MEDICAL REHABILITATION VOLUNTEER 2017

Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos and this is where participants will be staying. It is a laid-back, French-influenced city situated on the banks of the Mekong River near to the border of Thailand and may well be the cleanest city in the whole of Southeast Asia. With manicured roadside gardens, you will hardly believe you were in one of the poorest countries in the world. This ancient city, with a population of around 400.000 people, is very different from any other capital city in Southeast Asia. With its authentic Laotian and French colonial style, it truly is ‘a pearl at the Mekong'! The project locations and sleeping accommodation are located in the heart of the city of Vientiane. This city offers all the facilities and amenities that you could need. Numerous ATM machines are scattered around the city where money can be obtained. Internet cafes, grocery stores, supermarkets and other shops are located all around the city. Vientiane also has a wide variety of eateries, restaurants, coffee bars, drinking bars and other nightlife establishments where people can relax after their day. Bicycles are available to use from your accommodation (just ask) - this is a very popular and the most efficient way of getting around in the city! You will be taken to a Night Market on Monday night. This market is on every night and so from then on, although no other activities are scheduled outside of your program, you are free to explore on your own! As the capital city, Vientiane itself has a lot to offer in terms of sites and entertainment. Although a guidebook will be able to talk you through everything that the city has to offer, here are a couple of ideas: Patuxai - Vientiane's take on the Arc de Triomphe and their own victory monument. You can climb it to enjoy the panoramic views! Wat Si Muang - A Buddhist temple for those who want to absorb some religious culture. Vientiane is also within close proximity to two large National parks: Phou Phanang and Phou Khao Khouay for those who want to explore a more natural landscape