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If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful way to experience Laos, look no further than the Elephant Conservation Center. This is not your typical tourist attraction, but a sanctuary for rescued and retired elephants who have suffered from logging, mining, or entertainment industries. Here, you can learn about these gentle giants, observe their natural behaviours, and support their rehabilitation and conservation. The Elephant Conservation Center is located in Sayaboury province, about four hours drive from Luang Prabang. The lodge is surrounded by lush forests and mountains, overlooking a scenic lake where the elephants bathe and swim. The area is home to many ethnic minority groups, such as the Khmu and Hmong, who live in harmony with nature. The lodge is simple but comfortable, with wooden bungalows that blend in with the environment. Each bungalow has a private bathroom with hot water and a balcony with a hammock and a view of the lake. The main building houses a restaurant, a bar, a library, and a lounge area where you can relax and socialize with other guests. The decor is inspired by local culture and crafts, with colourful textiles, bamboo furniture, and elephant-themed artworks.
Sustainability
The Elephant Conservation Center is committed to sustainable tourism and environmental protection. The lodge uses solar power, rainwater harvesting, composting toilets, and organic farming. The center also supports reforestation projects and wildlife monitoring in the area. The center’s main goal is to provide a safe haven for elephants who have been abused or exploited by humans, and to promote their welfare and conservation. The center works with local veterinarians, mahouts (elephant handlers), and biologists to ensure the best care for the elephants. The center also educates visitors and locals about the importance of elephants and their habitats.
The Elephant Conservation Center empowers local communities by creating jobs, supporting education, and fostering cultural exchange. The center employs local staff, such as mahouts, cooks, guides, and drivers, who receive fair wages and training. The center also supports local schools by providing scholarships, books, and supplies. The center encourages visitors to interact with local people and learn about their culture and traditions. The center also collaborates with local authorities and organizations to advocate for elephant rights and protection.
Rooms
The lodge has 10 bungalows that can accommodate up to four people each. The bungalows are spacious and cozy, with wooden floors, walls, and ceilings. Each bungalow has a double bed or two single beds, a mosquito net, a fan, a desk, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom with hot water. The bungalows also have a balcony with a hammock and a view of the lake. The bungalows are cleaned daily and have fresh towels and linens.
Food and drink
The lodge’s restaurant serves delicious Lao cuisine made with fresh ingredients from the center’s organic garden or sourced from local markets. You can enjoy dishes such as sticky rice, laap (minced meat salad), tom yum (spicy soup), or khao soi (noodle soup) in a buffet style or à la carte. The restaurant also caters to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal diets upon request. The bar offers a selection of drinks, such as coffee, tea, juice, beer, wine, or cocktails. You can also try some local specialties such as lao lao (rice whiskey) or lao hai (rice wine).
Things to do
Activities The main attraction of the Elephant Conservation Center is of course the elephants. You can join various activities that allow you to interact with them in a respectful and ethical way. You can watch them from observation platforms or join them for walks in the forest or swims in the lake. You can also feed them bananas or sugar cane or help them with their daily care. You can also learn more about them from the center’s staff or visit the elephant hospital or nursery. The center also offers other activities to enrich your stay, such as yoga, meditation, massage, cooking classes, or cultural shows. You can also explore the surrounding nature and culture by hiking, biking, kayaking, or visiting nearby villages and markets.
Wider region
The Elephant Conservation Center is an ideal base to explore the wider region of Sayaboury province. You can visit nearby villages and markets to experience the local life and culture. You can also hike or bike through the scenic countryside and discover waterfalls, caves, temples, or hot springs. You can also take a day trip to Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you can admire the stunning architecture, visit the museums and monasteries, or shop for handicrafts.
Kids
The Elephant Conservation Center is a family-friendly place that welcomes children of all ages. Kids will love meeting the elephants and learning about their lives and personalities. They will also enjoy the outdoor activities and the cultural experiences that the center offers.
Getting there
Getting There The Elephant Conservation Center is located in Sayaboury province, about four hours drive from Luang Prabang. The center provides a shuttle service that picks you up from your hotel in Luang Prabang and takes you to the lodge. The shuttle leaves every morning at 8 am and returns every afternoon at 4 pm. The shuttle costs 35 USD per person per way and includes a stop at a local market and a boat ride across the lake to the lodge. You can also arrange your own transportation by car or bus to Sayaboury town and then take a tuk-tuk or a boat to the lodge. The center can help you with booking and directions.
- Wildlife protection or rescue
- Reforestation or restoration
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Education
- Empowerment
- Community conservation
- Wildlife
- Rural
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Family
- Lodge
- Watersports
- Yoga
- Safari or wildlife
- Up to one day
