Overview:
In the very heart of what was once colonial French Indochina the traditional lifestyles of the rural communities continue much as they have for centuries. Modern life style is making its mark and there is even greater need to assist these communities to develop the sanitation, health and education standards we take for granted.
Sightseeing choices – Luang Prabang UNESCO World Heritage town & temples, treks, elephant rides, Mekong river boats and more learning opportunities – Sustainable Tourism for the Elimination of Poverty (STEP), Community Development
Outdoor activities –multi-day trekking & overnights in rural villages, river rafting, caving & more
Seuang River Experience, situated in Luang Prabang Province of Lao PDR, is a unique educational travel destination for schools, universities and volunteer-service groups.
We are seeking participating schools, university and community-service groups to fund and build specific community development projects within rural villages. All projects undergo a strict needs analysis process and local staff work closely with community leaders to ensure projects are planned, implemented and evaluated successfully. Potential projects that have been identified through community needs analysis process include:
1. Community lodge construction
2. Village water supply improvement
3. Kindergarten & elementary school construction
4. Historic temple restoration
5. Village library & resource centre
6. Agricultural education centre for regional junior high school
7. Toilet and dormitory for regional high school
8. Village meeting hall
9. Livestock improvement scheme
10. Traditional handcraft centre
During the volunteer work we encourage taking an active role in village life. Lao people are warm and welcoming--with just a smile and a willingness to help out any way possible, you can form true bonds with your new friends in just days. By expressing a genuine interest in their culture you will also be giving the most valuable gift you could give, helping them rebuild cultural pride lost in the face of modernization.
In addition to the volunteer work there are opportunities for you to visit local schools, a community health clinic and learn about the traditional crafts. Your time participating in this programme will provide a clear understanding of social, educational and health related issues facing rural people in northern Lao. In this way you will touch and experience this country in a way very few foreigners are able.
Seuang River Experience can be customized for each group’s needs and desires. Please contact to discuss how you can become involved.
Location:
On this trip you will travel to northern Lao cultural centre of Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and into the surrounding hills with rice fields and lush vegetation. Side excursions will take you to either northern Thailand or Vietnam. Luang Prabang’s international airport has daily direct flights.
Trip notes & Inclusions:
Despite rapid progress in the past decade up to 80% of the Seuang River Valley population live in poverty of which 40% in extreme poverty. The majority of the population does not have access to adequate health care, housing and sanitation.
Poverty, combined with rapid population growth and unequal distribution of economic development are dramatically increasing demands on remaining forest cover and wildlife. Simply, when no alternative is available, environmental conservation and wildlife protection are less important to those living in poverty.
The unequal distribution of economic development is also having dire consequences on local cultures as youth today now have access to television program from Thailand and India showing luxurious lifestyles. The consequence is a slow drain on pride and understanding of local culture.
Seuang River Experience is changing this in partnership with our international stakeholders such as Buffalo Foundation, International Union for Conservation of Nature (EGP Netherlands), YMedia and EON Foundation. Our goal is to fight poverty, preserve traditional cultures and conserve nature!
Volunteer groups play a crucial role to assist villagers build the financial capacity to create alternative livelihoods to hunting and logging while creating awareness and support for environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
Participating groups are directly assisting the Seuang River communities become independent stewards of their tourism resources.
As each program is unique, so to are the tours and costs. As a rule of thumb programs cost between $55 to $75 per day per person and varies greatly due to number of participants, length of program, services required, type of sightseeing and accommodations provided. Our school tours usually include two teachers free of charge.
Group size: minimum 5 people – maximum 30 people
Tour duration: customized for group requirements within 1 to 30 days
To provide an accurate quotation we encourage you to contact us to discuss various options.
Typically our tours include:
- Supervision by experienced community facilitators
- All activities during volunteer project
- All meals during programme
- Accommodation in village homestay or local hotel
- English speaking guide
- Bottled water
and excludes:
- International and domestic airfares
- Visa and visa charges
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Items of a personal nature such as beverages at homestay
- Donation for any community service projects
Despite rapid progress in the past decade up to 80% of the Seuang River Valley population live in poverty of which 40% in extreme poverty. The majority of the population does not have access to adequate health care, housing and sanitation.
Poverty, combined with rapid population growth and unequal distribution of economic development are dramatically increasing demands on remaining forest cover and wildlife. Simply, when no alternative is available, environmental conservation and wildlife protection are less important to those living in poverty.
The unequal distribution of economic development is also having dire consequences on local cultures as youth today now have access to television program from Thailand and India showing luxurious lifestyles. The consequence is a slow drain on pride and understanding of local culture.
Seuang River Experience is changing this in partnership with our international stakeholders such as Buffalo Foundation, International Union for Conservation of Nature (EGP Netherlands), YMedia and EON Foundation. Our goal is to fight poverty, preserve traditional cultures and conserve nature!
Volunteer groups play a crucial role to assist villagers build the financial capacity to create alternative livelihoods to hunting and logging while creating awareness and support for environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
Participating groups are directly assisting the Seuang River communities become independent stewards of their tourism resources.
As each program is unique, so to are the tours and costs. As a rule of thumb programs cost between $55 to $75 per day per person and varies greatly due to number of participants, length of program, services required, type of sightseeing and accommodations provided. Our school tours usually include two teachers free of charge.
Group size: minimum 5 people – maximum 30 people
Tour duration: customized for group requirements within 1 to 30 days
To provide an accurate quotation we encourage you to contact us to discuss various options.
Typically our tours include:
- Supervision by experienced community facilitators
- All activities during volunteer project
- All meals during programme
- Accommodation in village homestay or local hotel
- English speaking guide
- Bottled water
and excludes:
- International and domestic airfares
- Visa and visa charges
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Items of a personal nature such as beverages at homestay
- Donation for any community service projects