Elephant Trainer Course
(5 days)
Luang Prabang – Elephant Park
Highlights
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Experience the life of a Mahout (elephant caretaker)
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Ride, feed and wash the elephants
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Choose a trek OR kayak activity
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UNESCO World Heritage town, Luang Prabang
Overview
If you have a love for elephants, this unique experience is something quite special. Get up close and personal and live the life of a “Mahout” (elephant handler) in the natural setting of Xiem Long Elephant Park. The Mahout’s day is scheduled to fit in with the needs of elephants and offer you a first hand chance to follow this natural rhythm. You feed and wash the elephants and learn how to ride these beautiful mammals by sitting on their neck using some basic control techniques. Combine your Mahout experience with either a kayaking or trekking activity in the Conservation Area. At the Elephant Park you also have a choice of staying in either a luxurious bungalow in the Lao Spirit Resort or in the Elephant Lodge, a beautifully renovated 100 year old Lao farm. The Elephant Park is only 15km from Luang Prabang where this expedition starts and finishes. You have ample opportunity to explore this ancient town by choosing from the Laos Culture + History Day Tours.
A little bit about the Elephant Park Project…
The Xieng Lom Elephant Park Project was established in 2003 and aims to protect the Asian Elephant. As the forest disappears the elephants, that were used to log the trees, can become neglected. This private initiative gives logging elephants a new future and a meaningful retirement. Experienced mahouts (elephant caretakers) and vets help the elephants to adapt to their new environment. As part of the Elephant Park Project initiative, tourism income is invested in community-based eco-programs in villages around the park providing; jobs, training, construction of local water supply and funding for the nearby school.
You can stay at the Lao Spirit Resort….
The Lao Spirit Resort is the first eco tourism resort built in the Luang Prabang area. Situated on the banks of the Khan River, the resort overlooks the Annamite mountain range and the Elephant Park Project. Completed in 2005, there are five luxury bungalows built in traditional Lao-style by local craftsmen and artists using materials such as wood and stone. Each bungalow has a spacious terrace facing the river offering undisturbed peace and relaxation. You can even have an outdoor shower in your own privately screened area. The centre of the resort consists of three lovingly restored 100 year old Laotian-French style buildings of which two are used as the restaurant and reception.
Or stay at the Elephant Lodge…
The Elephant Lodge is located on the Khan River opposite the Elephant Camp. This 100 year old Lao farm house was relocated and beautifully restored to provide five apartment rooms. It is quite special to relax at sunset on your own private terrace with views to the mountains, the elephants and the river.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 |
Arrive Luang Prabang and transfer to hotel. Rest of day at leisure. Why not choose an optional activity. |
Day 2 |
Drive to the Elephant Park. Learn about elephant history, culture and general elephant care and biology. Ride your elephant and learn controlling techniques. |
Day 3 |
Up early to wash the elephants in the river. Today you can either enjoy a trek in the Conversation Area OR a water excursion on a kayak or raft on the Khan River (best time is September to January). |
Day 4 |
Up early to wash the elephants in the river. After breakfast drive back to Luang Prabang for a day at leisure to explore this fascinating town. Why not learn more about the Lao culture and participate in an optional activity. |
Day 5 |
Breakfast in your hotel, free time to explore Luang Prabang until your airport transfer. |
Prices
Per Person / Twin |
Elephant Lodge |
Laos Spirit Resort |
3 to 4 people
|
520 | 715 |
2 people |
560 | 750 |
| Validity | 30 April 2009 | 30 April 2009 |
Tour Code |
LXM_5 | LSM_5 |
Includes:
- Hotel accommodation based on twin share. If a single room is required a single supplement will apply.
