Northern Laos: Wildlife Conservation, Permaculture, and Meditation Practice with Monks

Traveler Reviews

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  Emma

  January 14th, 2026
  GIVE did it again with giving me a second 10/10 trip! The Laos team is nothing short of AMAZING, inspiring, and smart...
  GIVE did it again with giving me a second 10/10 trip! The Laos team is nothing short of AMAZING, inspiring, and smart and I am grateful to have gotten to travel with them and learn from them all. Being in the village of Sop Chem was special as I became close to several locals and had the privilege of gaining knowledge of their culture. Beginning with breakfast and ending the day with “good vibes” this organization does one incredible job establishing a personalized and thoughtful itinerary for us travelers. I also appreciate the pay now, book later option making trips like these more accessible for college students like me! Thanks again GIVE, looking forward to Tanzania and Zanzibar!Show more
  Traveled in January 2026
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Hey Emma, thank you so much for sharing this. It truly means the world. Sop Chem holds such a special place in our hearts, and we’re so glad you were able to experience the deep connections, joy, and sense of community that make it so unforgettable. We’re beyond grateful to have you as part of the GIVE family and can’t wait to see you again!

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  Emelia

  December 17th, 2025
  The trip was very well organized and thorough. The itinerary was full but not overwhelming, and was a good balance...
  The trip was very well organized and thorough. The itinerary was full but not overwhelming, and was a good balance between work and fun.Show more
  Traveled in July 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you for your kind words, Emelia! It was a joy having you in Laos, and we can't wait to see you on your next GIVE trip!

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  Sydney

  August 2nd, 2025
  There aren’t enough good things I can say about my experience with Give. I met so many people who have impacted me in...
  There aren’t enough good things I can say about my experience with Give. I met so many people who have impacted me in such a positive way. The smiles we shared, the laughs we shared, and the cries we shared are all something that I will cherish forever. If I could go back 1,000,000 times over and do this whole experience again, I would. Living with 9 days of no service was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever done. It helped me be incredibly in the moment, and focus on everything going on around me. I’ll always be grateful for the bonds I created with the kids, to the memories I made with the ladies while walking through the village. Walking into class every morning and seeing the kids with smiles on their faces reminded me why I decided to go 7,000 miles away from home. I truly can’t thank the guides enough who helped me become the person I wanted to be on the trip. They gave us pep talk after pep talk when needed, they encouraged us constantly, and reminded us that we are capable of doing something like this. The trip wouldn’t have been anywhere close to possible without all they did and I’m so incredibly grateful for them!Show more
  Traveled in July 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt reflection! So grateful for you and the energy you brought to the trip. Your words perfectly capture the magic of being unplugged, present, and part of something bigger. Massive hugs to you and sending love from Laos!

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  Kai

  August 2nd, 2025
  I went on every Southeast Asia trip, and I do not have a single regret. Each trip is unique and provides different...
  I went on every Southeast Asia trip, and I do not have a single regret. Each trip is unique and provides different opportunities to interact with the country, culture, and people. I genuinely was able to connect with not only those in the group, which I have made some lifelong friends by, but also the locals in every place that I have visited. In Laos specifically, after spending an incredible 9 days in Sop Chem working, teaching, and living with the locals, I feel as if I truly gained a second family. Even though we weren’t able to communicate all the time, I feel as if I was apart of their village. I was constantly playing games with all of the kids and learning from our locals guides and locals about the life of someone who lives there. We got to participate in local cultural ceremonies such as the Baci ceremony, where the locals get to thank you and give blessings and wishes to you as we get to eat, dance, and enjoy each other’s presence. It is these moments that I will remember forever and carry all of the lessons I’ve learned with me no matter where I go.Show more
  Traveled in July 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  This means so much Kai, thank you for showing up with so much heart across every step of your Southeast Asia journey. Hearing that Laos felt like gaining a second family is the highest compliment, and we’re so grateful you shared this!

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  Danielle

  July 31st, 2025
  My experience in Laos was amazing! I really enjoyed my time in Sop Chem! The people in the village were really nice...
  My experience in Laos was amazing! I really enjoyed my time in Sop Chem! The people in the village were really nice and I loved working with the children. Overall I highly recommend people experience this trip!Show more
  Traveled in July 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thanks so much! We’re so happy you had an amazing time in Sop Chem—it’s such a special place. The kids and community are unforgettable, and we're glad you felt that too. Thanks for recommending the experience. We hope to see you somewhere new in the world soon!

