LAOS – Luang Prabang – Elephants of the Mekong

Nestled in a jungle on the banks of the Mekong River, this elephant camp showcases over a dozen elephants roaming happily around a 200-hectare open space.

Theme

Family, Sustainable

Country - City

Laos - Luang Prabang

Market segment

Groups, Thematic Leisure

Price Level

$$

Level of difficulties

LEVEL 0

Max pax

6pax for the half-day experience/ 25pax for lunch and elephant meeting

Seasonality

All year round, trail may be slippery during the rainy season

Arrival city

Luang Prabang

Departure city

Luang Prabang

Description

Set just 40 minutes away from Luang Prabang city center, Manifa Elephant Camp is a peaceful jungle retreat on the banks of the Mekong River. The camp was founded in 2009 with just two elephants by local elephant enthusiast Vilaluck Vothivong, and now, after 13 years, Manifa has a herd of 17 elephants roaming around 200 hectares of forest. Visitors to the camp get the chance meet the elephants and their mahouts and interact with the animals, in a real-life example of sustainable conservation and coexistence.

Selling points

  • A place for unique and sustainable interactions with roaming elephants. 
  • Supporting a locally owned elephant camp. 
  • Learn about how humans live alongside elephants in Laos.
  • One of the few places in Laos where it’s possible to meet baby elephants. 
  • A chance to enjoy stunning scenery and delicious food on the Mekong River. 
  • Perfect to combine with a visit to Pak Ou Caves and a sunset cruise back to Luang Prabang.

Level Of The Excursion

Low - This activity impacts local community, culture and/or environment in a small but meaningful way

The Impact Of This Excursion

Social/cultural Impact

Empowerment and education

Environment Impact

Involving Wildlife

Economic Impact

Local individual benefits

Community benefits

Additional Information

The activities we offer at Manifa focus on the educational aspect rather than on the riding. Our tours are elephant-riding free. Our ultimate goal is to encourage the camp to discontinue the practice completely. In the past few years, it has made huge strides in terms of its sustainability and attention to animal welfare. 

Time And Transportation

From To Km By Duration Road condition
Luang Prabang Manifa Elephant Camp 25 Minivan 45 minutes Good

Timings below are based on it being combined with a cruise to Pak Ou Caves in the morning and a return to Luang Prabang by boat at the end of the day:

From To Km By Duration Road condition
Luang Prabang Manifa 27 Boat 1h Wet, it’s a river
Manifa Pak Ou 4 Boat 15 minutes Wet, it’s a river
Pak Ou Luang Prabang 31 Boat 1h 30m Wet, it’s a river

 

Duration

  • Approximately 4 hours
  • The private half-day activity includes 2 hours of elephant activities plus lunch.
  • Guests need to be at Manifa by 09:30.
  • The activity finishes at around 13:00.

This is a sample itinerary for a visit to Manifa followed by a cruise to Pak Ou Caves after lunch: 

  • 08:15: Take the boat to Manifa 
  • 09:15: Arrive at Manifa 
  • 09:30 – 13:00: Elephant Activities and lunch at Manifa. 
  • 13:00 – 13:30: Visit Pak Ou Caves.
  • 13:30 – 16:00: Take the boat back to Luang Prabang. 

Min pax

1

Max pax

6pax for the half-day experience/ 25pax for lunch and elephant meeting

How to sell it

  • A family friendly elephant encounter for everyone to enjoy, including children 8+.
  • Ideal for combining with Pak Ou caves or any excursion on the Mekong.
  • Perfect soft adventure activity for FIT with small groups of no more than 6 pax for the half-day activity.
  • A good choice for travelers looking for a sustainable elephant encounter.
  • More budget friendly than other elephant camps. 

Why this activity

  • This activity is an example of sustainability in action. Through partnering with Easia, the camp is moving away from offering bareback riding, and travelers with Easia do not participate in this. 
  • Easia has worked with the supplier to develop a ride-free product and experience. 
  • Great for a family activity with wildlife included on the way to or from Pak Ou Caves. 
  • An interactive educational wildlife experience. 

Good to combine with

Do not combine with

  • Kuang Sy Waterfall – too far away.
  • Any other elephant camp visits.

Market suggestion

AUSTRALIA

CANADA

FRANCE

UNITED KINGDOM

ITALY

SPAIN

PORTUGAL

BENELUX

SCANDINAVIA

CEE

US

GERMANY

UK

BEST FOR FIT

BEST FOR GIT

Competitor comparison

  • This activity can be offered by other DMCs.
  • This camp is also used by EXO, Asian Trails, Nakarath, Laos Mood, ASEV.

Pros

  • Easy to organize – the supplier takes care of everything except the boat transfer which we provide.
  • It is good for the image of Easia Travel as we can only be seen to promote ethical elephant camps. By supporting Manifa and their non-riding activities we are encouraging them to move away from elephant riding.

Cons

  • Not an Easia Signature product.
  • The walk can be slippery in the rainy season.

