FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Booking in advance is necessary. Nobody can come inside our protected area without authorisation. Moreover, access is by boat and visitors without a reservation won’t be able to board the boat.

During your whole stay, you will be accompanied by a local English speaking guide. Some information as well as videos are translated into French. Occasionally, a French guide will be on site (only during the High Season, and depending on his/her availability)

• Lakeside Bungalow: Located by Nam Tien Lake, these bungalows feature double or twin rooms and offer stunning sunset views from a private balcony. This accommodation is shared for volunteers.
• Forest House: Surrounded by lush rainforest, this house includes four rooms—two with a double bed and a single bed, and two with a double bed. Each room has a private balcony, making it ideal for families or groups.
• Deluxe Lodge: Modern wooden lodges with one double bed and two twin beds, air conditioning, and private balconies. Enjoy exclusive infinity views of Nam Tien Lake in a secluded setting.

The Center is more akin to an eco-resort. Our environment is precious and our philosophy is to be low impact. We are set up in a remote location, thus our service has its restrictions. You will get an exceptional view of the lake from your private balcony, friendly staff and natural outdoor conditions.

For Lakeside Bungalows, bathrooms and toilets are built separately to the bungalows and operate on a shared basis. We do have several locations, as well as toilets outside the dining room, so facilities are convenient and suitably available when needed.

Forest House and Deluxe Lodges have private bathrooms.

Everyone eats together in the dining room, this has a great atmosphere, and you can purchase drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as snacks and it is also one of the places you can relax between activities.

Medical Care of the elephants at the Elephant Hospital is only carried out by qualified vets. You will be able to attend vetcare checks and observe vets at work, but you won’t be able to participate in this activity. Thank you for your understanding.

The Center is closed 4 days during Lao New year in April and 2 days during the boat festival in October.

You can pay either by master card, visa card or by cash ($, € or Kip)

The Lao Elephant Sanctuary is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, partners, and beneficiaries. This policy prevents and addresses sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment (SEAH), and violence, ensuring dignity and respect for all.

Who Must Follow This Policy:

• Staff, volunteers, interns, partners, contractors, and visitors.

Key Principles:

• Zero Tolerance: All forms of SEAH or violence are prohibited.
• Do No Harm: Activities prioritize safety and dignity.
• Accountability: Safeguarding concerns will be addressed transparently.

Responsibilities:

• Board and Management: Ensure policy effectiveness.
• Staff, Volunteers, Partners: Adhere to the policy and report concerns.

Reporting and Response:

• Any concerns must be reported to Senior Management immediately. Disciplinary action will follow violations.

For full details, please read the complete Safeguarding Policy here.

ECC’s cancellation policy is as follows:

• Cancellation less than 30 days prior to the arrival date: 25% charges of the full price will be applied, bank fees not included. (ECC will refund 75% of the amount invoiced, bank fees not included.)
• Cancellation less than 15 days prior to the arrival date: 50% charges of the full price will be applied, bank fees not included. (ECC will refund 50% of the amount invoiced, bank fees not included.)
• Cancellation less than 72 hours (3 days) prior to the arrival date or ‘no show’: Full charge for all requested services will be applied. (ECC will retain the full amount received.)

Our 2-day / 1-night package itinerary includes:

• Observation of the mothers and babies at the nursery
• Visit to the elephant hospital and information center, where you will observe vet checks and elephant ‘target training’
• Following the elephants into the forest
• Visit to the plantation and the bamboo nursery
• Observation of the elephants bathing
• Elephant socialisation area
• Visit of the Information Centre
• Elephant talk by our biologist
• Return to Luang Prabang after lunch on the 2nd day.

For the 3-day / 2-night package, the itinerary continues with:

• Observation of our elephants bathing
• Visit to the bull elephants’ socialisation area (unique in Laos)
• Elephant medical training at the hospital
• Return to Luang Prabang after lunch on the 3rd day.