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  Alyssa

  July 31st, 2025
  Before GIVE Volunteers, I had never even heard of the country Laos. Now, it holds a very special place in my heart....
  Before GIVE Volunteers, I had never even heard of the country Laos. Now, it holds a very special place in my heart. Through GIVE, I had the opportunity to experience something truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived in the village of Sop Chem, we were welcomed with open arms. The people of Sop Chem are some of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met, and the community made us feel like family. I felt safe, supported, and cared for every moment of the trip. One of the most special parts of this trip was our local guides. They were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also some of the most patient and kind people I’ve ever met. Whether we were learning about Lao traditions, history, or daily life, they were always eager to share, answer our questions, and help us connect on a deeper level with the culture around us. Our days were filled with purpose. We taught English to over 60 children and supported local women in learning conversational English to sell their handicrafts to tourists. We stayed in their homes and learned traditional weaving techniques. What made our experience so meaningful is that every volunteer project we took part in was what the community wanted and not what outsiders thought they needed. We helped build a new kitchen for the village school. In Luang Prabang, we went to a wildlife sanctuary where black bears are being rescued and protected from illegal wildlife trade and bile farming. We visited the UXO Museum and learned about the country’s history and struggles with unexploded bombs. Between the volunteering, we went ziplining over waterfalls, fishing in the river with locals, caving, and planting rice. Every activity felt meaningful and connected to the land and culture. The trip ended with a Baci Ceremony, an emotional and beautiful sendoff that captured the love and connection we had built in Sop Chem. It was a moment of gratitude I’ll never forget. I came to Laos not knowing what to expect. I left with a full heart, lifelong memories, and a second home in Sop Chem.Show more
  Traveled in July 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Wow, Alyssa, thank you for sharing. It means so much to hear how deeply you connected with Sop Chem and the people there. Your words truly reflect the heart of what GIVE is all about: meaningful service, cultural exchange, and real connection. We’re so grateful that you were part of this journey and team human. Sop Chem will always be your second home.

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  elin

  July 24th, 2025
  No review I write could ever truly encapsulate the time I spent in Laos. I learned so much about myself and the world...
  No review I write could ever truly encapsulate the time I spent in Laos. I learned so much about myself and the world while in the most beautiful country around the kindest and most amazing people I have met in a long time. Sop Chem village refreshed my soul and gave me a new perspective on life and how I want to live. I will forever be grateful for the unforgettable wisdom I got from Aiy’ Ton, the many laughs and stories from Aiy’ Sommaiy and Aiy’ Good, and the teaching and permaculture knowledge from Haylie and Mackenzie. Everyone who made this trip possible my heart goes out to you and I am thankful that you are able to share this amazing place with people like me. To the people of Sop Chem, your kindness and hospitality will never be forgotten and you will stay in my heart forever. Thank you to this beautiful world for reminding me why it is so important to care, why I am here, and the passion I have for protecting our planet.Show more
  Traveled in July 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  This is absolutely beautiful, thank you for sharing your heart. Sop Chem has a way of leaving its mark, and we’re so grateful you got to experience its magic. Aiy’ Ton, Aiy’ Sommaiy, Aiy’ Good, Haylie, Mackenzie, and the whole community will be so touched to know the impact they had. Laos will always be a part of you!

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  Lucas

  July 11th, 2025
  Over the past few years, I have been increasingly involved in my local communities; however, I have always struggled...
  Over the past few years, I have been increasingly involved in my local communities; however, I have always struggled to see the real impact of my actions. When I heard about GIVE Volunteers during my first year of university, it sounded amazing. I would get to meet like-minded individuals, see the world, learn more about cultures, and make an impact that not only would I be able to see but also feel. After being convinced to sign up at 2 in the morning on a random Tuesday night by completely random thoughts to myself, I knew that I had made the right decision, but not until I reached my first destination did I realize just how correct I was. I went on two different trips: Scuba Thailand and Lao, and let me just say, nothing they can show you online will do either of them justice. Thailand: The Scuba Thailand trip is an amazing opportunity to learn to scuba dive and to learn about actual applications of it in marine life conservation, but you don’t just get to learn about it, you also get the chance to actually put it to work. Despite this trip being a rather short one at only 10 days, I am certain that some of the connections I made on this trip will last a lifetime, probably more if they could. Lao: The Lao trip is out of this world. From what I saw and have heard, it embodies the roots of what GIVE is trying to do. You work hand in hand with the community to make a difference through bottom-up development; you can see the effects TRICKLE down into the community. Teaching kids a language while you don’t speak theirs may be frightening to some, but I can assure you, it is some of the most fun that you will likely ever have. Furthermore, the feeling you get from one of your students coming up to you and using what you have taught them to try to talk to you is absolutely out of this world. Live, Laugh, LoveShow more
  Traveled in June 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Wow—this gave us chills (and a few laughs). We're so grateful you took that 2am leap of faith! It means everything to hear how deeply both trips impacted you, and we couldn't agree more; there's just nothing like seeing your impact firsthand. Thanks for being such a special part of the GIVE family. Live, laugh, love forever!

