Logging elephants have been retrained to offer a more environmentally and economically sustainable source of income for local Lao mahouts – tourism.

The experience: Elephant Adventures offers visitors two- to three-day elephant treks through the forests and rice fields of the stunning yet remote province of Sayaboury, Laos. Departing from Luang Prabang or Pak Beng, visitors can experience life as a Lao mahout, learning traditional elephant commands, participating in[...]

Take short or long guided treks to revered forests and lakes and to see the remains of Muang Kao historical site. Stay with the Katong people or take the challenging five-day expedition.

Beside the Xe Banghieng river

The experience: The Savannakhet Eco Guides Service specialises in ecotourism. They offer a variety of[...]

Trek, bike or kayak in the hills of Luang Prabang, help the Hmong in the fields, or care for ageing elephants too old to work.

Interactions in small groups

The experience: Fair Trek is a specialist brand of ecotourism developed by Tiger Trail Outdoor Adventures that is committed to putting something back into the communities and environment that it visits. A wide range of tours are[...]

Low-impact cycling tours in northern Laos provide cultural insights. The operator uses some of the income to build schools and provide clean water to villages.

The experience: Born and raised in Laos, Ken Phetxayphone has always loved to ride bikes. His small, friendly team from Oudomxay will take you by mountain bikes through the back roads, forests and villages of northern Laos on tours ranging from[...]

A small island with a historic past in the Mekong river offers insights into cotton, silk and basket weaving. A nearby mountain beckons with the promise of panoramic views and wild orchids. Simple homestays are the main form of accommodation.

Peaceful end to the day

The experience: Don Kho is a small island on the Mekong River that[...]

Activity: Elephant watching from an observation tower
Location: Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area
Tip: With so many wild elephants around, only visit with a trained guide

Relatively near to Vientiane, see wild elephants gather at a salt lick from the safety of an observation tower. Simple or strenuous guided forest walks are also available.

Elephant observation tower

The experience: In the mid 1990s a herd of some 30 wild elephants living in the mountains of Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area (“Buffalo Horn Mountain”) decided to move[...]

Explore caves where thousands of Pathet Lao defied military bombardment for almost a decade. Many of the caves are well preserved and are full of exhibits that bring to life a painful period in modern history.

War leader's dining room

The experience: Deep in the forest and limestone mountains of Viengxay in Houaphanh province lies an historic ‘hidden city’ little known to[...]

Phongsaly offers remote deep forest treks, hilltribe diversity, and the discovery of former French outposts. Rivers remain the main arteries of transport.

Rugged Phongsaly wilderness

The experience: Phongsaly is about as remote and timeless as one can get in Laos. Located in the far north, at the crossroads between Chinese and Southeast Asian[...]

Gentle day trips or strenuous hiking and rafting are available in an area known for its ethnic diversity.

Simple but warm hospitality

The experience: With its incredible diversity of tribal peoples, forested mountain ranges and wild, scenic rivers, Luang Namtha is becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most popular ecotourism destinations. The province offers a wealth of[...]

This is a quick way to learn about the diversity and depth of Laotian ethnography and physical culture.

Lanten wooden sculpture

The experience: The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre has arisen out of the passion and commitment of three women to showcase and conserve the rich and diverse cultures of Laos’ ethnic minority groups. Located in an historic building in Luang Prabang, the centre features exhibits of the cultural artefacts,[...]