Non-Riding Elephant Experience in Laos
Gain a deep respect for and understanding of elephants through a meaningful and rich interactive learning experience. Visitors to MandaLao elephant conservation center spend time with these magnificent animals in a very positive, humane and natural environment. On a half day program named ‘Therapeutic Trek’, we explore the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle with recently rescued elephants as companions. This journey is a perfect way for these happy elephants to enjoy a walk in their natural habitat after decades of hard labor in logging camps. It also offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn from and absorb their calming energy. During the morning you learn from the guides the ways in which elephants and humans communicate with one another. Once this connection is made it’s almost impossible not see many of our own emotions in them.
Big Game Spotting in Kui Buri National Park
Kui Buri National Park is one of best places in Thailand for observing wild elephants and gaur in their natural habitat. Due to its easily accessible open areas, there is an excellent chance that a visit here will result in the sighting of one of these majestic animals. Kui Buri National Park is located in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, roughly a two hour drive southwest from Hua Hin.
Join Destination Asia Thailand for a half-day wildlife watching experience in an open-air pick-up truck with a safari ranger. The rangers at the national park used to be farmers employed in the pineapple industry and it is a policy that only they are permitted to drive into the park itself – a policy that has helped to reduce poaching in the park. We drive slowly into the reserve along a dirt road, heading to the main grassland areas in search of some giant native mammals – notably elephant and gaur.
At designated viewing areas visitors can step out of their vehicles and keep a lookout for animals. If lucky, you may even see elephants playing in a natural pond at the forest edge on our first stop. Then as the sun starts to set, we continue to the next viewing area at the end of the road, best known for spotting the mighty gaurs, but also the majestic elephants and sometimes even a banteng.