- Return airport transfers
- Return transfers to the Elephant Camp
- Boat transfers on Khan River
- Elephant riding & instruction
- Choice of kayaking OR trekking activity on day 3
- All activities + sightseeing as per itinerary
- English speaking guide for activities
- Entrance fees and village permissions
- Drinking water
- Elephant Park Project contribution fee
Meals:
- 4 Breakfasts
- 2 Lunches
- 2 Dinner
Excludes:
- Airfares and departure taxes
- Travel insurance
- Visa, passport and vaccination costs
- Other meals not specified in itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, bar charges, tips, optional activities
Prices are in Australian dollars based upon the number of people travelling together. Price reduces as your travel group size increases. Price is land content only + subject to currency fluctuations. Prices beyond 30/04/09 available on request. See Booking Conditions for more details. Call 1300 43 10 69 for a detailed itinerary.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN LUANG PRABANG
Make your stay in Luang Prabang a memorable experience and participate in local activities. Not only will you learn about Lao culture, but you are also contributing to the local economy and helping to preserve traditions for future generations. Book these activities with Inner Journey Expeditions in conjunction with this tour. Contact us for more details and prices.
Luang Prabang Textile Tour
Discover the secret of Lao textiles. Meet the weavers who make the textiles. Join a weaving or dying class. Purchase beautifully crafted textiles such as scarves, dresses, wall hangings and bedspreads or have your own textile tailor-made.
Taste of L aos Cooking Class
Experience the taste of Lao at and join a cooking class in Luang Prabang. Learn how to cook traditional Lao recipes and Lao fusion dishes. Classes are held Mondays to Saturdays.
Royal Ballet Theatre
Watch the spectacular Royal Ballet performances including scenes from the Lao Ramayana, Lao folk and tribal dances. Performances are held in the Royal Palace every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
Trip notes
Hotels
In Luang Prabang, you stay in a centrally located and comfortable hotel with private facilities. Standard hotels have a three to four star rating. For an additional cost you can upgrade to a five star hotel. At Xiem Long Elephant Park you have a choice of staying in a private bungalow in the Lao Spirit Resort or the Elephant Lodge where some rooms have shared facilities.
Food
All meals, indicated in the detailed itinerary, are included in the price. There is a restaurant and bar at the Lao Spirit Resort that offers a wide selection of European and Laotian dishes. Please advise us if you have any special dietary requirements.
Trekking OR Kayaking activities
On day 3 of this tour you can choose a day of trekking or kayaking. Both are graded as 'Moderate' requiring a good level of fitness. Please indicate which activity you will be participating in when you book this tour. This activity is included in the price.
Local guides
An English speaking guide supervises your Mahout training and escorts you on your day trek or kayaking experience. Your guide has been fully trained in guiding outdoor tours around Luang Prabang and in the Elephant Park. Guides in Laos are proud of their job and consider it an honour to show you their country. If you feel your guide provided you with great service, a tip at the end of the tour would be greatly appreciated… a little bit goes a long way in Laos!
What to bring
Your luggage should include: comfortable walking shoes, sandals or thongs, light weight long sleeve shirt, long pants & shorts, warm clothes for at night, bathers, hat, sunglasses, sun block, raincoat, strong insect repellent (Deet medicated preferred), small medical kit, flashlight, toiletries, water bottle, camera, spare batteries, pen & paper, original passport, personal medication and small backpack for day trips.
If you have room in your backpack, bring some books to give away as gifts. You can help local children improve their reading skills by buying picture books printed in their own language. For more information on this worthwhile project, visit www.laobooks.com
Note on client safety
We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reason, including road and weather conditions, frequency of visits to a village, or for any other factor that may impact client safety. The Tad Sae Waterfall is dry during the period of February to August and trails may alternate.
Your group & share accommodation
Prices are based upon twin share accommodation. A single traveller pays the single supplement price for sole use of a room. If you are travelling in a group of three and are happy to share a triple room and a triple room is available, you will not be charged the single supplement price. For groups of five or seven people, the single traveller pays the single supplement price if a triple room is not available or you do not want to share. The number of single rooms and triple rooms available may be limited – so book early to avoid disappointment.
Handy travel tips + travelling responsibly
For more information on how you can participate in sustainable tourism go to Handy Travel Tips. For assistance in planning your trip go to Laos Visa + Travel Guide.