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  Lexi

  July 9th, 2025
  When you’re encapsulated by an environment so intimate and genuine, I sometimes find it difficult to articulate the...
  When you’re encapsulated by an environment so intimate and genuine, I sometimes find it difficult to articulate the full spectrum of the impact it holds. With such an intense and immediate impact, my perspectives and journey in this life of mine have forever changed/expanded following my GIVE trip. I think this is because it’s not just one or many things that you learn/unlearn or are inspired by… in my everyday life, since my GIVE trip to Laos, I am constantly reflecting on and utilizing different moments and insights from the trip. It holds a presence in my life no matter where I am or how long ago I was there. The experience guides me through life, helping me grow and become a more open-minded, confident, compassionate, and aware human being. A few highlights from my trip to Laos include ziplining over waterfalls, meditating in caves, learning how to make kombucha, learning from and teaching the women and kids in the village of Sopchem, partaking in an Alms ceremony (sharing food with the monks), once in a lifetime conversation with a monk, hiking to a hidden waterfall, cooking class, working with the free the bears foundation, learning about and visiting the UXO museum (heavy heart when I learned about this information), and SO SO much more! At the end of your time in Sopchem, you get the privilege to be involved in a Baci Ceremony, a Lao farewell tradition, where the entire village comes together to prepare one last union between the volunteers and the village. They prepare dinner, a guided blessing, and then the ENTIRE village will go around and share love, gratitude, and a blessing with each and every volunteer. It was one of the most wholesome, heartfelt experiences of my life. On a broader and more personal note, my trip to Laos helped me realize just how much I value the concept behind being a global citizen. How separation between human life doesn’t actually exist. How walls, distance, religion, ethnicity, etc. don’t change that we all bleed red. That every human on this planet has come from the same source, and we all deserve to live a healthy and fearless life. How mother nature is our home, and anywhere in the world is our backyard! My guides and the community in Laos taught me that no seed, no step goes without rippling out into this world – our world! I am forever grateful to have a piece of every adventure and human I crossed paths with in Laos in my heart – the heart that they all tremendously grew and filled with so much love! Thank you, GIVE and the crew/community in Laos, for providing the opportunity to grow and learn in such a safe and wholesome environment. GIVE helps nourish your garden – it plants the seeds of awareness into your garden. Whether it be the seeds of culture, permaculture, curiosity, history, or empathy, the seeds are planted, watered, and then you get to watch them grow and form this beautiful garden of your own. How inspiring is it to then watch the seeds from your garden help nourish others gardens!Show more
  Traveled in May 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  This is powerful! Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and beautifully reflective experience. It's clear how deeply your time in Laos impacted you, and we're so grateful you allowed GIVE and the Sopchem community to be part of your journey. The way you described your growth, the connections you made, and the lessons you carry forward are everything we hope for in this experience. Thank you for planting and spreading those seeds, the ripple effect of your presence is real, and we’re honored to be a part of your story.

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  Abby

  July 3rd, 2025
  Traveling with GIVE to Laos was single handedly the most impactful and fulfilling traveling I have ever experienced....
  Traveling with GIVE to Laos was single handedly the most impactful and fulfilling traveling I have ever experienced. I know that before my trip I was full of concerns regarding traveling the world on my own and volunteering in different countries in a respectful and helpful way. I’m happy to say that this trip exceeded my expectations for meaningful volunteering and sustainable practices! What I wasn't expecting was the lifelong friendships and powerful connections I made with not only my fellow volunteers but also the amazing and strong people of Sop Chem. The connections GIVE has with these local communities is inspiring, and whether it was teaching English, shoveling sand, or sharing a beautiful dinner with the community on our last night, I truly felt welcomed in these places that months ago would have seemed so foreign to me. A special thank you to all the incredible GIVE guides, they will be there to support you through every stomach ache, tear shed, and beautiful moment experienced, you all truly made Laos all the more impactful and special. Yes it was very hot, and there will be moments that push you way out of your comfort zone, but if you are looking for a meaningful and life changing volunteer experience, GO TO LAOS WITH GIVE!!Show more
  Traveled in June 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for sharing your journey in Laos. It means everything to hear how supported, connected, and welcomed you felt (heat and all!). The Sop Chem community is something special, and we’re so grateful you were a part of it. Big love to you from all of us and the GIVE Laos fam!

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