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

Customer Reviews

• DH

  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 and I loved working with the children. Overall I highly recommend people experience this trip!
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  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... Show more
  Trip date: July 2025
• 

  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. 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.
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  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... Show more
  Trip date: July 2025
• 

  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 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.
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  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... Show more
  Trip date: July 2025
• 

  Lucas

  · July 12th, 2025
  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, Love
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  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... Show more
  Trip date: June 2025
• LS

  Lexi

  · July 9th, 2025
  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!
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  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... Show more
  Trip date: May 2025
• AB

  Abby

  · July 3rd, 2025
  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!!
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  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... Show more
  Trip date: June 2025
• 

  Brady

  · June 25th, 2025
  First, I want to address a few concerns that some people I met had about the Laos GIVE trip. The trip cost and traveling across the world by themselves. I believe that this experience was invaluable and it was something that I will forever hold close to my heart. If cost is a problem for you I would recommend fundraising for your trip. I appreciated being informed during my trip of where my money was going to. The logistics like accommodations, transportation, food and activities are all covered with the trip price. Most importantly, GIVE does a wonderful job of using those funds to support local businesses and people everywhere you go throughout the trip. By going on this trip you get to support the local people of Laos so they can provide for their families and make a living. One thing I appreciate about GIVE is that they push you out of your comfort zone. During this trip you will experience personal growth, discover new insights about the world and gain a fresh and meaningful outlook on life. Traveling across the world to a country you know nothing about can be intimidating, but once you arrive in Laos you will be greeted by the nicest guides that will make you feel like you are home. Also, you get to meet other like-minded volunteers that you will get very close with on the trip. There has been so much to reflect on after returning home from the Laos GIVE trip. The local guides make this experience so special by having connections and relationships with people in the communities that you visit. Experiencing the Lao culture was an incredible adventure. The kindness and warmth of the people make you feel welcomed, like you're in a second home. Their genuine hospitality creates a special bond. You'll stay in a remote village for the majority of the trip, where you'll be fully immersed into the culture and live alongside the locals. You will have the chance to teach English to kids, helping create a brighter future for them. You'll also get involved in local projects like permaculture and construction work that makes you feel like you are a part of something greater than yourself. Along with all of that, you'll get to experience the everyday lives of the men and women of the village that work hard to weave, fish and farm rice. You'll learn so much from the locals and guides about the history, traditions, and way of life of the village. You'll encounter a different way of life, characterized by hard work and resilience. Though it can be challenging, its clear how much joy they find in their simplicity. The strong sense of community is something you'll never forget, and the love they have for one another is evident. Their lifestyle is genuinely inspiring, and I hope to bring a piece of that back to my own community. The bonds and connections I formed with the locals will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know that if I return, I'll always have another home away from home. Thank you GIVE Volunteers for this life changing experience!
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Wow Brady, thank you so much for sharing this! We're seriously grateful you took the leap and joined us in Laos. It means the world to hear how much the experience, the community, and the culture impacted you. You’ll always have a second home with GIVE,... Show more
  Trip date: June 2025
• 

  Elisa

  · August 15th, 2024
  There seems to be a subtle charm to Laos not many people get to see and I felt incredible lucky to experience. The beautiful green landscape of this country is beyond beautiful. I loved the pace of the program. We had a lot of time to take in such beauty and engage in meditation and even deep conversations with our fellow travelers. Although the level of comfort fluctuated throughout the trip, it felt intentional and you get to grow to love it. Staying at a remote small village, Sop Chem, felt unreal and extremely different from what you are probably used to. Giving back to this community through education, permaculture projects, and overall social engagement felt effortless. The people here are so warm and welcoming. I can genuinely say I'll carry all I learned with me for a long long time.
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Thank you for sharing this, Elisa! Everyone at GIVE and Sop Chem is grateful to you for your dedication, heart, and growth mindset :)
  
  Trip date: July 2024
• 

  Gracie

  · July 30th, 2024
  Such an amazing experience, it’s honestly hard to put into words. Give fully immerses you in the cultures you visit and gives you opportunities that you won’t get traveling with anyone else. They push you out of your comfort zone and encourage growth while providing the safe environment needed for it. I 10000% recommend Give to anyone thinking about it. Do it!!!
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  You have a growth mindset, and we LOVE it! Thank you for being you Gracie <3
  Trip date: July 2024
• OA

  olivia

  · July 14th, 2024
  This June I traveled to Laos with GIVE. I was recruited for this program during my time at college. I chose to do this trip and travel across the world by myself. The experiences I gained during this time were invaluable. I had an amazing group of guides who motivated me and taught me things that I will keep with me forever. The itinerary was laid out perfectly with adequate time for adventure, leisure, and volunteering. Working with the children and women of Sop Chem was the most impactful part of this trip. This experience was beyond what I even imagined it could be. If you are reading this, you should definitely consider going to meet the amazing guides and people in Laos!
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  Trip date: June 2024