Communicating with Elephants and Baci Ceremony at MandaLao Elephant Conservation

Pick Up Time: MandaLao tour guides will pick up guests from hotels and guesthouses. Please wait at the lobby of your hotel/guesthouse at 14:00 PM.

Arrive at MandaLao: Get an in-depth introduction into elephant behavior and communication.

Food for Elephants: Prepare special treats for the elephants that help in their digestion. Fun hands-on time preparing tasty food we only feed the elephants in the afternoon.

Meet the Elephants: Guests cross the Nam Khan river by longtail boat for the first introduction to our elephants. MandaLao guides introduce guests to our elephants and mahouts, providing background on our elephants. Guests feed the elephants the special treats they prepared for the elephants.

Trek: Guests will take a short 1 Km trek up Hoy Kang stream side by side with these gentle giants. This trek is flat and can be catered to clients’ needs.

Say Goodbyes: Guests leave the elephants and mahouts in the jungle and begin the trek back to MandaLao with their guide.

Relax – Enjoy the afternoon with snacks on our beautiful deck.

Baci: In Laos and in Buddhist traditions, elephants represent prosperity and luck. After returning from your elephant trek, channel additional luck by participating in a traditional Baci Ceremorny. The elders of Xieng Lom village will call the spirits to impart good luck wishes to you!

Depart: Return to Luang Prabang

-

• Private tours are available upon request.

• Convenient hotel pick-up & return in Luang Prabang (14:00 PM)

• Learn about elephant behavior & communication from expert guides

• Unique hands-on activity: prepare special food for elephants

• Cross the scenic Nam Khan River by traditional longtail boat

• Meet and feed elephants with the treats you prepared

• Enjoy a gentle 1 km jungle walk alongside elephants (easy & flexible)

• Ethical no-riding elephant experience in a natural environment

• Relax with snacks on a peaceful riverside deck

• Experience a traditional Baci Ceremony for good luck & prosperity

• Perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and relaxation

• Roundtrip Transport

• Well trained English speaking tour guide

• In-depth Introduction into elephants

• Trekking boots and socks

• Insect repellent

• Sun Lotion

• Coffee, tea, drinking water and snacks

• Traditional Baci Ceremony with village elders

• Following elephants through the jungle can be a messy endeavor. We recommend wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. While you will likely be in the water for some part of the tour, there’s no need for a bathing suit. Also, a sun hat can help in the tropical heat – and a camera and a smile don’t hurt, as well!

• Hat/Cap 

• Sunglasses 

• Camera

• MandaLao Elephant Conservation & Tours Co Ltd. reserves the right to cancel or amend tour programs or this contract at any time to protect the health and welfare of our elephants. When possible, rescheduling tours or refunds will be offered.

• MandaLao also reserves the right to remove any person or persons from any tour if behavior and or actions cause a negative effect on our elephants, staff or our environment. No refunds will be given.

• Our tours will run rain or shine, no refunds are available should you cancel because of weather conditions. Hours might be adjusted to ensure the safety of guests and elephants in changing seasons.

Child Policy 

• Children between 4 and 11 years of age receive a 25% discount. 
• Children between 0 and 3 years join free of charge.

Cancellation policy

• Cancellation more than 10+ days prior to the tour: No charge.
• Cancellation 5-9 days prior to the tour: 50 % Charged.
• Cancellation 2-4 days prior to the tour: 25% Charged.
• 24 hours or No Show: 100% Charged.

Please note that we provide no backpacks for carrying children and parents are responsible for their well-being. We do not advise children 4 and under attend a trek unless parents are used to hiking with their children.

Please note the difficulty of tours. MandaLao will not make refunds if children are unable to complete trips due to age or ability.

Unaccompanied minors must be 16 years of age or older and have written consent from parents or guardians to participate.

Refund Policy

• Kindly be advised that only tour/activity fees are refundable; Bank fees cannot be refunded under any circumstances.

• If you have questions or encounter problems with the tour, please contact WhatsApp/Tel: +856 20 59 533 720