Southeast Asia 14th Edition, March 2008 [PDF] / se-asia-14-laos

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412 L A O S D I R E C T O R Y • • V o l u n t e e r i n g

VOLUNTEERING

It’s not easy to find short-term volunteer work in Laos; however, one place you can walk in off the street is the Phoudindaeng Organic Farm (p365) in Vang Vieng. Occasionally groups seeking assistance from foreigners, such as the teachers’ college in Luang Prabang or the orphanage in Phonsavan, will advertise at falang hang-outs like restaurants, tourist offices or guesthouses. If you’re keen to contribute to the country in any small way, ask around for ideas or projects you can join. If you’re passing through Luang Prabang, Luang Nam Tha or Vientiane try and spend some time at Big Brother Mouse (see box p385).

WOMEN TRAVELLERS

Women travellers rarely get hassled in Laos, but it does occur. In fact, you are more likely to be troubled by aggressive Western ‘guru’ male travellers (you know, the ones who have unravelled the spiritual mysteries of existence

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and are willing to share them with you in exchange for an invitation to your room) than you are by Lao men. Apart from wandering darkened streets alone at night of course, the main potential danger areas are guesthouses and long-distance buses. Picking a guesthouse run by women will dramatically reduce your chances of trouble. Some women have also been hassled on overnight bus trips, particularly the bus to Vietnam from Vientiane. The best way to combat this threat is to travel in a group and stay alert.

WORKING

Compared to other countries in the region, finding work in Laos is relatively simple. There are an inordinate number of development organisations in Laos (160 at last count), where foreigners with skills can find employment; see www.directoryofngos.org for info. The old standby of teaching English is always an option and schools in Vientiane are often hiring. Ask around.

L A O S

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