About VESA
VESA’s humanitarian and conservation projects aim to provide direct action support to communities in parts of the world overlooked by traditional charities and aid organisations.
Learn moreJoin us in Laos, a charming country known for its Buddhist traditions, breathtaking nature, UNESCO protected temples and culture that echoes the tranquillity of the Mekong. Stay in a remote elephant sanctuary and get right up close to its residents, volunteer at a village school, sample the freshest local cuisine and experience the captivating nature and unique culture Southeast Asia’s hidden gem.
Upon arrival in Vientiane, you will be met by our local VESA team, easily recognisable with their VESA shirts and signs. Whatever your travel arrangements, please ensure you are at the international arrivals halls at the time of the group flight arrival. From here, you will be transported by minivan to Dream Home Hostel where you will spend your first night.
Dream Home Hostel, Vientiane
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Head to the Elephant Conservation Centre in the Nam Tien Protected Area, Sayaboury Province. This will be your home for the duration of your project week.
Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC), Sayaboury
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
These will be your project days! You will be split into two groups and work on a rotation.
The daily schedule will run as follows: 07:30 am – Breakfast 08:30 am – Begin work 12:30 pm – Lunch 01:00 pm – Continue work 04:00 pm – End of work day 04:30 pm – Free time and activities 07:00 pm – Dinner 08:00 pm – Free time and activities
Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC), Sayaboury
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Our adventure week is packed with activities for you to discover what makes Laos such a special place.
A full-day city tour of Luang Prabang. We visit a local market, the national museum, an ancient temple, UXO (unexploded ordinance) museum, a silk‑weaving workshop, ethnology center and a stunning climb up Mt. Phusay for a 360-degree view of the city! A pool & pizza party at La Pistoche.
Khammany Guesthouse, Luang Prabang
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A visit to the Living Land Rice Farm followed by a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfall and bear sanctuary run by the Free the Bears Foundation. Next day, a scenic bike ride through the countryside for a kayak trip downriver past rural villages and elephants!
Khammany Inn, Luang Prabang
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We spend the next few days in Laos’ adventure capital, Vang Vieng, and the schedule is just as busy
Alisson Guest House, Vang Vieng
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transfer by coach from Vang Vieng to Vientiane for your flight home or continue travelling with us on the Chasing Waterfalls trip.
See what dates are available to volunteer on the Laos Elephant Encountered project.
Learn more