Discovery

2 Days / 1 Night at the Elephant Conservation Center

Discover the world of Asian elephants during an immersive overnight stay at the Elephant Conservation Center, on the shores of Nam Tien Lake in Sayaboury. This short yet meaningful programme introduces you to Laos’ leading elephant conservation project, where welfare, science, and respect guide every action. Over two days, you will walk through protected forest, observe elephants living freely in their natural habitat, and learn directly from mahouts, veterinarians, and biologists working on the ground.

Quieter than a tour and deeper than a visit, the Discovery programme offers a first, authentic encounter with real conservation — far from entertainment-driven experiences.

• Observe elephants in forest and lake environments

• Visit the Elephant Nursery and Laos’ only Elephant Hospital

• Learn about elephant behaviour, care, and conservation challenges

Your journey begins with a scenic transfer from Luang Prabang, followed by a boat crossing to the Center. Guided walks through the forest introduce you to the elephants’ daily routines, from foraging to social interactions. You will observe bath time at the lake, explore the nursery where mothers and calves stay, and visit the hospital to understand veterinary care and positive-reinforcement training — always from a respectful, hands-off distance.

The evening brings time to unwind in your lakeside accommodation, enjoy traditional Lao cuisine, and join a conservation talk or film that places your experience in a wider ecological and cultural context. On the second day, you return to the forest to observe the herd once more, gaining deeper insight into elephant social life and the long-term efforts required to protect them.

Set within a 540-hectare protected landscape, the Discovery programme is ideal for travellers seeking an ethical introduction to elephant conservation in Laos — a short stay that leaves a lasting understanding of what it truly means to protect elephants.