Information

  • Clients will be offered coverall clothes for the walk to keep their clothes clean.
  • Easia needs to arrange the boat to go to the camp (and Pak Ou Caves).
  • The walk is not long – just 2-3km on trails in the forest. It may be uneven in places.

Alerts

  • Remind guests to take a hat and sun lotion as it can be hot and sunny in places on the walk.

Price range

$$

Quotation guideline

On ERP:

  • LAOS > Luang Prabang > Activity > Manifa Elephant Camp > (Private) – HD – Elephant Walk / H03

Inclusion

  • Buffet lunch at the restaurant overlooking the Mekong.
  • Elephant activity with a guide from the elephant camp.

Exclusion

  • Boat transfers to and from the elephant camp.

Important notes

  • Transfers provided by Easia Travel. It should be combined with a Pak Ou Cave cruise.
  • The private half-day activity includes 2 hours of elephant activities plus lunch.
  • Guests need to be at Manifa by 12:30.
  • The activity finished at around 16:00.

A sample schedule for this activity, combined with a cruise to Pak Ou Caves and then back to Luang Prabang would be as follows:

  • 09:00: Depart Luang Prabang Boat Pier for the boat trip to Pak Ou.
  • 11:00: Arrive at Pak Ou caves.
  • 11:00 – 12:00: Visit Pak Ou Caves
  • 12:00 – 12:15: Take the boat to Manifa
  • 12:30 – 16:00: Elephant Activities and lunch at Manifa.
  • 16:15 – 17:15: Take the boat back to Luang Prabang.

Special Guide notes

  • Easia guide will need to translate as Manifa only has English-speaking guides for the activity.

Different Choice

These are the alternative elephant camps but they are in a different area and cannot be combined with a Pak Ou cruise like Manifa can.

  • Mandalao
  • Elephant Village
  • Chateau Orientale

 

Contact

  • Address: Ban Xang Hai village, Pak Ou District, Luang Prabang, LAOS​
  • Website: https://www.manifatravel.com/manifa-elephant-camp/
  • Phone: +856 20 97 240 338 / +856 71 254 179
  • Email: [email protected]

English

Elephants of the Mekong

You will most likely be arriving at Manifa Elephant Camp in Pak Ou by boat. It wouldn’t be unheard of to catch your first glimpse of the majestic Asian elephant from the water as they calmly roam around, bathing and eating. After a brief introduction, the mahout-the elephant keeper-will share his ancient secrets with you. You will learn about coexistence between humans and elephants in Laos. Following the talk, you will walk with the elephants through the forest (2.5 kilometer round trip), before returning to the main site of the camp. This is also a unique opportunity to interact with the elephants in their natural jungle habitat. If you’re lucky, a baby elephant might join the fun! The baby elephants at Manifa are from a local elephant breeding initiative in which local elephant keepers send their elephants into the forest to mate with wild elephants to increase the population of elephants in Laos. This activity ends with a buffet lunch and a beautiful view. Afterwards, you may continue to Pak Ou Caves, or return to Luang Prabang by boat. 

Meals included: Buffet lunch
Distance of the walk: Approximately 2.5 kilometers / 2 hours total for elephant activities.
Note: Boat transfers provided by Easia. Maximum 6 pax for private tour. Starts at 12:30 and finished at 16:00.

French

Les éléphants du Mékong

Vous arriverez probablement au camp d’éléphants de Manifa à Pak Ou par bateau. Il n’est pas rare que vous aperceviez pour la première fois les majestueux éléphants d’Asie depuis l’eau, alors qu’ils se promènent tranquillement, se baignent et mangent. Après une brève présentation, le cornac – le gardien des éléphants – vous fera part de ses anciens secrets. Vous en apprendrez plus sur la coexistence entre les hommes et les éléphants au Laos. Après la conférence, vous marcherez avec les éléphants dans la forêt (2,5 kilomètres aller-retour), avant de retourner au site principal du camp. C’est aussi une occasion unique d’interagir avec les éléphants dans leur habitat naturel dans la jungle. Si vous avez de la chance, un éléphanteau se joindra peut-être à la fête ! Les éléphanteaux de Manifa proviennent d’une initiative locale d’élevage d’éléphants dans le cadre de laquelle les gardiens locaux envoient leurs éléphants dans la forêt pour qu’ils s’accouplent avec des éléphants sauvages afin d’augmenter la population d’éléphants au Laos. Cette activité se termine par un déjeuner buffet et une vue magnifique. Ensuite, vous pouvez continuer vers les grottes de Pak Ou, ou retourner à Luang Prabang en bateau.

Repas inclus : Déjeuner buffet
Distance de marche : environ 2.5 kilomètres / 2 heures au total pour les activités liées aux éléphants.
Note : Les transferts en bateau sont assurés par Easia. Maximum 6 pax pour la visite privée. Commence à 12h30 et se termine à 16h00.

