MITTAPHAP-Sae Lao Project

At the Mittaphap–Sae Lao Project, people from all over the world come together to learn, share, and grow alongside the Lao community as we work toward a more sustainable way of life.

Located in Nathong Village, just outside the vibrant town of Vang Vieng, Sae Lao is a community-based sustainable development project that includes a small organic garden, a non-profit restaurant, and volunteer programmes for international visitors. Our main focus is teaching English to around 200 students across two local school sites. Classes take place from 5–7 pm, after the regular school day, and we’re grateful to be able to use the schools’ facilities to support students aged 5 to 18.

Since opening our doors in 2008, we’ve welcomed more than 1,000 volunteers—and each one has become part of our story.

While teaching English is a key part of the volunteer experience, lessons only take a couple of hours each evening (Monday to Thursday).
We have a programme of Daily Activities. Whether you enjoy gardening, animal care, photography, videography, office support, social media, or hands-on maintenance work, there’s always something to get involved in. We’re flexible and truly value the unique skills each volunteer brings.

We ask for a minimum stay of two weeks, with arrivals and departures on SUNDAYS.

There’s also plenty of time to enjoy the beauty around you. Blue Lagoon 1 is just a one-minute walk away, and the area is full of stunning hikes and viewpoints. Plus, Vang Vieng town is only a 20-minute drive, making it easy to explore local culture, cafés, and activities during your stay.

We’d love to welcome you into our community and share this inspiring place with you.

We have the capacity to host 20 volunteers at any one time. Volunteers are provided with a dormitory bed or guesthouse room (extra charge applies) on-site, shower and bathroom facilities, 3 meals each day and free access to drinking water and seasonal fruit. Most days will start with breakfast followed by activities such as gardening, attending a local kindergarten, maintenance and social media updating. There is free-time after lunch until teaching begins in the early evenings. After school we have dinner together. We also have one day off per week (Friday) -perfect for a day trip to a local lagoon or waterfall. There is a minimum stay of two weeks. Your stay begins and ends on SUNDAY. Feel free to message us if you would like any more information about the project or how you can help "My name is Mor Lor. I am a past student (turned coordinator) of the Sae Lao project. I learned English here when I was a kid. Then, due to my academic performance, the project sponsored my university costs by means of a scholarship. After graduating I felt a debt with this project so I came back and started teaching children from all around the region. I want to give everyone the same opportunities that were given to me through the project"