By the end of the third day, you will be well-informed about the work that we do here at the ECC and all about Asian elephants.

A day visit is not possible at this stage as you would not be able to have an experience that meets our standards.

Our goal is to inform our visitors about all our projects and the current situation of the Asian elephant in Laos.

One day wouldn’t be enough to do that.

A visit to the center is much more than being close to these magnificent animals. We ask our visitors to take some time to learn how they interact and form new social groups. It’s something special to see elephants interact freely in our socialisation areas. Additionally, we are located in the elephants’ natural habitat, 2.5 hours to 3 hours away from Luang Prabang.

We hope you can find some time to come and visit us on the land of the elephants.

Find out more about our packages here: https://www.elephantconservationcenter.com/book-your-stay/

Our activities involve a combination of observation and education about our conservation programs and Asian elephants. In between and during all our activities, we tend to stop and discuss or observe, so it is not always walking.
In terms of actual walking, the first day (approximately 45 minutes of walking spread throughout the day) has the following itinerary:

• 15-minute walk to our nursery
• Observe and talk from our guide
• Lunch at the nursery and then boat back to the main center
• Hospital talk from our specialist
• Observe elephants having their afternoon snack and bath
• 20-30 minute walk with elephants to their sleeping area

Second day: (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes of walking spread over 4 hours)

• 45-minute walk to pick up the elephant from the sleeping area (we can arrange to skip this for you, and you can sit and observe at the nursery)
• Observe elephant bath
• 10-minute walk to the socialisation area
• 30 minutes to 1 hour observing female socialisation
• 20-minute walk back
• Lunch
• 5-minute walk to see elephants bathing/snacking
• 5-minute walk to the hospital for target training

Third day:

• 15-minute walk to the male socialisation area
• 15-minute walk back to the restaurant for lunch

At ECC, the well-being of our elephants is our top priority.

Our mahouts occasionally ride the elephants, primarily for safety when navigating through the forest.

The elephants’ necks are incredibly strong, naturally supporting their head, trunk, and tusks, which can weigh over 250 kg.

Therefore, a local mahout weighing no more than 60 kg does not harm the elephant.

This practice is always conducted with great care and only when necessary.

Male elephants can be more challenging to manage due to their aggressive tendencies, especially during ‘musth.’ In these instances, mahouts may ride the males to ensure the safety of the elephants, the mahouts, and our guests.

We currently (2025) have seven males on site, and their safety and well-being are paramount in all our practices.

While the initial cost may seem higher compared to other elephant experiences in Laos, the value you receive at the Elephant Conservation Center is unparalleled. Many elephant experiences around Laos cost between $100 and $150 for a full day, often with limited ethical considerations. In contrast, for $220 at ECC, you gain an ethical, immersive experience where elephants roam in their natural habitat.

What does your $220 cover?

• All-Inclusive Experience: Your visit to ECC includes private accommodation, round-trip transport from Luang Prabang, all meals, and private English-speaking guides.
• Small Group Immersion: We ensure small group sizes for a more personalised experience, allowing you to connect deeply with the elephants and our dedicated team.
• Conservation in Action: Your visit to the ECC is more than just an experience—it’s a contribution to vital conservation efforts. Our center is home to essential initiatives, including our elephant hospital, breeding program, and research projects, alongside the work of two ranger teams who protect the Nam Pouy Protected Area, home to Laos’ second-largest wild elephant herd, spanning nearly 200,000 hectares. By visiting, you’ll see this work firsthand and understand that your payment directly supports both the elephants in our care and the broader conservation programs we operate throughout Laos.

Situated on 540 hectares (nearly 1,400 acres) along the banks of Nam Tien Lake, surrounded by the majestic Phu Xang (elephant) mountains, ECC offers a stunning natural retreat.

During your stay, you’ll explore various areas of the center, including the Elephant Nursery, Treatment Areas, Bathing and Feeding Grounds.

