MandaLao Elephant Conservation, Luang Prabang

This is one of the best experiences you can have while visiting Laos. People should not be riding elephants like they are some sort of carnival attraction. This place gets it right. An excellent experience with conscientious staff and great facilities. So good to interact with happy elephants.

This is the only elephant sanctuary worth going too in Luang Prabang. There is no riding allowed. Within 5 minutes of speaking with one of thier representatives you will understand why this is important. they rescue elephants from the surrounding camps, elephants that have been overworked so long the people riding them start to ask questions like "why are the elephants we are riding so skinny". Take the time to just speak with one of the representatives before you consider any other camp/sanctuary.

Great project, only little time spent with the animals. Basically confirming the positive reactions I read below: enthusiast guide, wonderfull location and of course the good cause. We booked the half day 'communicating with elephants'. Although we really enjoyed our time, the netto time spent with the animals is really minimal: around 40 minutes... This is honestly not a lot for the price paid. After the feeding there was a 50 meter walk, after which we left and took the boat back to the starting point. Elephants only like to bath when it's hot, which was not the case, but an alternative solution for the visitors could be welcome. Next to that, I think it could be good to show some more real communication examples between human and elephant. In general we are happy we did it and hope this project can further grow.

This is the most perfect Elephant tour you could ever do. We have perviously done a number of elephant tours where elephants are chained up, hooks and you can ride them. At MandaLao however it couldn't be any more different. If you love elephants or animals in general you need look out for businesses exactly like MandaLao. They respect the animals, support local people, farmers and community. Tan was a great host and taught us a lot about how MandaLao is helping the elephants and what they are trying to achieve. Although this is probably the most expensive tour, it is very the right reasons. It allows MandaLao to have very intimate tours. We were only a group of 2 on the tour and they allow only up to 4 people. You get some spend some really quality time with the animals and really see how they live. Washing, scratching and even learning how to walk (baby's name is Kit). Please do not look any further than MandaLao they are doing a fantastic job and actually influencing other elephant tour in the local area. Keep up the great work!

By far one of the best experiences we had while we were in Luang Prabang! Can not say enough good things about Mandalao! From the staff to the elephants and a wonderful understanding of proper treatment and love for elephants, we truly had a great time. We opted in for a half day walking tour, if you’ve got the time you should definitely check this out!