Elephant Conservation Center
Luang Prabang Province, Laos
- Mountains
- Waterside
- Forest
- Rural
- Wildlife
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Watch Asian elephants in their natural habitat, behind the scenes
Around 30 elephants live at the Elephant Conservation Center, across 540 hectares of protected forest on the edge of Nam Pouy National Protected Area, most rescued from logging or tourism work, some born here through the centre's breeding programme. This is also Laos' only elephant hospital. In March 2019 the centre released its first herd of five rescued elephants back into Nam Pouy National Protected Area, the ultimate goal for every elephant that arrives here.
Visit on a day trip or stay in bamboo bungalows on stilts above Nam Tien Lake, each with a private balcony and lake view. Experiences include watching elephants in the nursery, socialisation areas, the hospital, and the bathing spot on the lake, guided by mahouts, vets and biologists who explain what they're doing.
Sustainability
Climate & conservation
- Managing 530 hectares of protected forest in Sayaboury province
- Provides a lifelong sanctuary for rescued Asian elephants
- Breeding Asian elephants for future rewilding
- Ethical encounters watching elephants bathe in the Nam Tien Lake
Community & culture
- Employs mahouts from surrounding local communities
- Preserving the traditional cultural role of the Lao mahout
Commercial
- Reinvests all visitor revenue into elephant care and conservation
- Ethical model recognised by Wanderlust, Lonely Planet and The Telegraph
- Partners with the Smithsonian Institution and Australian Aid
In brief
- Price bracket
- ££
- Type of property
- Lodge
- No. of rooms
- 10 bungalows
- Max guests per room
- Bungalows sleep up to 3 guests
- Facilities
- Tours desk, Garden
- Activities
- Elephant observation, Wildlife watching, Cultural visits, Yoga
- Setting
- Mountains · Lake · Forest
Best time to visit
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
The dry season from November to March offers the most pleasant weather.
Kids
Families with children of all ages are welcome.
Accessibility
The centre is set in a natural forest environment; expect uneven terrain and steps.
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Luang Prabang Province, Laos
Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night