You’ll also enjoy authentic Lao cuisine served family-style, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Additional activities include kayaking or simply relaxing and soaking in the scenery, knowing that your visit makes a meaningful difference in the lives of Laos’ elephants.

It is strongly advised that participants are covered by their own insurance policy. Insurance companies in Laos do not insure outdoor activities such as those offered at the ECC.

Insurance policies typically cover accidents, health, emergency evacuation, and loss or damage to personal effects.

We will require you to sign a waiver, which means you agree to accept full responsibility for all medical expenses incurred, including transportation costs to a medical facility.

Good health and physical condition are required for your stay at the Elephant Conservation Center.

If you have any medical conditions we should know about (for example, diabetes, epilepsy, or allergies to penicillin or any other pharmaceutical drugs), it is very important that you advise us on your waiver form.

No, the elephants at our center don’t follow the same routine each day.

Every morning, our Elephant Manager carefully plans a new schedule that takes into account each elephant’s current needs, physical condition, and social groupings.

This dynamic approach allows us to ensure the elephants receive varied experiences that keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Whether it’s bathing, socialising with different members of the herd, foraging, or other enrichment activities, each day is designed to provide the elephants with what they need to thrive in their environment.

Our Policy at ECC is based on best practices and rely heavily on the  “Five Animal Freedoms” (Source: OIE International)

1. Freedom from malnutrition

• by providing ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

2. Freedom from thermal and physical discomfort

• by providing an appropriate environment including shelter, shade, access to bathing facilities and social interaction with other elephants.

3. Freedom from injury or disease

by providing :

• Experienced mahouts or keepers who can handle the elephants without causing injury.
• Preventative health care.
• Access to veterinary care.

4. Freedom from fear and stress

• by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
• Limited use of bull hook (ankus), and efforts made to phase out its use by adopting positive reinforcement training techniques.
• Minimize public contact.
• Elephants free to move at will, escape and find refuge.
• Maintain elephants in social groups when at rest.
• Elephants should not be tethered except for welfare reasons.

5. Freedom to express normal patterns of behavior 

• By providing sufficient space and areas where elephants are able and encouraged to dig, bathe, dive, forage, dust bathe etc and company of other elephants ideally in a social structure of mixed sex and age.

At the Elephant Conservation Center, rather than taking elephants from their natural home (Nam Tien protected area) into urban tourist areas, we take YOU to THEM, in their undisturbed natural environment.

The money you pay when visiting the ECC not only sustains the Center and its residents; it also supports rescues, reproduction and rewilding of elephants. When you visit us, you contribute to the conservation of elephants throughout Laos.

Why are we different?:

• Since 2001 we RESCUE, REHABILITATE, REPRODUCE, REHERD AND REWILD elephants in Laos;
• The ECC has been granted the “Conservation Gold” award by independent auditing organisation ASIAN CAPTIVE ELEPHANTS STANDARDS (ACES);
• The ECC has been named the 4th best site in the world to observe elephants by WANDERLUST in 2023;
• The ECC is established in Sayaboury province, Lao elephants’ historical land;
• For centuries, Sayaboury provides Lao elephants with the most adapted ecosystem and natural habitat;
• ECC shelters the largest elephant herd under human care in Laos with 30 individuals in 2023;
• 70 staff work at ECC, including 20 rangers and 30 mahouts;
• ECC released 4 elephants into the wild since 2019;
• ECC runs the only Elephant Nursery and Hospital in Laos;
• ECC runs various Scientific Research programmes and has several staff members at the IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group;
• ECC contributes to the protection of the 192 000ha Nam Pouy National Protected Area (home to the 2^nd population of wild elephants in Laos) in cooperation with the Lao Government;
• ECC runs Wild Elephant Monitoring Units and manages 2 rangers teams in the Nam Pouy National Protected Are;
• ECC runs Education Programmes for Lao school children (“Kids in Conservation” Programme);
• ECC is a stunning natural retreat set on the banks of the Nam Tien Lake and is surrounded by the majestic “Phu Xang” (elephant) mountain range;
• As a visitor, you are guided by a dedicated team of mahouts, vets, biologists and tour guides ready to take you into the world of Asian elephants;
• As a visitor, you stay in a lake-view bungalow with a private veranda in a lush tropical garden;
• The meals served at ECC is authentic and tasty with vegetarian and vegan options;
• During your visit, you visit a variety of stations spanning 540ha including: the Elephant Nursery, Cows and Bulls Socialization Areas, Hospital and Treatment Area, Elephant Bath Area, Elephant Feeding Grounds, Information Center…
• As a visitor, you can also enjoy kayaking or our signature Sunset Cruise on the lake, or simply chill with a drink or go for a swim.

