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Laos Safe and Responsible Travel

Intrepid Foundation at Work Around the World

The Intrepid Foundation provides travellers with an opportunity to give something back to the many wonderful communities we travel to. By donating to The Intrepid Foundation you can make a difference in local communities - in health care, education, human rights, child welfare and the protection of wildlife and the environment.

In Laos, The Intrepid Foundation proudly supports:
Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre

Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre

This centre provides a home and rehabilitation for bears that are rescued from hunting and the illegal wildlife trade. This organisation also invests in community education programs that focus on awareness of environment issues and the importance of wildlife conservation.

Image supplied by Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre.

COPE (Cooperative Orthotic Prosthetic Enterprise)

COPE (Cooperative Orthotic Prosthetic Enterprise)

This worthy organisation provides essential services to people with disabilities. Laos has many victims of landmines living with life-changing disabilities acquired from stepping on unexploded ordinance (UXO). Providing rehabilitation, orthotics and prosthetics, the visitor centre also educates and enlightens visitors on the impact of UXO on the people of Laos.

Image supplied by Jo Pererira.

Peuan Mit Street Children Project

Peuan Mit Street Children Project

This vital project assists underprivileged children and young people to return to school, find employment and cultivate a better future with counselling, workshop sessions, education and emergency accommodation.

Image supplied by Peuan Mit.

UXO Lao

UXO Lao

This organisation was created to reduce the number of casualties caused by unexploded ordinance (UXO) that still lies on much of Laos’ land. By raising community awareness, training locals, surveying and clearing land, this group is working towards savings lives and building a safer future for the people of Laos.

Image supplied by UXO Lao.

To learn more or donate, go to: www.theintrepidfoundation.org


Responsible Travel Tips

laos mekong river lady rug blanket sewing elderly woman marketlaos old woman fabrics sewing rugs handmade market factory
 
Laos’ Khone Phapheng is the world's widest waterfall
 

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

Top responsible travel tips for Laos


  1. Be considerate of Laos’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.
  2. Dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders to knees should be covered, especially when entering places of worship.
  3. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.
  4. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.
  5. When bargaining at markets, stay calm, be reasonable and keep a smile on your face. It's meant to be fun!
  6. Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.
  7. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.
  8. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
  9. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.
  10. When on community visits or homestays, refrain from giving gifts or money to locals.

Health and Safety

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?
Go to: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
From New Zealand?
Go to: http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
From Canada?
Go to: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/
From the US?
Go to: http://travel.state.gov/
From the UK?
Go to: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/
The World Health Organisation
also provides useful health information:
Go to: http://www.who.int/en/

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Laos at a glance

  • 19
  • Vientiane
  • 6.3 million
  • Lao
  • LAK
  • (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type B (American 3-pin), Type E (French 2-pin, female earth), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)
  • +856

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