Luxury Elephant Trek
(Laos 1 day journey)
Luang Prabang – Elephant ride Laos - Valley trek - Raft down the Nam Khan River
Highlights
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Ride an elephant through teak forests and across rivers
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Dine on delicious Lao food with a glass of wine
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Relax on a luxury raft as you float down the Nam Khan River
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Talk to the local elephant vet at the elephant camp
Itinerary
We pick you up in the VIP minibus and drive to “Shangri-Lao Explorer Camp” 15 km outside of Luang Prabang. On arrival, enjoy an introductory tour of the camp where you learn about Asian elephants, talk with our veterinarian in the elephant hospital, feed the elephants and have time to simply relax by the riverside.
Enjoy a 1.5 hour through teak forests, jungle and over hills to reach the protected Huay Sae Valley. Along the way you stop to see the amazing scenery of the Nam Khan River Valley.
After reaching the Huay Sae Valley you leave the elephant and rest in a jungle bungalow, enjoying a luxury lunch with traditional Lao food and wine by a secluded waterfall. Depending on the water level you can refresh and swim in the natural pools.
Continue with a 1 1/2 hour walk following the Huay Sae mountain stream. This adventurous trail crosses bamboo bridges and passes waterfalls, fantastic limestone formations and turquoise blue pools in the dense jungle. Along our trail you’ll learn about this important ecosystem.
Where the trail leaves the valley, traditional horses from the Hmong hill tribes are waiting for you to carry your bags up a more demanding up-hill section. These strong, little porter-horses accompany you for the last 30 minutes of trekking through fields, plantations and Teak forest. Enjoy stunning views to the mountain ranges while your guide explains the local agriculture and farming methods.
At the river, a bamboo raft is wating to take you back to the Shangri-Lao Explorer Camp. We slowly float down the river on this relaxing 1.5 hour journey, enjoying a break at the Tad Sae Waterfall, before flating back to camp. Between 4:30 – 5:00 you leave the camp and return by VIP minibus to Luang Prabang where your guide will drop you off at your hotel.
Note: The Tad Sae Waterfalls flow between September and February.
Includes
- VIP Minibus return transfers from Luang Prabang hotel
- English speaking guide
- Camp introduction with talk about elephants and feeding
- Lunch/wine and coffee break
- 1.5 hour elephant ride in Howdah seat with roof
- 1.5 hour trekking + 30 min trekking with porter-horses
- 1.5 hour bamboo raft + 30 min optional stop Tad Sae
- Drinking water and welcome drink
Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Prices
Tour |
$AUD price per person |
2 people |
199 |
Validity |
31 December 2012 |
Prices are in Australian dollars, land content only + subject to currency fluctuations. Payment by credit card incurs an additional surcharge. Prices beyond validity date available on request.
See Booking Conditions for more details.
Trip grade
MODERATE: If you are seeking fun and adventure and you like active travel, this is for you. A mixture of long and shorter activity days of four to five hours duration. A good level of fitness is required.
Trip notes
Is this adventure for you?
This is a trip for open minded, flexible and adventurous people. You need to be physically fit and able to walk a few hours on a challenging trail. Routes may change according to local conditions and the season.
Local guides
An English speaking guide supports your sightseeing and trekking activities. 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!
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.
Tipping
It is customary to express a personal thank you to your guide and driver at the end of your trip, especially if he or she has provided you with excellent service. As a guideline only, we suggest tipping around AUD$4-$5 per day for the guide and AUD$2-$3 per day for the driver. You can pay this in local currency or US dollars. Of course whether you tip and how much is always at your discretion.
Laos visa
Most visitors can receive a 30 day single entry Tourist Visa on arrival at Luang Prabang or Vientiane airports or at the Friendship Bridge at the Thai Border Crossing and other border crossings (please check with your Lao Embassy). You need a valid passport for no less than six months, 1 x passport size current photographs & USD$30pp cash.
Laos climate
Laos has three distinct seasons. The cool dry season between November and February with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in mountain regions. During this season, the rivers are navigable and the roads are passable. This gives way to the hot dry season from March to June where temperatures can soar over 35 degrees Celsius. Some rivers are harder to navigate, and boat journeys in remote places may not be possible. In the north, the months from March through to the first rains in May or June can be very hazy as smoke from the burning of secondary forest hangs in the air. June to October is the wet season where temperatures are in the 30s. The country is at its most beautiful and lush and rivers are accessible, however it can be difficult to get around in remote places by road.
Health issues
Good medical advice usually recommends vaccinations in advance of travel to Laos. We suggest you consult with your doctor to discuss health care needs specific to your holiday.
Insurance
You must have comprehensive travel insurance to travel with us. Insurance should include cover for personal accident and medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of your holiday. Your final trip dossier vouchers will not be confirmed until you confirm possession of appropriate insurance. Better be safe than sorry!
Pre and post tour arrangements
We can arrange additional hotel nights at the beginning or the end of your tour or if you are interested in doing additional touring we can organise a private tour to cater to your interests and time frame. Contact us for more info.
Handy travel tips
For assistance in planning your trip go to Laos Practical Info >
What next
To reserve a place on this trip, contact us now and we will send you a booking form. To guarantee your booking you must send your passport details and your non-refundable deposit of 30% of total tour cost. The balance of payment is due 50 days prior to your departure. If you departure date is less than 50 days then full payment is required now. Once your booking is confirmed and you have paid in full you will receive a tour voucher and detailed itinerary.
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