Elephant Village focuses on rescuing elephants from difficult and abusive conditions, particularly those that were once used in the timber logging industry. These elephants are often overworked, malnourished, and neglected. At Elephant Village, these elephants are given a safe haven where they can roam freely, interact with other elephants, and live out their days in peace.

The sanctuary provides them with proper veterinary care and ensures that they are not subjected to harsh treatments or labor. The team works closely with a professional veterinarian who specializes in elephant care, ensuring that the animals receive high-quality medical attention and rehabilitation when needed.

Educational Programs and Mahout Training

One of the unique aspects of Elephant Village is its emphasis on education and engagement. Tourists can partake in mahout training, learning how to communicate with elephants using the traditional methods that mahouts have used for centuries. This experience helps visitors understand the bond between the elephants and their caretakers, and how elephants communicate through various commands and gestures.

Additionally, the sanctuary offers educational experiences, where visitors can learn about elephant behavior, their conservation status, and the importance of protecting these majestic creatures. The aim is to raise awareness about the plight of elephants in Laos and promote sustainable tourism as a way to support their care.

Local Community Involvement

Elephant Village actively engages with the local community, particularly the villagers of Ban Xieng Lom, who are employed as part of the project. These villagers work in various roles, such as cooking, guiding tours, and caring for the elephants. This model not only provides a stable income but also reduces harmful practices like slash-and-burn agriculture, which is common in the region.

By providing alternative employment opportunities, Elephant Village helps promote sustainable livelihoods, which are essential for both the community's well-being and the elephants' conservation.

The Experience at Elephant Village

Half Day Elephant Experience (HDE)

• Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours
• Cost: $59 USD per person
• Highlights:
  • Mahout Training: Learn to communicate with elephants in a hands-on, fun environment.
  • Feeding Elephants: Visitors get the chance to feed the elephants, which is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
  • Boat Ride to Tad Sae Waterfall: A scenic long-boat ride to one of Luang Prabang’s most famous waterfalls.
  • Lunch Buffet: Enjoy a delicious Lao-style lunch with vegetarian options available.

This tour is ideal for those who want to spend a few hours interacting with the elephants and exploring the beauty of the surrounding jungle and waterfall.

Full Day Elephant Experience with Trekking & Bathing (FDE)

• Duration: Approximately 8–9 hours
• Cost: $109 USD per person
• Highlights:
  • Elephant Trekking: A 2 km trek through the jungle, which allows guests to witness local flora and fauna while learning about the ecosystem.
  • Bathing the Elephants: A truly unique experience where visitors can bathe the elephants in the Nam Khan River, helping to keep them clean while forming a deeper bond with them.
  • Traditional Lao Boat Ride: Travel to the Tad Sae Waterfall by boat and enjoy a refreshing swim or relaxation by the falls.
  • Picnic Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the jungle, surrounded by nature and the sounds of the forest.

This tour is perfect for nature lovers and those who want a full day of adventure, hands-on experiences with the elephants, and immersion in the beautiful landscape of Laos.

2-Day Mahout Experience with 1 Overnight (M2D)

• Duration: 2 days, 1 night
• Cost: $184 USD per person
• Highlights:
  • Extended Mahout Training: Spend a day and a half learning the intricacies of elephant care, including feeding, bathing, and understanding elephant behavior.
  • Trekking: Trek through the jungle along the Trail of Falls, visit local villages, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area.
  • Overnight Stay: Spend the night in a luxury Shangri Lao Tent with stunning views of the Nam Khan River.
  • Elephant Bathing: Bathe your elephant in the Nam Khan River during the evening and morning, a truly unforgettable experience.
  • Traditional Lao Dining: Enjoy authentic Lao meals, including a set menu for dinner and breakfast, served at the Shangri Lao restaurant.

This two-day tour offers the most comprehensive experience, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of elephant care while also enjoying the tranquility of the Lao jungle.

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

Sustainable Practices

Elephant Village promotes sustainable tourism practices that ensure the long-term welfare of elephants and the surrounding environment. The sanctuary is committed to reducing its ecological footprint by:

• Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: The sanctuary's accommodation and facilities are designed to blend in with the natural environment, ensuring minimal impact on the land.
• Support for Wildlife Conservation: The sanctuary plays an active role in preserving local wildlife habitats and ecosystems, protecting the region's flora and fauna.
• Reducing Deforestation: By offering alternative livelihoods to local villagers, Elephant Village helps reduce the need for slash-and-burn farming, which contributes to deforestation and habitat loss.

Ethical Guidelines for Visitors

Elephant Village operates with a strict set of ethical guidelines to ensure the well-being of the elephants and promote responsible visitor behavior. Visitors are encouraged to:

• Respect the Elephants: Maintain a safe and respectful distance from the elephants and follow all instructions provided by the staff and mahouts.
• No Riding of Elephants: Elephant Village does not support elephant rides, as they are harmful to the elephants’ health and well-being. Instead, visitors are encouraged to interact with the elephants in non-exploitative ways.
• Be Mindful of the Environment: Visitors are asked to be conscious of their environmental impact by reducing waste, avoiding plastic use, and following Leave No Trace principles while exploring the jungle and waterfalls.

Contact Information

Address:
Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort
Luang Prabang, Laos

Office Hours:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Email:
elephantvillagelpq@gmail.com

Phone:
For direct inquiries, it is best to reach out via email for more information or to make reservations.

Final Thoughts

Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort offers more than just a chance to interact with elephants—it provides an opportunity to experience the life of a mahout, learn about elephant conservation, and enjoy the natural beauty of Laos in an eco-friendly and sustainable way. Whether you’re a nature lover, an animal enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique adventure, Elephant Village is an unforgettable destination that supports both wildlife and local communities while providing a meaningful and enriching travel experience.