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Laos

Laos: Come With Nothing, the Mekong Expedition — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 18 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Pack light! This experience is designed after our “Come with Nothing, Go Home Rich” program. Stay at the incredible Rustic Pathways Mekong Base House right on the banks of the Mekong River. Discover the beauty of rural Laos as you venture into two separate villages to work alongside villagers on community service projects and experience life as a local.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

What Does a 14-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Laos!

Arrival in Luang Prabang · Mount Phousi sunset viewpoint · Orientation and cultural introduction · Overnight: Hotel, Luang Prabang
2

Discover Luang Prabang and Laos’ Cultural History

Luang Prabang bike tour · UXO Visitor Center · Monk discussion on Buddhism · Pak Ou caves boat trip · Night market visit · Overnight: Hotel, Luang Prabang
3-6

Experience Village Life

Travel to rural mountain village · Homestay with local families · Community infrastructure service projects · Life without electronics · Cultural exchange with villagers · Overnight: Village homestay
7

Hike to Kuang Sri Waterfall

Countryside trek through rice paddies and forest · Kuang Si waterfall swim and exploration · Overnight: Lodge, Luang Prabang region
8

Journey North to Nong Khiaw

Scenic mountain drive · Riverside bungalow stay · Bike ride to Pa Tok caves · Reflection discussion · Overnight: Bungalow, Nong Khiaw
9-12

Rediscover Village Life

Village homestay near Nong Khiaw · Community infrastructure service projects · Cultural exchange with villagers · River swimming and journaling · Overnight: Village homestay
13

Celebrate in Luang Prabang

Return to Luang Prabang · Friends Without a Border hospital visit · Traditional Lao massage · Celebration dinner and cultural performance · Rustic Ties reflection · Overnight: Hotel, Luang Prabang
14

La Kone, Laos!

Breakfast in Luang Prabang · Airport transfer · Departure

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Laos

What Do School Organizers Ask?

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Laos offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?