Please also visit our friends at A Guide to Laos for tons of valuable information all about Laos.
WE HAVE PHASED OUT RIDING!
Elephant Village is pleased to announce that as of 1 November, 2019 we have completely stopped selling elephant riding in our tours and completely stopped riding elephants!
We are proud to be moving towards a bright new future of sustainability and comfort for our beloved elephants. You will be able to spend quality time with our elephants in many many ways other than riding them. We hope you enjoy spending time with our elephants in this new, exciting way!
Tours originally sold with riding (older bookings) will have the option to ride or not to ride. Once all of the older tours have been executed, riding will be completely absent at our camp.
How much do your tours cost?
We post our prices on our website page unter the Tours: Packages tab. to receive more details, click here: Get Prices. We will quickly send you our detailed price list, availability and a link to our online booking form.
How do I book a tour?
We need a little information from you first. Click here: Book A Tour to fill out a quick form and we will send you booking instructions along with our price list and availability.
Should I book my tour in advance?
We recommend booking as far in advance as you can. How far is that? It’s hard to say. It is becomming common for a date to be sold out far in advance. Please keep in mind our policy is to secure your reservation only after you have made payment. This means that your spaces will remain available to other guests until we receive it. We would not want to see you to lose your reservation, so please don’t delay your payment.
How may I pay for my tour?
After we receive your booking, we will email you a confirmation and invoice. You may pay your invoice using your credit card. You do NOT need a payPal account. You will see a nominal 5% fee added for your secure online transaction.
Tour Pickup Window Times?
All tours begin with morning pickup from your hotel or guesthouse lobby in Luang Prabang city. Please note we do NOT pick up at the airport or bus stations. Pickup times for ALL hotels in Luang Prabang city limits are:
- FDE tour between 8:00am and 8:30am
- HDE tour between 8:00am and 8:30am
- M2D tour between 8:00am and 8:30am
- M2D with Shangri-Lao tents between 8:00am and 8:30am
Return times (departing the camp) are published in the tour itineraries on our Tours page. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to travel from our elephant camp back to Luang Prabang city.
important notes:
- if you are staying at Lao Spirit Resort or Zen Namkhan Resort, your pickup time is between 9:30 to 10:00 for all tours
- if you are staying at an AirBnb, private house or residence, we kindly ask that you arrange to be at a well known hotel, guesthouse or restaurant for your pick up
- we do NOT pick up or drop off at the airport or bus stations
What if I don’t see my guide within my pickup window?
Please immediately call our office at 071-252-417. Or ask your hotel staff to assist you in contacting us.
What is included in my package tour?
Our tour packages are ‘All Inclusive’ which means you don’t have to worry about anything. Everything is included. Air conditioned van transfer from your hotel (within Luang Prabang city limits) to our elephant camp and back again, English speaking guide, all meals, boat rides, overnight room accommodations (for the M2D tour) and Tad Sae waterfall boat transfer and entrance fees. It’s easy! Everything is included in one price.
What is the Shangri Lao supplement?
This option is not available anymore as we have come up with a better solution to let all our clients experience the best of everything.
Should I book a ‘private’ tour or ‘join’ tour?
Join group is our default tour method. This means that you may (or may not) be joined by others on your tour to form small groups of up to 8 or 9 people. This helps us logistically and it’s a great way for you to meet other interesting travelers from around the world!
If joining a group does not suit you, you may select the ‘Private’ tour option when filling out your booking form. This, for a small additional fee, will get you your own private van, driver and English speaking guide who are there to take care of your group and only your group (groups of 4 or more people). The add-on fee is per group, NOT per person. Booking a private tour does not give you priority over other guests if there is a short wait time for an activity.
May I customize my tour?
We are sorry, but we can not customize our tours. Start and ending times are also not flexible. Since we are not a full service hotel, we offer overnight accommodations (1 night maximum) only for our M2D package tour. For logistical reasons, we do not pick-up or drop-off at bus stations or the airport. Please consider that, as an elephant sanctuary, we have strict policies to give our elephants a very easy and leisurely life. Their health and welfare are our top priority and we work our schedules around their needs. Thank you for your kind understanding.
May I come to your camp on my own?
Yes, you are welcome to do so, but we neither promote nor recommend coming to our camp on your own. Please understand that our camp is not optimized to accommodate guests this way. For the best experience, we recommend that you book one of our Package tours.
Do you need volunteers?
If you are thinking of volunteering, we thank you for your kind intentions, but we do not have any volunteer positions available until further notice. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer in Laos. If you continue your search, we’re sure you will be able to find something. Best of luck!
Dining?
Your package tour includes all of your meals. Our camp restaurant is capable of accommodating any dietary need. Our lunch buffet includes vegetarian options, or if you have specific dietary needs, kindly mention them in your reservation request under ‘special requirements’ and we will make every effort to accommodate you.
Weather and Tad Sae waterfall levels?
All of our tours operate 365 days a year, rain or shine. Weather in Laos is very unpredictable. We can’t begin to try to guess what the conditions will be like on the day of your tour. The Tad Sae waterfall may be dry from early March until the rains come (dates vary widely from year to year) but you may still explore them during your tour. Or you may relax at our swimming pool or visit a nearby village as an alternative activity. During the rainy season, you may experience rain on your tour, so it’s not a bad idea to have a rain poncho or a small umbrella handy. To be honest, the rainy days are some of the most beautiful days to be at our elephant camp so don’t be afraid of the weather!
Do you offer discounts?
At times, we offer promotions, but in general, we do not offer discounts to groups or certain guests. We are an elephant sanctuary and every tour we sell (every dollar we earn) allows us to further our mission, which is to help elephants in Laos. We appreciate your understanding and your support.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your tour, it must be by email to elephantvillagelpq@gmail.com. A 25% fee will apply to any cancellation. A 50% fee will apply to a cancellation between 24 and 48 hours before your tour start time. A 100% fee will apply to a cancellation within 24 hrs of your tour start time or if you no-show.
What is your policy for children?
Children up to 4 years old are free of charge and they may not partake in the bathing activity for safety reasons. Children 5 to 8 years old receive a 50% discount. Children 9 years and older are full price. Also, for safety reasons, all children must be accompanied by and adult during our tours.
What about safety?
Everyone’s safety is our primary concern here at Elephant Village. Being around elephants, bathing elephants and trekking in the jungle are physical activities and may be considered challenging or dangerous by some. When choosing your tour, please read the tour itineraries carefully on our website and we kindly ask that you to consider the physical condition of everyone in your party. During your tour, you may opt out of any activity you wish, but we can not make this decision for you.
What shall I bring on my tour?
We suggest wearing comfortable clothes. If you want to get wet and bathe your elephant, a swimsuit and small towel are a good idea. Also recommended are comfortable walking shoes/sandals and personal items such as medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. If you are staying overnight with us, our lodge is equipped with mosquito nets. For lots more excellent information about Laos, please visit our friends at A Guide to Laos.
Terms and Conditions?
You understand that activities with elephants, by their very nature, involve risks and dangers. You assume all responsibility and do NOT hold Elephant Village, it’s owners, staff or management responsible whatsoever for any loss, injury or death to my person or property during my tour. You are aware that you have the right to inspect any equipment used in my tour and participate in all activities at my own risk. These terms and conditions apply to every person in your party.
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