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Exotissimo Travel: Making a Difference in Laos

Laos is a developing country which remains relatively untouched and unspoiled, despite the growing number of tourists. Exotissimo is committed to preserving the natural environment and rich culture of Laos while helping to improve the infrastructure and lives of the people in a responsible manner. In addition to operating all of our tours in a sustainable manner, we also work with several organizations to support and promote projects such as literacy programs, environmental awareness and vocational training centers.

Big Brother Mouse

Big Brother Mouse (BBM) is a literacy project that aims to promote the love of reading and learning among children in Laos. Many Lao children have never seen a book besides a textbook, and sometimes not even that. BBM's 'book party' initiative encourages travelers to purchase and distribute books to rural children during their hikes/treks through remote areas. BBM also publishes books written and illustrated by Lao writers.

How to help:

• Drop in at the BBM Center and read books to the children
• Donate school supplies
• Throw a 'Book Party' for children in a rural village
• Sponsor a mini library

What your money can buy:

• USD10 can buy 7 books for a classroom
• USD250 can create a mini-library in a village
• USD1000-3000 can sponsor the development of a new book

A visit to BBM can be integrated into our Luang Prabang itineraries such as our Luang Prabang Discovery Tour. A book party can be organized in rural areas of Luang Prabang and travelers can donate books and school supplies directly to the children.  

Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise

A joint venture between the Lao Ministry of Health and a couple of non-government organizations, Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) is currently the sole provider of prosthetics, orthotic and rehabilitation services for landmine victims and disabled people in Laos. Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world and a significant amount of unexploded ordnance (UXO) still litter the countryside and threaten the lives and livelihoods of many people.

How to help:

• Visit the COPE center in Vientiane
• Organize a fundraiser in your home country
• Volunteer, especially if you have relevant clinical skills
• Buy and donate supplies (based on COPE's requirements as stated on their website)

What your money can buy:

• USD 5 can pay for an X-ray
• USD 12 can feed a patient for a week
• USD 22 can buy a walking aid
• USD 30 can pay for a physiotherapy treatment
• USD 50 can provide an artificial leg

For travelers who wish to find out more about Laos' landmine issue and/or the American/Vietnam War, a visit to COPE can be integrated into the touring program while in Vientiane

Orchids Trek

A joint development by Vientiane Orchids and Exotissimo Laos, the Orchids Trek is an authentic ecotourism trek that explores the Phou Khao Khouay National Park in search of native wild orchids. Led by villagers from Ban Hatkhai village, this trek aims to provide a sustainable source of livelihood and income for local guides. Vientiane Orchids is a community-based tourism project that works to conserve Laos' unique biodiversity and the country's socio-economic development.

How to help:

• Visit the orchids farm in Vientiane
• Sign up for the Orchid Trek and your money goes toward supporting the villagers and the village development fund

For travelers interested to explore Lao's indigenous flora and fauna, Exotissimo's one-day Orchids Trek is a good recommendation. To find out more, view the tour details here

HIV/AIDS Awareness in Laos' Hotel Sector

This program is jointly funded by Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA and the International Labour Organization (ILO) and is working with a number of hotels in Laos to provide HIV awareness training sessions. The booming hotel industry in Lao PDR serves as a link to restaurants, night clubs and beer shops.  This increases opportunities for buying and selling sex, and increases vulnerabilities not only of hotel guests, but also of staff and subcontractors.  Hotel management is beginning to understand these vulnerabilities, and, for this reason, a number of hotels in Lao PDR have requested training on HIV and AIDS awareness.

How you can help

• Stay in a participating hotel
• Make a donation for printing materials and training sessions
• Engage respectfully with local cultures and people
• Support area businesses participating in the program
• Donate to Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA

Exotissimo encourages travelers to stay in APHEDA participant hotels and can arrange meetings with organizers at the Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA - Laos office  while traveling on tours such as Laos in Depth

AIDE & ACTION

Aide & Action is an international non-governmental organization that works to improve literacy rates and access to quality education for children in developing countries. In Laos, Aide & Action is active in the promotion and development of the educational cause by building and renovating schools in the rural areas of Oudomxay & Champassak provinces. This organization also donates equipment and books to village schools.

How to help:

• Make a donation to renovate schools or purchase school supplies
• Participate in a construction/renovation project
• Provide sponsorship for librarian training

To learn more about Aide & Action visit their website here

Aide & Action can be visited while touring Vientiane.

MAG

Established since 1994, MAG has been clearing landmines and other unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the provinces of Xieng Khouang and Khammouane, an area that is one of the most heavily bombed in Laos. MAG's trained staff will visit rural communities to provide Mine Risk Education to villagers. At the same time, MAG provides equal employment opportunities by actively recruiting women and ethnic groups for its programs.

How to help:

• Visit the MAG Laos Visitors Center
• Make a donation to support MAG's activities in Laos

What your money can buy:

• USD 12 can clear 10 square meters of contaminated land
• USD 25 can buy 500 meters of Danger! marking tape
• USD 55 can pay one week's salary of a Lao UXO technician
• USD 100 can buy a stretcher for the medic team

A visit to the MAG Laos Visitors Center is incorporated in to our Plain of Jars Laos Tour