The Laos Overland Service Adventure FAQs
What is unique about the Laos Overland Service Adventure?
This trip combines two of our most popular programs, Mystical Caves and Shamans AND the Sticky Rice Service Adventure. Many students have a difficult time deciding between the two. Mystical Caves and Shamans features more time with a particular community, allowing deeper bonds and a greater sense of community to mature. The Sticky Rice Service Adventure allows you to see more of the country while still doing meaningful service. So what’s the answer? The Laos Overland Service Adventure is the best of both worlds and the complete Laos experience!
What do students usually like most about this program?
By the end of this trip, students feel that they really have a sense of enchanting Laos: the landscape, the culture, the people. It is a beautiful country with a beautiful way of life.
Will the students be drinking bottled water?
Almost all water served in Laos is from a bottle. Students will always be supplied with safe drinking water.
Do we need to get visas for this program?
Visas are available on arrival at the airport and border crossings for $35. This amount will be added to your trip invoice prior to travel. Students should bring at least 4 passport sized photos with them.
What will the accommodations be like on this trip?
In Na Som Rustic Pathways has built a Base House in the village that our students use during the summer, and the local school is able to use throughout the year. Conditions are simple but nice. Expect to be on sleeping mats under mosquito nets. Bathrooms have Western Toilets and hot showers. While touring throughout Laos, we will predominantly be staying in guesthouses that have hot water showers and clean beds. But, always be prepared to spend a night in a bamboo hut and take shower by pouring a cold bucket of water over your head along the way!
What kind of food will we be eating?
One word… delicious! We will be sampling both the local fare of noodle soups, spicy papaya salad , pork laap, stir fried vegetables, various fish dishes, tons of fresh fruit as well as some great French colonial influenced western dishes.
Where will we be eating most of our meals?
Almost all of our meals will be eaten at noodle shops and restaurants with some meals at friends of Rustic Pathways homes and in small villages along the way.
What costs are not included on this trip?
This trip includes all of the student’s accommodations, in addition to three meals a day, drinking water, transportation, entrance fees and other related group entertainment costs. Optional activities, such as massages, internet use, phone calls home, snacks, souvenirs, etc… are extra costs. For this program, we typically recommend between US$100-200 per week for allowance depending on the student’s spending habits, and basic souvenirs. This can vary greatly, however, as some students may spend very little and others may spend much more if they plan on making a big purchase.
Who will the staff members be on the trip? How many staff members will there be?
Each trip is staffed by a combination of western (American) and Laos leaders, and in most cases each team will include a nationally licensed guide, a western man and a western woman. We never have fewer than one staff member for every five students.
Will there be a flight leader to this country?
All flights departing from and returning to the United States will have flight leaders. In the event a student is connecting from another country, they may or may not have a flight leader. In such instances, we generally have coordinated with the airlines to escort the students from check-in through customs, and delivered to a verified Rustic Pathways staff member in Laos.
How often will we be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?
Cleanliness is a big part of Laotian culture so we keep as clean as our traveling allows us. We will have access to laundry facilities at least once a week if not more often. The cost is usually $3-5.
Can Rustic Pathways cater to specific diets on this program?
To a certain extent, yes. If you have any serious dietary issues please contact our USA office prior to booking your trip to make sure that we can accommodate you. Vegetarians are easily accommodated.
What is the weather like?
It’s hot, and humid in the day and a little cooler in the mountains at night. Daily downpours are short and give way to sunny skies. Be prepared for heat and dampness. Synthetic fiber clothes are great because they dry fast much faster than cotton can.
Will mosquitoes be a problem on this trip?
While there are mosquitoes present in certain areas, it is more of a dormant season for them. It is a good idea to bring along some bug spray that contains DEET. All accommodation in mosquito-impacted areas will have screened windows or bug nets over the beds.
Where is the nearest healthcare?
Each city we visit has a hospital with reliable medical care that caters to hundreds of Westerners every year. For the short time we will be in more rural areas farther from top-quality medical care, our staff will have a clear plan and route to the nearest healthcare depending on the severity of the situation.
Is your staff qualified in First Aid?
Because safety is our number one priority, all of our programs have staff that is certified with First Aid and CPR training. Many of our guides are also qualified Wilderness First Responders, EMTs, Wilderness EMTs, or Life Guards.
What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
Rustic Pathways only requires an up-to-date Tetanus shot, however the Center for Disease Control often has recommendations that are kept updated regarding Laos. Since we do not know your child’s medical history, we recommend you reference the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov or the World Health Organization website at: www.who.org for more information. We also suggest consulting with your local travel doctor or physician prior to your travels for further information.
Are there any extremely physical or strenuous activities on this trip?
No. But be prepared to do quite a bit of walking while exploring the country. We will also be doing some swimming in rivers and under waterfalls.
How often will I have access to email and phones?
Phones will be accessible almost every day, while email will be accessible at least every 3 or 4 days. Email is usually about $1 per hour. While these facilities are available we encourage students to use them as little as possible to really allow for the immersion in this wonderful culture all the more rich.
What will I need to spend my allowance money on?
There will be opportunities to shop. Our stall will take you to some of the finest stalls, malls, and markets in Laos. You’ll see all kinds of souvenirs, snacks, and fun stuff to buy, so budget accordingly. Prices in Asia are on average significantly cheaper than in the West, but be wary that a lot of great deals can add up. Markets and local crafts are huge part of Laos culture and a great way to support the local community. Here are some approximate, sample prices (listed in US dollars) that should help you prepare a budget: hand-woven scarf = $3; hand-woven shoulder bag = $6; T-shirt = $6; small wood carving = $5; soccer ball = $10
What sort of electrical voltage adapters do I need to bring?
If you are just bringing chargers for cameras and mp3 players you will not need any adapters. If you need an adapter, look for a universal adapter that will accept almost any plug and plug into almost any style of outlet. They cost around twenty dollars and are available at office and travel supply stores.
Is there a language barrier, and will this be a problem for me?
A lot of people in the larger towns speak English to a certain degree and your local guides can help you translate. It can be a lot of fun trying to use your own made up sign language as well! People will be as interested in hearing about your culture as you are in theirs. In addition, our talented local staff can speak excellent English and will serve as your gateway to Laos culture, translating and explaining what people are saying.
How does this program connect to other programs?
All Laos programs connect seamlessly with other programs within the country as well as those in other Asian countries. Arrangements can be made to connect to almost every program that Rustic Pathways offers as long as the dates coincide with each other.
Did you know?
Laotians consume sticky rice, or ‘Khao Niao’ as a main part of their diet. It is often served alongside meals in woven bamboo baskets, and eaten using the fingers of the right hand to wad the rice. Laos has also been heavily influenced by the French, so it is common to see locals having coffee and bread for breakfast, a striking scene for SE Asia.
