Excursions in Laos: Shangri Lao Full Day Expedition: Trekking on foot and by elephant
Enjoy an introductory tour of the camp where your guide will teach you all about elephants. You can talk with the veterinarian in the hospital, feed the elephants and relax by the riverside. Your expedition begins with an elephant ride across the river and continues for 1.5 hours through teak forests, jungle and over hills to reach the protected Huay Sae Valley.
Shangri Lao Full Day Expedition: Trekking on foot and by elephant
Luang Prabang, Laos
This morning you have an early pick up from your hotel at 8am to the Shangri-Lao Explorer Camp, 15 kilometres outside Luang Prabang. On arrival, you will have an introductory tour of the camp where your guide will teach you all about elephants. You can talk with the veterinarian in the hospital, feed the elephants and relax by the riverside. Your expedition begins with an elephant ride across the river and continues for 1.5 hours through teak forests, jungle and over hills to reach the protected Huay Sae Valley. Along the way you can stop to see the amazing scenery of the Nam Khan River Valley. After reaching the Huay Sae Valley you leave your elephant and rest at the jungle sala to enjoy a delicious lunch with traditional Lao food and wine by a secluded waterfall. Depending on the water level you can refresh and swim in the natural pools.
After lunch continue on foot for 1.5 hours along the scenic Huay Sae mountain stream. The adventurous trail crosses bamboo bridges and passes waterfalls, fantastic limestone formations and turquoise blue pools in the dense jungle. Along this educational trail you will learn more about this important ecosystem. Where the trail leaves the valley, traditional horses from the Hmong hill tribes are waiting for you to carry your bags up a more demanding section. These strong porter-horses accompany you for the last 30 minutes of trekking through fields, plantations and teak forest. Enjoy stunning views to the mountain ranges while your guide explains the local agriculture and farming methods.
Down at the Nam Khan River, a bamboo raft is waiting to take you back downriver to the Shangri Lao camp. Have a coffee break, relax and watch the traditional village life of farmers and fishermen along the river. The relaxing 1.5 hour journey will pass the Tad Sae waterfalls and there will be an optional 30 minute stop. Late afternoon you will depart the camp and return to your hotel in Luang Prabang. Prabang where your guide will drop you off at your hotel.
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