12 days Bangkok To Luang Prabang - trip code EBLE10
US$4,200
This photographic journey brings together some remarkable elements of South East Asia, featuring a magical trek through the forests of Laos and a chance to get up close and personal with your pachyderm. With the help of local guides, wonderful elephants and a little experience we hope to get unique opportunities to photograph ethnic groups as well.
We will be making space for just 6 travellers on the journey. The tour begins in Bangkok with a flight to Chiang Rai in the Golden Triangle, a few days of Thai style pampering and then we start roughing it. We leave Chiang Rai to head for the Laos border, head down the Mekong and mee the elephants. After a few days of tents by the river, rural villages and roughly 4 hours a day riding the elephants we venture by boat further down to Mekong to finish the trip with some comfortable lodgings in Luang Prabang.
Accommodation in the jungle is very basic and there will be limited access to electricity for those nights. Every traveller has their own elephant to ferry them through the forest, while our luggage goes ahead in by road. We'll stop in the wilds of jungles or farming villages for lunch on the way, and finish the journey in the charming town of Luang Prabang. We team up with a local photographer after our elephant trek to visit some more ethnic groups that live near the Mekong.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Bangkok
We meet the group in Bangkok on day 1 and outline the journey ahead. Some travellers will be extending from the Ancient Kingdoms Photography Tour while some will be meeting us fresh at the hotel.
Day 2-3 | Chiang Rai
We have a short flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai in the early morning. Our main objective is to meet some of the team at the Golden Triangle Elephant Foundation and see how the conservation project helps elephants and mahouts start a better life.
Day 4 | Pak Beng
There's be an early morning pickup from our hotel to transfer to the Laos border, make the crossing and then head down the Mekong by boat to the town of Pak Beng. This is a long travel day.
Days 5-7 | Elephant Trekking
In the morning we head down the river a little further before meet our elephants after lunch and beginning our journey into the jungle. For the next three nights we will be immersed in the life of Laos villagers, forest creatures and our companion elephants. Each traveller will have their own elephant with several hours a day stomping through the trees and shrubs. Evenings are spent either with a homestay arrangement with local farmers or a campsite by the river. During our travels you will also be schooled in how to drive an elephant, plus we are bringing along an additional elephant expert from Elefant Asia to help us learn about these marvellous animals.
Days 8-12 | Luang Prabang
Our last morning on the Mekong will be spent saying goodbye to the elephants and our mahouts, then we board a boat to journey 6 hours downstream to the town of Luang Prabang. Back in civilization we'll enjoy a hot shower, lovely rooms and the best food of the trip. The next few days are spent with an award winning local photographer who will share some favourite destinations with ethnic groups nearby. During this trip we hope to visit Khamu, Hmong and a few other ethnic minorities.
Facts and Information
Style
photography tour
Inclusions
Accompanying photographer who will also be your leader, flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, guides and elephants, accommodation and all meals.
Group Size
maximum 6
Accommodation
6 nights in 3-star hotel, 1 night local guesthouse, 3 nights camping/homestay
Meals Included
all breakfasts, lunches and dinners
Instructing Photographer
Ewen Bell
Ewen Bell's website and photo tours
Meet the Elephants
See the website for the Golden Triangle Elephant Foundation
Our elephant trek supports Elefant Asia
Camera Requirements
Digital SLR or Compact Digital
Difficulty Rating
Challenging rural experience.
Feedback and Reviews
"For someone who has a passion for photography, adventure and life, Ewen's photo research trips are just perfect. I was lucky enough to be able to join Ewen on his Elephant Photo Research trip from Thailand to Laos in 2010 and it far exceeded my expectations. What made the trip particularly great was that it was off the beaten path, which allowed us a closer experience with the locals and immersion in their culture. And on top of all that was Ewen's obvious passion and compassion that make him a great tour leader and teacher. Unlike other large tour groups, Ewen's tours are small and he is able to give personal attention to everyone on their photography, which I greatly appreciated. This was such an amazing trip filled with great people, fun and love for elephants that I hope to come on another one soon. :)"
- Grace, November 2010
See more feedback comments on Ewen's website
