Food, Lodging and Travel
We have five beautiful bungalows. The bungalows house two people maximum per bungalow. Our bungalows are nestled under the trees at our new site, just behind our gibbon enclosure so you will lovingly serenaded each morning!
We try to maintain single sex rooms, with the exceptions of couples, friends and families, but this is not always possible due to our capacity for volunteers. Bungalows have electrical outlets, fans, and fully screened windows for mosquito control. Each bungalow also has a hammock available for lounging on the peaceful front porch.
Fresh bed linen is provided when you arrive and can be changed during your stay if you are a long-term volunteer. We have single-sex shower and toilet blocks, fitted with western style toilets and hot water showers. During your stay, you look after their own space by keeping your personal area tidy and rooms swept.
All your meals are provided during your stay; lunch and dinner are hot meals delivered to the volunteer house and breakfast materials are provided for you to eat/prepare as you wish. Clean drinking water is also provided in a number of locations on-site for staff and volunteers.
All meals are vegetarian. You must inform us if you have any special dietary requirements before your arrival to the centre allowing our staff to plan for your arrival. You will also have space to store both dry goods and refrigerated items, like ice cream or fruit, for example, that you purchase while staying with us.
On-site laundry is available where you are welcome to do your laundry at your convenience. Laundry detergent is provided and your coordinator will show you the washing machines.
We are located in rural Laos in a village known as Ban Xiengletha. You will be living in an authentic Lao setting. Whilst there is not a lot to do in the surrounding areas, in the local village there is a nail salon and many small market stalls where you can purchase fruit, ice-creams and beers. Staff will take you on a weekly market run in the car to purchase any items you wish, and you will also have access to a bicycle which can be used to explore the area in your free time. There are also some local bars which the staff can drive you to in the evenings – karaoke is a local favourite!
We are situated next to Nam Pien Yorla Pa, an ecotourism attraction and Phou Khao Khouay National Park. Volunteers can walk next door to the infinity pool at Nam Pien which is included in your volunteer fee, socialize in our common area where we can watch a movie, hike in the National Park, do ecotour activities at Nam Pien, or play games as well as have a few drinks and relax.
While all your food and accommodation is covered while you are here at the centre, volunteers should bring some additional currency with them for spending money, such as for local sightseeing, meals out with friends, snacks, etc. The cost of these items is small compared to most other countries (e.g. a meal out is typically less than $5 USD).
Travel in Laos
Our coordinators pick-up volunteers in Vientiane every Sunday from 10:00-11:00 am only. We only pickup on Sundays and in the morning to allow time for your volunteer orientation tour and allow you to get ready for your first full day on Monday, so most people fly in on the Saturday and stay one night in Vientiane to be there in good time. Drop off same time on your Sunday of departure.
Free Time
Generally – twice a week if the schedule allows – volunteers can do some free time activities which include local drum making, visiting waterfalls, Laos’ biggest Buddha, local markets, night walks, karaoke, local weaving and visiting an organic farm. Staff are always looking for new activities as well to get volunteers to see a bit of the local life/culture in Laos.
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities can obtain a 30-day visa e-visa or a visa on arrival at road, river and air borders for entry into Laos. For this, you must bring two passport-sized photos with you and pay US$50 dollars if arranging on arrival.
If you join the project for longer or plan to be in Laos for more than 30 days, you can visit the immigration office in Vientiane and extend your tourist visa twice to a maximum of 90 days. Staff can advise on how to do this.
