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6 DAYS RUSTIC ELEPHANTS & LUANG PRABANG

This popular 6 day trip takes you on a rustic experience to the Elephant Conservation Centre to learn more about this amazing animal in their natural surroundings, combined with a visit to Luang Prabang....
Laos Map
6
days
TOUR SUMMARY:

Duration:                   6 Days

Suggested Time:    08:30-16:30 depending on daily itinerary

Location:                  Luang Prabang - Xayaboury - Luang Prabang

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This popular 6 day trip takes you on a rustic experience to the Elephant Conservation Centre to learn more about this amazing animal in their natural surroundings, combined with a  visit to Luang Prabang.

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DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Luang Prabang Arrival 

Arrive in Luang Prabang, where ancient temples, colonial architecture, rich history and unmatched beauty have earned the entire town UNESCO World Heritage status.  After settling into your hotel you will ascend Mount Phousi in the centre of town and sun setting over the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.  Then make your way down to the main street to enjoy your first taste of Lao cuisine.

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PRIVATE TOUR AVAILABLE DAILY
 
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Private tour with local guide
  • Cycle tour through the historic streets of Luang Prabang
  • Elephant Conservation Centre unique experience
  • Blessing by a monk in Luang Prabang​
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Luang Prabang Temple and Night Market

Day 2 - Xayaboury and Lao Elephant Conservation Centre

After breakfast depart Luang Prabang for the Elephant Conservation Centre.  A couple of hours mini van ride over craggy mountain passes on misty jungle roads, followed by a boat ride over a stunning lake will bring you to this remote elephant sanctuary in Xayabouray province.

 

Arrive at the camp and to a hearty welcome over traditional Pho soup where the staff will share your program for the next few days.

 

The Lao Elephant Conservation Centre takes a completely different approach to conservation than many other camps in the area.  With their small herd of elephants and a very concentrated focus on conservation practices, basic veterinary training and responsible elephant handling, you won't be riding the elephants.  Instead, you will be learning how to care for them and helping this amazing species to thrive in Southeast Asis.

 

Early afternoon, the elephants are taken to bathe in the Namtien Lake, where the centre is located.  You will be delighted at how playful and fun they are in the water.  Then, it is time to trek the herd into the forest, where they sleep for the night and forage in their natural habitat. 

 

After dinner, relax and spend the night in your bungalow.

Elephant Conservation Centre

Day 3 - Elephant Conservation Centre

Rising very early, head deep into the forest to retrieve the elephants from their sleeping area. Once they are fed and cared for, you will head back to the camp for a satisfying meal of your own.

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Visit with the onsite veterinary care team and learn the role they play in the evolving relationship Laotians have with elephants. This afternoon you will also get the opportunity to visit the nursery, where a mother and her baby are cared for. This baby elephant, Ngoi, is absolutely adorable- you may have already watched him try to bath in the lake, or feed himself awkwardly with his trunk! You will work with the Center’s staff to prepare a routine health check of the nursery, discussing the specifics of reproduction, artificial insemination, pregnancy, and neonatal care.

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When you return to the elephant camp for the evening, finish up your daily duties by assisting your mahout to find a suitable place in the jungle for the elephants to eat wild vegetation and sleep for the night. Heading back to the camp on jungle paths, arrive in time to take a swim, relax and get ready for dinner.

 

In the evening, you are invited to get to know the local staff and eat in traditional family-style

Elephant Conservation Centre

Day 4 -Elephant Conservation Centre - Luang Prabang

On your final morning at the Center, you will retrieve your elephants and bathe them in the river one last time. Then, you will have the opportunity to engage in a fun and helpful project - making elephant dung paper! This sustainable practice results in homemade recycled paper, which is used in a number of ways around the Center.

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After a goodbye to the team of vets and mahouts, return to the famous town of Luang Prabang. Take the opportunity to explore the side streets and backroads of this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site by bike, stopping at temples and even sitting down with a monk to discuss Buddhism. This evening, enjoy a delicious Lao-style dinner in town and shop at the night market that runs through the center of the ancient city.  

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After freshen up you will later take a bike ride from your hotel.  We start from the hotel cycling along the Nam Khan river road it takes about 30 minutes riding on the way we will make a stop for photo opportunity at the peninsular where Mekong and Khan rivers meet. Later take a short ride to Wat Xiengthong temple the most beautiful and ancient temple in Laos. After a sightseeing tour in the temple we also have a chance to interact with the monk and get a blessing with white cotton thread wrapped around your wrist for the best of luck.

 

Later we will leave the temple and take a cycle along the Mekong river back to the hotel and the rest of the is your own leisure.              

Kuang Si Waterfall Luang Prabang

Day 5 - Luang Prabang - Big Brother Mouse and Kuang Si Waterfall

Spend the morning at Big Brother Mouse, a unique NGO that gives local students of all socio economic backgrounds a chance to receive free English lessons from travellers.  This program is very popular with local students and gives them an educational opportunity, otherwise unavailable, to develop important language skills.  Meet the local students and sit down for conversation practice and exchange.  After lunch it will be time to head to the famous seven-tiered Kuang Si waterfall just outside of town. Swim in bright aqua water, beautiful surroundings, and visit the Free the Bears’ rescue center along the river. Jump from the falls or cannonball off the rope swing into the bright blue lagoon. Take a short hike to the top of the falls and enjoy the mountain’s sweeping vista across the valley of Luang Prabang.

 

Return to Luang Prabang to freshen up before dinner in town. On your last night, prepare to reflect on all you have accomplished this past week.

 

Noted: Big Brother Mouse can not arrange local students as attendance depends on the students availability from school but we still can go by following schedule as below:

 

1.    8:00am – 11:00am

2.    5:00pm -  7:00pm  

Alms Giving Luang Prabang

Day 6 - Luang Prabang - Departure

You will rise early to the sound of the gong calling the monks to morning prayer, before heading out to the main street to give morning alms. Each day, the hundreds of Buddhist monks that live in the many temples of Luang Prabang file around town to collect offerings from townspeople looking to receive some good merit. After breakfast, it will be time to head to the airport for your departing flight. You will no doubt leave with many amazing memories of your time in Laos!

NOTE:​

  • This tour program has been carefully designed and represents experiences we recommend.  However, should you wish to amend any element of the program to suit your own interests please let us know so we can create a unique trip just for you.

PRIVATE TOUR RATE: Prices are quoted in US Dollars | Per Person
  • Single supplement applies
  • Our prices represent ground service only, however, if you prefer a package to include accommodation this can be arranged accordingly.
Tour Includes:
Tour Excludes:

  • Private English Speaking Local Guide

  • Tours and transfers as mentioned by air conditioned vehicle

  • Sightseeing entrance fees and permits during guided time

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  • International and domestic flights

  • VISA and any VISA related fee - all non ASEAN residents must apply for valid visa

  • Travel Insurance (compulsary)

  • Hotel Accommodation (recommendations can be provided)

  • Services and meals if not mentioned in the itinerary

  • All drinks, including water, soft drinks and alcohol

  • Laundry, telephone calls and any expenditure of a personal nature

  • Tips and gratuities

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