EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

This amazing tour will start in Bangkok and then take you on an amazing journey from the north Laos town of Luang Prabang, down to see the amazing work being done by the Elephant Conservation Centre in rehabilitating elephants for their release into protected forest areas. Here you will see some of the 33 resident elephants who have been rescued from horrible situations. You will have many great photo opportunities from safe viewing platforms and have the opportunity to walk along side them. We will also take you trekking into these forests where you will join the researchers and learn how they track and monitor the re-released elephants.

Then we visit the Vanvieng and experience its natural beauty with the option of some adventure activities like hot-air ballons, rafting or even ziplines. Finally, we arrive in Laos capital historic city Vientiane for our final night. The tour starts and finishes in Bangkok, which has many international flight options as well as allowing guests easy opportunites to relax before or after the tour.

Stay at the Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC) in Laos. Meet some of the 33 resident elephants in care. Experience culture in Luang Prabang.Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River. Visit the beautiful area of Vanvieng, and explore its caves. Optional sunrise hot-air balloon ride. Visit the capital of Vientiane and see its historic culture. Start and finish in Bangkok, Thailand

MEET YOUR HOST MICHAEL FALSHAW
Michael is a forest and wildlife conservationist from Liverpool, England. Working in Laos since 2016, Michael came to the Elephant Conservation Center in 2018 and is in charge of conservation projects including forest management, protected area law enforcement, wild elephant monitoring and captive elephant reintroduction programs. 

Michael has studied tropical forest conservation at both Yale and Bangor University. He is currently Head of Conservation for the Elephant Conservation Center and Team Leader for International Elephant Project. Michael is also an independent research fellow in

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute focusing on elephant reintroduction protocols and methodology. Michael spends extensive time in the field working with local government officials, mahouts and rangers on capacity building and training. 

EXPEDITION GOALS 
Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wild tropical biodiversity in their natural habitat. We will provide you with a safe platform to observe many rare and unique species of wildlife throughout Laos. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in so that you are fully informed of your surroundings prior to, during and following your expedition.

Furthermore, Orangutan Odysseys have partnered up with the International Elephant Project which supports conservation programs in Laos - so travelling with us you are directly supporting their conservation efforts and environmental programs. And finally by supporting ethical and eco-tourism you are helping support the locals and the environment.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel with and learn from elephant experts
• Visit and stay at the Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC)
• Meet the local elephant residents and learn about their rehabilitation.
• Trek into the forests and learn how researchers track and monitor "rewilded" elephants
• Experience culture in Luang Prabang
• Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River
• Visit the beautiful area of Vanvieng, and explore its caves
• Optional sunrise hot-air balloon ride
• Visit the capital of Vientiane and see its historic culture
• Start and finish in Bangkok, Thailand  

ITINERARY

10 days: 14th- 23rd July 2024

Day 1 -14th July: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Today you will arrive in Bangkok, Thailand. You will be met at the airport on arrival transfer to a local hotel for overnight. Tour briefing over dinner.

Day 2 - 15th July: Bangkok - Luang Prabang (Laos)
Today will start with an early morning flight to Luang Prabang. Pick on arrival by a local guide (English speaking) and private AC minibus to start our local cultural tour. Lunch at local restaurant and afternoon check-in at our hotel followed by dinner and a visit to the night markets.

Day 3 - 16th July: Luang Prabang
Today we take a trip to Tat Kuang Si waterfalls and have lunch. This afternoon we will take a Mekong river cruise at sunset. Return to town and overnight at our hotel. B,L,D.

Day 4 - 17th July: Luang Prabang - Sayaboury
This morning we will depart our hotel at approximately 8:00 am and drive for around 2 and a half hours to ECC. We will arrive at 10:30 am and take a boat to the centre where will have an introduction and lunch. We will spend the afternoon and night at the centre. B,L,D.

Day 5 - 18th July Sayaboury - Thongmixay
Today we will spend the morning at ECC and watch more activities at the centre. We will have lunch then transfer to Thongmixay to see the release site then drive approximately 4 to 5 hours to our guesthouse. B,L,D.

Day 6 - 19th July: Thongmixay
Today will be spent with the local ranger team learning about their work and trekking through the jungles to look for some of the "rewilded" elephants that are now living in the protected jungles. B,L,D.

Day 7 - 20th July: Thongmixay - Vanvieng
This morning after breakfast we will depart from our time with the elephants and travel through to the beautiful area on Vanvieng. This will take around 8 hours, on arrival we will check into our hotel and head to see the caves (if time allows). Overnight at Boutique Riverside. B.

Day 8 - 21st July: Vanvieng tours
Today, depending on weather conditions we will select from some of the tour options. B,L.

Day 9 - 22nd July: Vanvieng - Vientiane
This morning we will travel to the cave and lagoon, then depart to Vientiane (the capital city of Laos). The drive will be around 3 hours, on arrival we will check into our hotel then take a short tour of the city. We will have our final nights dinner at a local restaurant. B,L

Day 10 - 23rd July: Vientiane - Bangkok
This morning we will transfer back to the airport for our return flights to Bangkok to meet your return flights home or continue with your travels. Tour ends. B.

Note: All arrangements on arrival in Bangkok by the client. Tour ends

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• All accommodations - Twin Share basis. Single supplement available. 
• Domestic flights ex Bangkok and return
• Experienced, local private guide for 7 days
• All land transfers
• River cruises (as per itinerary)
• Entrance fees and activities as per above
• All meals as stated in the itinerary
• Bottled water as needed

EXCLUSIONS

• International Airfares (to and from Bangkok)
• Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
• Transfers, accommodation and arrangements in Bangkok outside Day 1 arrival
• Soft drinks/alcoholic beverages
• Tips (optional)
• Meals and activities not mentioned