Once known as the Land of a Million Elephants, Laos is now home to fewer than 500 wild pachyderms. Twenty-five minutes by car from our own retreat, Prasop Tippreasert works tirelessly to change this reality at his ethical Manda Lao Elephant Sanctuary on 150-forested hectares along the Nam Khan River. The visionary co-founder of the Thai Elephant Conservation Center and ‘elephant father of Southeast Asia’ prepares elephants rescued from logging to be released back in to the wild, while. educating guests through meaningful elephant encounters.
After arriving by boat, first learn from expert guides and mahouts how to feed, bathe and jungle trek alongside these majestic giants. Then slide on high rubber boots and expect to get muddy as you frolic in their world of pure joy and plenty of water-play. Make sure to get out of the way when they scrub up against the rocky riverside. Yes, it's a jungle out there, which is exactly where they belong. Wind up your heartwarming adventure over cocktails with Prasop, listening as he speaks movingly about rescuing these nine nellies including baby elephants who are in training "to be wild".
Daily, Advanced Reservations Are Required
Mandalao Elephants Sanctuary
USD 108 per person
Nature's Adventure
