The elephants are rescued from brutal and dangerous logging (mostly for teak) work, where they are often without sources of careful supervision and medical care. Some are elderly and are ready for a quiet life, after many years of hard work.
The independent organisation ElefantAsia believes in giving practical and impartial advice to visitors wishing to ride an elephant during their stay in Laos. Potential visitors to these camps may wish to contact ElefantAsia in advance of any planned trip.
"The Elephant Park Project” found near Luang Prabang in northern Laos in South-East Asia is an educational organisation that aims to raise awareness about the plight of Asian elephants. One way it raises money is by hosting short visits to the village, or arranging longer residential and multi-activity visits. Visitors are welcome to visit the animals and spend between a half-day and four days with them and their carers.
Where is the Elephant Village?
The Project village is situated about 30 minutes’ drive from the ex-royal capital of Luang Prabang (a World Heritage site since 1995) in northern Laos. The village overlooks the Nam Khan river that flows into the nearby River Mekong, and features spectacular mountain views.
One of the Elephants
An example is Mae (Miss) Khan. She was born in 1973 in Chompet District in Luang Prabang Province. When she was 16, she started working in the logging industry and carried out this difficult and dangerous work for 17 years. During this period she became pregnant but lost her baby and was unable to become pregnant again. She is now looked after by her mahout, Mr Yord, and enjoys being with her friend Mae Nam – they bathe together in the river each morning and afternoon and often take an afternoon nap next to each other!
What is Available for Visitors of The Elephant Project Village?
- learn about the lives of the elephants by reading the display boards,
- ride the elephants,
- take a small boat to the lovely Tad Sae waterfalls 10 minutes upstream,
- trek on the elephants and visit nearby villages,
- ride the elephants and kayak for 3-4 hours back to Luang Prabang,
- cycle 15 kms from the town, visit a forest pagoda, a weaving village and the grave of Henry Mahout the French “discoverer” of the Angkor complex in Cambodia. Take a boat ride. Ride the elephants and finally cycle 17 kms back to Luang Prabang,
- multi-day caring. Stay in Lao homes; share in the lives of your host families and care for the elephants. These programmes are from 1 to 3 and 3 to 4 days in length,
- learn to live like a Lao “mahout” (elephant care taker). Learn to ride, control, wash and guide the elephant. Share the life of the experienced mahouts and stay overnight in the 100-year old Elephant Lodge. There is plenty of time for swimming and kayaking!
Other Benefits of the Work of the Elephant Village
The elephant village Project attempts to provide a lead in sustainable eco-tourism. It also provides an important source of employment for over 40 local people living in an area where there are continuing economic challenges. Approximately 25% of the fee paid by tourists goes directly to the people whose land is visited.
How Much Do These Tours Cost?
The half-day elephant experience, which involves riding an elephant and visiting the Tad Sae waterfall, costs 40 USD. This fee includes transfers to and from Luang Prabeng, a guide, lunch, the entrance fee to Tae Sae, drinking water, boat rides and a contribution to the local Park Project.
The other prices can be obtained by referring to the Laos Adventures or the Fair Trek websites. For details of travel in northern Laos and visiting Luang Prabang please refer to the linked articles.
Although historically known as the 'land of a million elephants', Laos is gradually losing its biggest and most regal animals to human development. The Elephant Park Project is investing in community-based eco-programs in Luang Prabang to give Lao elephants a new home. As forests disappear, the elephants used to log them can become neglected. Their aim is to give these elephants a brighter future!
Martin Oldfield - Martin Oldfield I have worked as a Tour Leader taking groups of travellers to a range of countries in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and ...
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