You already know how I feel about this topic, so won't even bother. Check the article out at the link above though!

Haven't been back for two days and I am so ready for another trip... :-\

Two Day Expedition with one overnight

20th October 1883 Dr. Neis spends two days preparing his elephant
and exploring the Huay Sae Valley.
Two day expedition from the Shangri Lao Explorer Camp around the Huay Sae valley, with one day Mahout training and one day traveling by elephant, on foot with porter horses, and returning on a bamboo raft.

Day 1
8:00 – 8:30 am Your English speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel in Luang Prabang.

• Transfer by VIP minibus to the “Shangri-Lao Explorer Camp” 15 km outside Luang Prabang.
  
• After arrival you leave your luggage at the reception and get an introductory tour of the camp. Your guide will teach you about elephants, you can talk with our veterinarian, feed the elephants and relax by the riverside.
  
• The expedition begins with a 1.5 hour elephant ride through forests and over hills to a hidden valley.
  
• After reaching the protected Huay Sae Valley you leave the elephant and enjoy a luxury lunch with traditional Lao food and wine by a secluded waterfall. Depending on the water level you can swim in the natural pools.
  
• Continue with 1.5 hours trekking on foot. The adventurous trail crosses bamboo bridges and passes waterfalls with blue pools in dense jungle. Where the trail leaves the valley, traditional horses from the hill tribes are waiting for you to carry your bags. They will accompany you for another 30 minutes trekking along fields and forest.
• Down at the Nam Khan River, a luxury bamboo raft is waiting for you. Slowly floating downstream, a relaxing 1.5 hour journey plus an optional 30 min stop at the Tad Sae Waterfall will bring you back to the camp. Have a coffee break, relax and watch the traditional village life of farmers and fishermen along the river.
  
• In the late afternoon you will arrive at the camp where your room is ready for Check In. Spend the rest of the day at the Jacuzzi swimming pool or go for a walk with your guide to visit the local village nearby.
  
• In the evening a delicious barbeque dinner will be served under the starry sky.
  
• Retiring for the night in a luxury style tent which will touch all of your senses with its unique surrounding.

Service included VIP Minibus return transfer English speaking guide 1.5 hour elephant ride in Howdah seat with roof 1.5 hour trekking + 30 min trekking with porter-horses 1.5 hour bamboo raft + 30 min optional stop Tad Sae Camp introduction with talk about elephants and feeding Meals (lunch including wine, coffee break, dinner, breakfast) Drinking water and welcome drink Accommodation in double room

Service not included Insurance Tips

All times are approximate as subject to seasonal variations in weather. The Tad Sae Waterfall is dry between February and July!

Day 2

• Get up early with the magical sunrise atmosphere and trek to the jungle to collect the elephants from their forest home. Together with the Mahouts, the traditional elephant drivers, you walk back down to the river for their daily morning bath.
• After a short Mahout instruction you ride bareback on the elephant’s neck, wash it, scrub it and guide it through the river to the camp – an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
  
• Take a rest to refresh and enjoy breakfast at the riverside while the sun is slowly rising over the mountains. The remote villages are stirring into life and you can watch the locals punting small boats to their fields, taking the children to school and washing their clothes in the river.
  
• After breakfast your elephant takes you to the Mahout Camp, where you get a glimpse in their life and learn how to train and guide an elephant. With real hands-on experience you can practice how to take off the Howdah seat, climb on the elephant and control it riding bareback on its neck. Your guide will also teach you more about the relationship between Mahouts and elephants. Feed the elephants to say thank you and good bye and return to the camp.
  
• At 12 noon it is time to check out from your room.
  
• Have lunch and relax by the riverside or at the Jacuzzi swimming pool.
  
• In the afternoon, you can stroll through the nearby village and visit the small temple with your guide. Experience the local lifestyle in a remote village and learn about the ethnical groups of Laos.

4:30 - 5:00 pm leave the camp and return by VIP minibus to Luang Prabang where your guide will drop you off at your hotel.

Service included VIP Minibus return transfer English speaking guide 30 - 60 minutes trekking to pick up elephants from jungle Elephant bathing 2x 20 minutes elephant riding in Howdah seat 1.5 hours Mahout training with one elephant for 2 people detailed background information about elephants and Mahouts more time to feed your elephant practice how to take off and put on the Howdah seat learn and practice different ways of how to get on your elephant practice riding your elephant bareback Village visit Meals (breakfast, lunch) Drinking water

Service not included Insurance Tips

All times are approximate as subject to seasonal variations in weather. The Tad Sae Waterfall is dry between February and July!

Another option for the tail end of the S.E.A. segment of the trip! :-)