2026 Laos

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime!

This distinctive tour in Laos was custom-designed in partnership with members of the St. Olaf Hmong Alumni Network (HAN) to create a deep and vibrant search into Hmong heritage, both past and present.

We’ll journey from bustling, modern cities to the serene beauty of traditional villages. We’ll connect with living history as we learn the intricate art of Hmong embroidery from local artisans and even try our hand at the timeless craft of bamboo weaving. We’ll also visit a local farm to enjoy a true farm-to-table meal made with fresh, organic ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking class to learn the secrets of classic Lao cuisine.

Our journey goes deeper than just sightseeing. We’ll gain unparalleled insight into contemporary society through a discussion at Souphanouvong University, exploring the nation’s social, economic, and cultural landscape. We’ll also have the unique opportunity to witness hope in action by visiting impactful humanitarian projects, including the Lao Hmong Women Network and the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE).

Best of all, we have timed our journey to coincide with the Hmong New Year! You will be swept up in the energy and joy of the local celebrations in a way few travelers ever get to experience.

See all the details below and use the REGISTER NOW button above to join us!

Our intention with each tour is to provide an itinerary that introduces you to key elements related to your destination or the educational theme, while also providing some free time for you to pursue your own interests or have some down time. The balance can vary from day to day, and from tour to tour.

This tour starts in Luang Prabang and ends in Vientiane. You can view – and print or download if you wish – the most up-to-date itinerary here.

You’ll get the most out of study travel if you research what to do during your free time. This allows you to reap the benefits of group travel, while also customizing the tour to your interests and activity level. Read more about How to Be an Independent Group Traveler.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Joshua earned his bachelors in Earth Science-Geology and went on to earn his Masters of Education at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. He has worked for St. Olaf College for nearly twelve years, holding different positions within Residence Life, the Dean of Students Office, and the Alumni and Parent Relations Office. He and his wife, Annie have two beautiful kids and currently live in Lakeville just a few miles north of the Hill.

Joshua is particularly excited to host this trip due to his work with the St. Olaf Hmong Alumni Network (HAN). The group has been very active in creating alumni events, supporting current students and even recently presented at the Hmong National Development Conference this past year. 

Expect to get to know a bit of Laos, past and present.

Movement between cities will be by air-conditioned private motor coach and train. Movement within each city and at cultural/historic sites will be on foot, requiring a lot of walking and standing, often over uneven ground. You should be capable of walking a mile or more at a time and up to five to seven miles per day, often over uneven terrain, of climbing stairs that may not have handrails, of climbing in and out of various types of transportation, of keeping pace with an active group of travelers on long days of traveling, of dealing with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing different cultures, and of being a considerate member of the group (prompt, courteous and flexible).

Any participant who has demonstrated an inability, in the opinion of the tour leader, of keeping up with the group or of safely participating in program activities may be prohibited from participating in certain activities.

Hotels will be tourist class (four-star or superior rating) with private baths, air conditioning, and English-speaking staff.

You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the tour. Traveling lightly is highly recommended.

Inclusions and exclusions vary by tour, so please read the following information carefully. We try to strike a balance between nickel-and-diming you once on the tour and allowing you some freedom in your price point (for meals, for example). A variety of modes of transportation tends to be pricier than a single bus throughout the tour. Highly rated guides are essential and should command higher wages. 

The tour price is $4,290 per person, based on double occupancy. A supplement of $495 applies for single occupancy.

Inclusions: St. Olaf host; local full time guide for the duration of the tour; discussions led by local guests; accommodations, meals, entrance fees, and activities listed in the itinerary; private motor coach transfers (except airport transfers on arrival and departure); non-alcoholic beverages with meals; gratuities for all local guides, drivers, and meals; and some limited travel insurance.

Exclusions: Airfare to and from Asia is not included. Participants are solely responsible for all expenses not specifically included in the tour fee. Examples of excluded expenses are: international airfare; airport transfers; any passport and visa fees; any recommended immunizations or vaccinations; alcoholic beverages; laundry, dry cleaning, phone charges, room service or other items of a personal nature; expenses incurred during free time or non-group activities; and any meals not specifically included on tour itinerary.

This schedule is based on payments St. Olaf College must make to tour vendors to guarantee group rates. We highly recommend that you purchase additional trip cancellation insurance at the time of registration to recover your payments should you need to withdraw from the tour.

Deposit due:                          $500 upon registration
Refund if you cancel:          $475 if you cancel on or before January 14, 2026. If the deposit is made after January 14, 2026 there is no refund.

Interim payment due:        $2,000 on January 15, 2026
Refund if you cancel:          $1,000 if you cancel on or before September 14, 2026

Balance due:                      September 15, 2026
Refund if you cancel:          None, unless the tour is full and your place can be resold

Cancellations must be in writing.

Read the Terms & Conditions and Release & Waiver.

Review the latest information on recommended immunizations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Check your passport: ensure that it has at least 6 months’ validity past the tour end date (or your return date, if you decide to extend your stay overseas) and at least one blank page. We will provide more information on the required entry visa closer to departure.

Look at the International Travel section of the U.S. State Department, including Before You Go, Country Information, While Abroad, and Emergencies.

Take time to Prepare for your adventure by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, a safety overview, and more.

Hold the dates of December 9–22, , 2026. See some tips on Booking Your Flights, but do not book non-refundable flights until we can confirm the tour is a go.