Overall the ECC is a place of learning and observation.

We define ‘responsible Asian elephant tourism’ as an activity through which tourists can observe and interact (if the opportunity should present itself) with Asian elephants in a safe environment, and which promotes elephant physical and cognitive health, as well as social and reproductive opportunities.

We believe in this kind of approach because in Asia, the alternatives are normally either:

• Physical toil for elephants and individuals engaged in the (often illegal) logging industry, where:
  • The treatment of elephants is closed to public scrutiny
  • Reproductive opportunities are usually limited
  • Overwork, mistreatment, and (sometimes) resultant death occurs

In 2019, we have received the “Conservation Gold” Award by ACES (Asian Captive Elephants Standards)

All elephants at the ECC have been rescued or were born on site. For instance, they may have been rescued from the logging industry, confiscated from international traffickers, or brought to our center by owners who are unable to support or care for their animals. We care for 12 elephants who were placed under our care by the Government after being confiscated from an illegal sale; we own every other elephant in our herd. We do not rent any of our elephants.

During the day, our elephants are not chained and have the freedom to roam and interact in their natural habitat. At night, for their safety and the safety of local communities, we use 50-metre chains to secure the elephants, preventing them from wandering onto neighbouring farmland. This method ensures their well-being while balancing their physical and psychological needs.

In the past, a tragic incident occurred where a pregnant elephant ventured onto farmland and was shot, leading to the loss of her baby and a serious injury. To avoid such risks, we believe using chains in their natural environment is more beneficial than confining them to permanent enclosures. At our center, “enclosure” refers to an area that is fenced off to contain the elephants. These can range from natural areas with electric fencing to more structured environments. We avoid permanent concrete enclosures due to their limitations, opting instead for rotating chains in forested areas to offer the elephants a more enriching experience.

Chains allow the elephants to access a diverse range of natural foods, enabling them to engage in key behaviours like foraging, digging for roots, and stripping bark from trees. This variety is vital for their physical health and better prepares them for a possible return to the wild. In a confined enclosure, their diet would be restricted and less nutritious.

Elephants urinate around 100 litres per day, and a permanent concrete enclosure could harm their feet over time. Chains allow us to rotate their resting spots, ensuring they sleep on natural, soft surfaces, which is far healthier for their well-being. Even well-designed enclosures can lead to boredom and stress, as elephants quickly damage and alter their environment. By rotating their sleeping locations with chains, the elephants experience more variety in their surroundings, which promotes natural behaviours and reduces the likelihood of stress-related issues.

We are not a riding camp. There are many ways to spend time with elephants:

• Staying at the observation tower to contemplate them as they socialize in the afternoons
• During their bath, when you pick up the elephants in the morning at their resting place and take them back in the evening.
• Observe babies at the nursery …

You can actually choose to spend as much time observing them as you want to – you are where they live! And our guides and mahouts will never turn you down.

We do offer a 7-day/6-night Eco-Volunteering Program designed to immerse participants in our conservation work and ongoing projects.

However, please note that the program requires a minimum of 8 participants to be confirmed.

If you’re travelling alone or in a small group, we recommend our 3-day visit, which still offers a rich, hands-on experience.

