Here in Sayaboury, elephants are considered sacred. Since time immemorial they have served Lao people in the forest and played an integral role in Buddhist and animist beliefs. If the species was to become extinct, a fundamental part of the area’s cultural heritage would also be lost.

The "Way of the Mahout" is a unique experience in the heart of Sayaboury jungle. Ride your elephant and learn the secrets of Laos’ most experienced mahouts. Share their lifestyle during this incredible journey along rivers and lush untouched forests. By keeping elephants in their traditional environment, this initiative aims at conserving local elephant-lore and  at supporting the reconversion of logging elephants into tourism in order to improve the living conditions of both mahouts and elephants.

Fair and environmentally friendly tourism can help preserve the last populations of Asian elephants and favour the development of sustainable solutions for letting people and elephants live side by side.

The essence of the trip:

• Contribute to the protection of the Asian elephant
• Discover the Lao forest on elephant back
• Meet the most experienced mahouts in Laos and share their traditions
• Cruise downstream on the Mekong river
• Experience life with lao people issued from various ethnic groups