Luang Prabang, the former capital city of Laos, used to be named ‘Lan Xang’, which translates to ‘land of the million elephants’. Still living up to its name until today, Luang Prabang has become a UNESCO World Heritage city. On the outskirt found a number of elephant village sanctuaries where elephants are taken care of: Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort, Nam Ou Elephant Farm, Elephant Conservation Center, etc. These are where you will learn about elephants’ rescue stories, how to take care and ride an elephants, and most of all, and an experience that you will surely treasure. Travel to Luang Prabang with Travel Indochina Laos

The story behind the Luang Prabang elephant village

The Asian elephant species’ population in Laos has been reduced to 750-800 due to the loss of habitat and poaching. They can be divided into two groups: wild elephants and captive elephants, with 90% of captive ones working in logging with the rest giving rides in camps.

Elephant conservations in Luang Prabang (and Laos) has Mahouts who take actual care for their elephants; they will talk with you about ethical treatments of elephants. They are strong but gentle animals with a strong need for space; elephants are not willing to stand captivity. Luang Prabang elephant village houses elephants that were rescued from the logging industry. By being placed in conservation, they are getting a real and meaningful retirement and professional health care.

Outdoor activities in Luang Prabang elephant village

Have you ever given treats, bathed in the river, and walked with elephants in close distance? Well, you are in for a treat of a lifetime. The village is located near Nam Khan river and thus besides activities with the elephants, you will have the opportunity to trek, kayak, sightsee, swim, and take boat trips along the river. For adventurous visitors, we recommend taking a boat trip to the Tad Sae waterfall. For these extra activities, the prices can vary from $30 USD to $250 USD. Laos tours packages

If you want to stay at the village instead of the nearby town, there are accommodations available, with a riverside restaurant that serves delicious meals with vegetables from their very own organic garden.

You will also be personally feeding treats to elephants. Prepared to be mesmerized by the happy look on their faces when eating bananas and sugarcanes. Previous visitors have written about the elephant tour in Luang Prabang as an absolutely moving experience where they got to get up close with these beautiful creatures: they appreciate every head scrub, every kiss and every hug given. We guarantee you that the elephants are treated very well; they roam free without chains and are given back scratches every morning. If you think that the price is not so cheap, remember that you money is going to the right cause. The elephant village is all about eco-tourism and sustainable development.

As people who have received very good feedbacks from previous guests and travellers, we highly recommend that you take serious consideration of this elephant village adventure. Not only will you gain an understanding of wildlife conservation in Luang Prabang and Laos, but you also will spend one or two days up close and personal with the ever friendly and gently Asia elephants (and if you are lucky you might get a chance to be with the playful baby ones). Your trip will support the right cause: the money is used for the reintroducing rescued elephants to the wild.

See more:

DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN SOUTHERN LAOS

BEST DESTINATIONS TO GO IN LUANG PRABANG

DRINKING GUIDE TO SOUTHEAST ASIA

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