Laos · Travel differently
Responsible travel in Laos: elephants, volunteering, local guides
Good intentions are not enough: how to travel in Laos without causing harm, choose activities with animals, and really help.
Guides
Local
Animals
No riding
Volunteering
Long term
The idea
Spend locally
We all want to do good when we travel. But over time, and through her experience in Laos, Mélissa learnt one essential thing: good intentions are not enough. Here is how to travel responsibly in Laos, so that your trip really benefits the people who welcome you.
Travelling responsibly
Listen · understand · build with local people
Responsible travel is not about helping “your way”. It is about listening before acting, understanding real needs, giving work to local people, and thinking long term.
“Good intentions are not enough.”
Good habits
- Guides: choose local guides and organisations
- Crafts: buy directly from artisans
- Children: don't give them money or sweets, and don't visit schools or orphanages as a tourist
- Waste: a refillable bottle rather than plastic bottles
01
What you need to know
Elephants
Avoid elephant rides. Choose places where you watch the animals without riding them.
Volunteering
Useful commitment is built over the long term, with a local organisation, not in a few days.
Local guides
They know the language, villages and customs, and your money stays local.
Photos
Always ask before photographing someone.
Time
Taking time to understand before acting: that is the basis.
Do
- Choose local guides
- Buy directly from artisans
- Listen before acting
Avoid
- Elephant rides
- Giving money or sweets to children
- Short volunteering stints without supervision
Travel with us
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang temples and Mount Phousi
A day in the old town with your guide, in French, English, Chinese or Thai: the day market, the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat May, then Mount Phousi, by private tuk-tuk.
From 65 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Mekong cruise and Pak Ou caves
The town in the morning, then about two hours by private boat on the Mekong to the Pak Ou cave and a village where rice spirit is distilled.
From 78 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Kuang Si waterfall and Hmong village
About an hour's drive to the Kuang Si waterfall, a stop in a Hmong village and at the buffalo farm, then the Ock Pop Tok textile workshop before returning to your hotel.
From 72 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Street food at the night market
A street food evening guided by our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to Lao food among the stalls of Luang Prabang.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Sindad evening, the Lao barbecue
An evening around the sindad, the Lao barbecue you share, with our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to the meal Lao people love to share with friends.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Frequently asked questions
Can you ride elephants in Laos?
Some places still offer it, but it is better to choose places where you watch elephants without riding them.
How can I volunteer in Laos?
With a local organisation, for long enough, and starting from the needs expressed locally.
Should I give to children who ask?
No. It is better to support an organisation or buy directly from families.
Why choose a local guide?
They know the language and customs, and your money benefits local people directly.
A question about responsible travel?
Write to us: we answer you ourselves, from Luang Prabang. Please book at least one week in advance.
Ask a question