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Go wild in Laos!

Always wanted to ride an elephant? Do you want to do this with respect for the animal and in a sustainable way? Are you in Laos? Then the Elephant Village in Luang Prabang is what you’re looking for!

Laos is known as the country of a million elephants. Estimations show that by now, there are around 1600 left. This makes them an endangered species. 560 of these elephants still work in the tough timber industry. An industry that is disappearing, which means the elephants will be out of a job in the near future. Maintaining an elephant is very expensive so what happens to them then? They are probably sold or worse: they might end up as souvenirs.

The Elephant Village
Rescue elephants from their tough lives in the timber industry so that they’re free from abusive work. That is the mission of this sanctuary. They accomplish this by providing the elephants and their riders, called mahouts, a new home. A solid income is essential to care for them, their mahouts and the staff of the sanctuary. That is why tourism is involved in their daily business.  The organisation also works with local villages, teaching them to conserve their beautiful habitat to provide income for tourists for years to come.

Activities
In this elephant sanctuary, you don’t only engage in riding elephants through the lush jungle: washing them in the river is also included. A true highlight of your visit! The elephants love the water so much, you will experience a wild  adventure while trying to stay on top of the playful animal. An extra benefit in joining a half/one/two or three day trip is learning the basic tricks on how to be a mahout! During your visit you will also get to know more about the elephants that live in the Elephant Village. Each and every one of them has a heartbreaking story that tells you more about their personality and lives.   

Elephants are gentle, but powerful. You should treat these animals with respect and care. You will learn these rules and tips during your visit, but here they already are for you to get familiar with.

Be prepared and know how to approach an elephant

• Always approach the elephant from its right hand side. Some of the elephants have been trained to attack anyone who approaches from the left.
• Call the elephant’s name and begin to approach.
• Remain within their field of vision.
• Pay attention to the elephant’s behavior and only continue approaching if they seem at ease. Good signs: flapping ears, swaying trunk and tail, a relaxed expression. The elephant might stretch out its trunk to investigate your smell. Bad signs: elephant ceasing motion or staring intently at you. Holding their trunk in their mouth reflects anxiety, blowing and trumpeting can be a warning to stay back. 
• Once you’ve approached the elephant, the safest place to stand is next to the right leg. 
• never tease elephants.

How to mount an elephant

• The word ‘Seung’ instructs the elephant to bend its right front leg only.
• Place your right foot on the leg and hold onto the top of the right ear.
• Swing your left leg over the elephant’s neck. 
• If you’re having trouble getting on top of the elephant, the mahout can give you a hand up. 
• Mount quickly because some elephants don’t stay on the ground long.

Correct seating position

The Nam Khan River in Laos

• Sit as far forward on the neck as possible, your legs bent and tucked behind the ears. Balance yourself.
• Make sure your knees are at the top of the ears, your neck straight.
• Your toes should be behind the ears, to give instructions.
• Place your hands at the elephant’s head for support.

Thanking the elephant

• Once you’ve got both feet on the ground, at the right hand side of the elephant, you rub its trunk and thank the animal by saying: Kop chai lye lye.

The Elephant Village is situated in rich green jungle at the banks of the gorgeous Nam Khan River. Only 15 kilometers southeast from Luang Prabang. A visit to this sanctuary does not only provides you a joyful experience, but due to its location you can also enjoy great views!

How to book
You can book your trip through the office in Luang Prabang,  located on Ban Xieng Lom. This is the tourist area of the city, a street full with shops, restaurants and tourist agencies. You can also book through email: reservation@elephantvillage-laos.com

Enjoy this fantastic trip, an absolute must do!

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