Health and Safety in Laos

From departure to arrival home, your safety is our highest priority.  Laos and the Elephant Conservation Centre were chosen as our volunteer destinations because of their security, the friendliness of the people and the impact our work can have on the community. We are very aware that for some of our volunteers this may be their first experience abroad, or away from family. We want to assure you that should you have any questions or need any assistance while on project, there will always be someone nearby to help. Never hesitate to ask any question at all! Our leaders and staff are there to ensure that our volunteers have the best possible experience.

Travel

If you choose to travel on the group flight you will be travelling with your fellow project volunteers and soon-to-be friends. Your flight will be met at Vientiane International Airport and we will have a group of mini buses to take you to your accommodation. At the end of the program you will be transferred to the airport and accompanied to your flight. You will travel home with your new friends, a real sense of accomplishment and many amazing travel stories!

Accommodation

Elephant Conservation Centre

During week one at the ECC, you will be living in a shared same sex room, in picturesque accommodation located in Sayabouri. Here you’ll stay with your project group and VESA staff. You will be in a safe and secure environment with the option to lock up your valuables. Your facilities will include:

• Dorm accommodation separated into male/female, with some doubles available
• Bedlinen, mosquito nets and pillows
• Electricity available until 9.30pm
• Full bathrooms
• Internet available in case of emergencies
• Refrigeration for medication available

Hostel Accommodation

During week two, you hostel accommodation facilities will include:

• Dorm room accommodation
• Bed linen and pillow
• Electricity
• Fully equipped bathrooms
• Internet available
• Laundry facilities
• Close to shops and medical clinics

Food and Water

VESA and Centre staff will prepare all your food, and you will have access to unlimited supplies of bottled water where necessary.

VESA Group Leaders

Each day you will be accompanied at all times by one of our Group Leaders, and any activities you are involved in will be conducted under the supervision of qualified on-site mahouts and veterinarians. All VESA Group Leaders are first aid qualified. There is a European private hospital in Vientiane.