Spanish

Elefantes del Mekong

Lo más probable es que llegue al campamento de elefantes de Manifa, en Pak Ou, en barco. No sería raro ver por primera vez a los majestuosos elefantes asiáticos desde el agua, mientras deambulan tranquilamente, bañándose y comiendo. Tras una breve introducción, el mahout -el cuidador de elefantes- compartirá con usted sus antiguos secretos. Aprenderá sobre la coexistencia entre humanos y elefantes en Laos. Tras la charla, paseará con los elefantes por el bosque (2,5 kilómetros ida y vuelta), antes de regresar al recinto principal del campamento. Esta es también una oportunidad única para interactuar con los elefantes en su hábitat natural de la selva. Si tiene suerte, ¡puede que una cría de elefante se una a la diversión! Las crías de elefante de Manifa proceden de una iniciativa local de cría de elefantes en la que los cuidadores locales envían a sus elefantes a la selva para que se apareen con elefantes salvajes y así aumentar la población de elefantes en Laos. Esta actividad termina con un almuerzo bufé y una hermosa vista. Después, podrá continuar hacia las cuevas de Pak Ou o regresar a Luang Prabang en barco.

Comidas incluidas: Almuerzo buffet
Distancia de la caminata: Aproximadamente 2.5 kilómetros / 2 horas en total para las actividades con elefantes.
Nota: Traslados en barco proporcionados por Easia. Máximo 6 pax para el tour privado. Comienza a las 12:30 y termina a las 16:00.

Italian

Gli elefanti del Mekong

Molto probabilmente arriverete al Manifa Elephant Camp di Pak Ou in barca. Non sarà difficile scorgere per la prima volta i maestosi elefanti asiatici dall’acqua, mentre si aggirano tranquillamente per fare il bagno e mangiare. Dopo una breve introduzione, il mahout, il guardiano dell’elefante, condividerà con voi i suoi antichi segreti. Imparerete a conoscere la coesistenza tra uomini ed elefanti in Laos. Dopo il discorso, camminerete con gli elefanti attraverso la foresta (2,5 km di andata e ritorno), prima di tornare al sito principale del campo. Anche questa è un’occasione unica per interagire con gli elefanti nel loro habitat naturale nella giungla. Se siete fortunati, un cucciolo di elefante potrebbe unirsi al divertimento! I cuccioli di elefante di Manifa provengono da un’iniziativa locale di riproduzione degli elefanti, in cui i custodi locali inviano i loro elefanti nella foresta per farli accoppiare con gli elefanti selvatici e aumentare la popolazione di elefanti in Laos. L’attività si conclude con un pranzo a buffet e una splendida vista. In seguito, si può proseguire per le Grotte di Pak Ou o tornare a Luang Prabang in barca.

Pasti inclusi: pranzo a buffet
Distanza a piedi: circa 2.5 km / 2 ore in totale per le attività con gli elefanti.
Nota: i trasferimenti in barca sono forniti da Easia. Massimo 6 persone per il tour privato. Inizia alle 12:30 e termina alle 16:00.

German

Elefanten auf dem Mekong

Das Manifa Elephant Camp in Pak Ou erreichen Sie höchstwahrscheinlich mit dem Boot. Es wäre nicht ungewöhnlich, einen ersten Blick auf die majestätischen asiatischen Elefanten vom Wasser aus zu erhaschen, während sie in aller Ruhe umherstreifen, baden und fressen. Nach einer kurzen Einführung weiht Sie der Mahout – der Elefantenpfleger – in seine alten Geheimnisse ein. Sie erfahren etwas über die Koexistenz zwischen Menschen und Elefanten in Laos. Im Anschluss an den Vortrag wandern Sie mit den Elefanten durch den Wald (2,5 km hin und zurück), bevor Sie zum Hauptgelände des Camps zurückkehren. Dies ist auch eine einzigartige Gelegenheit, mit den Elefanten in ihrem natürlichen Lebensraum im Dschungel in Kontakt zu treten. Mit etwas Glück ist auch ein Elefantenbaby dabei! Die Elefantenbabys in Manifa stammen aus einer lokalen Elefantenzucht-Initiative, bei der lokale Elefantenpfleger ihre Elefanten in den Wald schicken, um sich mit wilden Elefanten zu paaren und so die Elefantenpopulation in Laos zu vergrößern. Diese Aktivität endet mit einem Mittagsbuffet und einer wunderschönen Aussicht. Danach können Sie zu den Pak Ou-Höhlen weiterfahren oder mit dem Boot nach Luang Prabang zurückkehren.

Mahlzeiten inklusive: Mittagsbuffet
Entfernung zu Fuß: ca. 2.5 Kilometer / 2 Stunden insgesamt für Elefantenaktivitäten.
Hinweis: Der Bootstransfer wird von Easia durchgeführt. Maximal 6 Personen für die private Tour. Beginnt um 12:30 Uhr und endet um 16:00 Uhr.