Our Eco-Volunteering Program begins with our 3-day, 2-night Exploration package, followed by several days of supporting meaningful activities at the Center. These may include:

• Contributing to the elephant socialisation area (e.g., clearing, grass cutting, tree protection)

• Bamboo planting and handicraft workshops

• Photography and creative projects

• Observing and recording elephant behaviour

The full program includes:

• Shared bungalow accommodation (Forest View)

• All meals

• Transport to and from the Center

• 24/7 support from our team

Seasonal departures apply, and this program is suitable for participants aged 16 and over.

Please note we do not offer the programme in February or April. If you’re travelling as a group of 8 or more, we may be able to schedule a volunteer program just for you.

To learn more or express your interest, please contact our team directly at elephantconservationcenter@gmail.com

If you’re a smaller group or travelling solo, we’d still love to welcome you! Our 3-day program can be extended with extra nights to further explore. Please note there is no new programme for further days past day 3, however, you can choose to redo the activities from day 1 – 3 which are always exciting.

For our activities, a normal physical condition is required. We welcome guests from all ages and our activities can fit everybody.

If you know you have a certain allergy or medical condition we should know of, please bring your own medication and inform us upon booking your stay.

Yes, elephants have their routine: every night they have to stay in a different location in order to have access to enough natural fodder to eat. In the morning, the walking time to reach the elephants in the forest can then vary from 30 min to 1 hour so this may shift the schedule of our program. Please consider our schedule as being flexible. All activities presented on our website will occur, but times may vary.

• Hat / Cap
• Swimwear
• Light walking shoes
• Sandals
• Waterproof shoes (from June to October)
• Trekking trousers and shorts
• Head torch and batteries
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent (long-sleeved shirt is also recommended for avoiding bites and stings)
• Water bottle
• Your first aid kit
• Your camera

Environmentally friendly products for shower and clean towels are provided by the Center.

We offer only set menus as food is purchased in town every morning for a given day. Food is local, tasty, and cooked on site with fresh ingredients from either our vegetable gardens or the market. For vegetarians and vegans, or anyone with food restrictions, we can adapt meals on request. However, Sayaboury is quite a traditional rural town and ingredients for vegetarians and vegans are quite limited, so you may wish to bring some breakfast spreads (if you don´t enjoy eggs or jam baguettes for breakfast) or extra snacks. During your booking process, please inform us about your requirements.

The tap water is not drinkable. Drinking water is provided on site free of charge.

We offer WIFI connection on site but advise our visitors to limit their use. It is really pleasant to share your experiences with others without being connected to your mobile phone while at ECC 😉

Yes

• 1 – 4 years old: free of charge with no single supplement, sharing a room with parents.
• 5 – 10 years old: 50% discount with no single supplement.
• Over 10 years: full charge.

After making your reservation at the ECC, we would have to receive a deposit of 50% of the total amount. You can provide us with your credit card details through a link that you will receive automatically. When the payment has gone through, you will receive another message to confirm your reservation.

The second option would be an international transfer using the details below. Please note that the transaction costs for transfers can be very high. Afterward you would need to send us a transcript, we will then notify you of the amount we have received.

Name:               BANQUE POUR LE COMMERCE EXTERIEUR LAO PUBLIC

SWIFT Code:     COEBLALA

Account No:      121110100359357001

Name:               LAO ELEPHANT SANCTUARY CO

Details:             RUE PANGKHAM, BAN HAISOK, VIENTIANE, TEL: 55521447

Funds in USD

We kindly ask you to settle the remaining amount when you check-in at our office in Luang Prabang the day(s) prior to your departure. Our office is located on the Mekong Road. You can easily find it when you go down the street next to the tourist office and turn right when you reach the Mekong. You should see a warning sign with an elephant after walking 50m. We are open from 9:00 am to 12 noon, and from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

When you go to the office make sure you bring your passport and insurance details.

We accept the following currencies on site: Lao Kip, Dollars, Euros and Baht.

