Prabang staying at the Hotel Sala Prabang (or similar).
Meals: Breakfast
Luang Prabang
A final free day to relax and enjoy the sites of Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast
Luang Prabang
Transfer back to the airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
N.B. Adventure travel is unpredictable so the itinerary may change due to flight schedules, climate etc. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. Your guide and tour manager will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group.
Total trip costs:
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