Elephant Discovery Loop

Overview

Discover Pakbeng at a relaxed pace with a flexible round trip from Luang Prabang combining Mekong travel, a half-day elephant experience and two nights overlooking the river. Created in collaboration with Mekong Elephant Park and Shompoo Cruise, this 3-day loop combines two different ways of travelling between Luang Prabang and Pakbeng with time to experience the elephants, enjoy the lodge and discover more of local life.

Tour description

• Day 1 – Luang Prabang to Pakbeng: Depart Luang Prabang for Pakbeng by either Shompoo Cruise or private minivan, according to preference or the rotation schedule. Upon arrival, transfer to Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge and check in. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, enjoying the swimming pool, terrace overlooking the Mekong and peaceful riverside setting. Dinner free at leisure and overnight at the lodge.
• Day 2 – Elephant Experience & Pakbeng: After breakfast, transfer to Mekong Elephant Park for the Half-Day Elephant Sanctuary Experience from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Learn more about the elephants before encountering them in their forest environment. Walk alongside them and observe their natural behaviours, including bathing and/or snack time depending on their rhythms and the conditions of the day. Enjoy a full-menu lunch at the park restaurant before returning to Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge. Spend the afternoon making the most of the lodge’s facilities or, for those wishing to discover more of the destination, add an optional guided half-day cultural walk through Pakbeng and its surroundings. The walk takes you along Pakbeng’s main street and local market before continuing into the surrounding hills to Ban Kieng Xang, a Khamu village. Continue along the riverbank and visit Vat Si Chom Cheng, Pakbeng’s oldest temple, before returning to the lodge. Optional cultural walk available upon request. Supplement applies. Dinner at lesiure and overnight at the lodge.
• Day 3 – Return to Luang Prabang: After breakfast, return to Luang Prabang using the opposite mode of transport from Day 1. Guests arriving in Pakbeng by Shompoo Cruise return by private minivan, while those arriving by minivan make their return journey along the Mekong with Shompoo Cruise.

Notes and instructions

• This experience combines services provided by Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge, Mekong Elephant Park and Shompoo Cruise.
• The journey combines one-way travel with Shompoo Cruise and one-way travel by private minivan.
• Transport order may vary according to preference or the operating rotation.
• The Pakbeng cultural walk is optional, available upon request and subject to an additional supplement.
• Activities and schedules may be adjusted when necessary according to elephant welfare, weather conditions or operational requirements.
• Any services or activities not specifically listed under “Inclusions” are not included and may be subject to an additional charge.
• Additional booking, payment and cancellation conditions will be communicated at the time of confirmation.

Included:

• 2 nights at Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge (Guests will be accommodated in the best available room category, subject to availability.)
• Daily breakfast at Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge.
• Half-Day Elephant Sanctuary Experience (Ref: EPH01)
• Full-menu lunch at Mekong Elephant Park
• Transfers between Pakbeng and Mekong Elephant Park
• 1-way Mekong cruise with Shompoo Cruise
• 1-way private minivan between Luang Prabang and Pakbeng