The earlier you book, the better your chance of securing your visit, especially during the high season (ranging from November until May) when we can get fully booked two weeks in advance.

No we do not offer tailor made stays. Our elephants have their routines. However we offer different possibilities in terms of time spent here: 2 days & 1 night, 3 days & 2 nights or 7 days & 6 nights eco experience (re-starting 2024). All these programmes can be found on our website by going to the ‘book your stay’ section. Stays can always be extended if there is availability. Check with our Hospitality manager on site if you would like to spend a little more time.

It is easy to get to the Elephant Conservation Center:

From Luang Prabang

Our minivan departs daily at 7:30 am from outside the Luang Prabang post office on the main street. When you book your stay with us, the van driver will be expecting you at the pick-up point (post office) and will take you directly to the ECC wharf in Sayaboury, where our boat takes you to the Center. This transfer takes approximately 2.5 hours and is included in your accommodation package. On departure, you will arrive back in Luang Prabang between 4.30 pm and 5 pm.

From Vientiane

The fastest and most comfortable way is to take the train (Laos-China Railway), which takes approximately 2 hours from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, and then take our minivan from there the next morning (see details above).

Alternatively, you can fly to Luang Prabang (check www.laoairlines.com or www.laoskyway.com, or consult a travel agent) and take our minivan from there.

Finally, you can check direct flights from Vientiane to Sayaboury with Lao Skyway www.laoskyway.com

If you are travelling overland, these are your options:

The private company called Sakura runs an air-conditioned minibus service from Vientiane (Sikhai minibus station opposite the Sikhai market on Suphannuvong street, past Wattay airport in the direction of RD13 North). The minibus usually leaves in the morning with departures from 9 am to 11 am. It takes approximately 6 to 7 hours to get to Sayaboury. We can pick you up from the bus station or a guesthouse in Sayaboury.

If you need to come by your own means, drive north along the Mekong River (turn left past Wattay airport in Ban Sikhay) to the crossroads just before Sanakham. There, turn right to Paklay. Getting to Paklay takes approximately 2.5 hours depending on road conditions. Once in Paklay, continue north to Sayaboury (another 2 to 3-hour drive).

Another option is to drive north to Vang Vieng (1 hour on the highway) and then onto Kasi. In Kasi, turn left across the mountains to Muang Nan. In Muang Nan, turn left to Sayaboury. The whole journey, excluding stops, lasts about 4 to 5 hours.

From Sayaboury

Our minivan can pick you up from your guesthouse in Sayaboury on its way from Luang Prabang. You need to be ready by 10 am. If you are booking buses out of Sayaboury to your next destination, the van can get you to Sayaboury bus station in time for departures after 3 pm.

From Vang Vieng

If you wish to come from Vang Vieng, you can take the train (Laos-China Railway), which is an hour-long journey to Luang Prabang, and then take our minivan from there the next morning. Alternatively, you can enquire with the local bus station about a bus. There is a bus that goes from Vientiane to Sayaboury, and it passes by Vang Vieng. However, if the bus driver is not informed in advance, he won’t stop. You would arrive in Sayaboury in the afternoon, so you won’t be able to start the program on the same day.

There are plenty of acceptable guesthouses with prices ranging from 100 000 Kip (Bounvong, Santhipath, Mekky….) to 300 000 kip per night (Saianan Hotel…)

Our guides have knowledge in national and cultural history in Laos. They have a good command of the English language and care a lot about the elephants and their guests. They are always at your service. However, they are not elephant experts per se. For in-depth information about pachyderms, our vet and biologist will be there to answer your questions.

Our staff have working contracts, a work insurance, regular holidays, 3 meals a day and free accommodation. Staff get a monthly salary, and annual bonus. Their revenue is higher than the average Lao wage. There are many people working behind the scenes at the Center. That is why we ask you to leave your tips in the designated box at the bar. We share them evenly among the staff.