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Live Like a Mahout Elephant trekking in LaosHidden in the lush green jungle near Luang Prabang lies the Elephant lodge. At this beautiful location elephants have a chance to enjoy their 'golden years' in peace. Want to learn more about these big grey giants? During this amazing module you'll have a chance to experience what it's like to be an elephant keeper (a mahout). You'll assist the mahout with the coaching of the elephants and after their bath you'll give the elephants their much deserved banana meals. While wobbling on the back of one of these beautiful Laos elephants you'll go on a few treks through the area surrounding the elephant lodge. You'll spend the night in a cosy bungalow with a view of the Nam Khan River. During the second day you'll go on a trek through the immense jungle and you'll visit traditional villages of the Hmong and Khmu. |
Duration | 2 days/ 1 night | Accommodation | 1 night in a cosy elephant lodge with private facilities. |
Price | From $249 per person - based on 2 people (minimum of 2 people) | Included | Transportation, accommodation, all meals at the elephant lodge, guide and mahout-training |
Transportation | Minibus and boat | Excluded | Drinks and a possible donation |
Day 1: Laos Elephant baths and banana treatsAfter breakfast our driver will be waiting at your Luang Prabang hotel to take you to the nearby Nam Khan River. A small boat will take you to the elephant lodge, a sanctuary for elephants with a hard-working past in the wood logging industry. These Laos elephant will spend their 'golden years' in peace and quiet in this beautiful location in the dense jungle of Northern Laos.After you bring your baggage to the bungalow, you'll get to meet the 'mahout'; this is the name for real elephant keepers. He will coach you in caring for the elephants today. It may take some practice before you can climb on the back of these giant animals. The mahout will also teach you a few handy commands: 'hau' means stop, 'sai' means left and 'kwa' means right. Armed with buckets and large scrubbing brushes, you'll head towards the river where you'll clean the thick-skinned giants. Each bath offers many memorable, fun and funny moments. On your way back to elephant lodge your new friend might break a few twigs to help still his appetite; however he'll have enough appetite to devour a bunch of bananas a little later on. You'll probably want a bite to eat yourself by this time of day. A delightful Laotian meal will be waiting for you at the elephant lodge. |
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Day 2: TrekkingEnjoy a pleasant breakfast on the terrace with a view of the river. Gradually you'll see the mist disappear and you'll see the green surroundings appear before you. Today you'll go on a short trek through the jungle with a guide. Along the way you may have to share paths with locals carrying rice or fresh produce for the market. Upon arrival into the Khmu village you'll be greeted by the local children. There aren't many tourists who visit this area; therefore the locals may seem a bit shy at first if you try to talk to them. Luckily you'll have a guide with you to help translate since hardly anyone in this area speaks English. If you would like to bring small gifts for the local children, they would greatly appreciate notebooks, pens and colouring sheets. |
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You'll continue along your trek to a village populated by the Hmong minority. This tribe wears brightly coloured clothing and can be recognised by their unique hats and jewellery. The women in this village will proudly show you their self-made items, which can be purchased for a small fee. Lunch will be prepared for you; a typical Laotian rice or noodle meal with vegetables and a fresh fruit dessert. After lunch you'll continue on your trek through the hill country. A truck will be waiting to take you back to your Luang Prabang hotel. You'll have experienced quite an amazing journey during this trek. Tomorrow you can begin your trip to Vang Vieng with our Laid-Back Laos module or you can continue on to Vientiane or to Tad Fane waterfalls in the far South of Laos. |
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