Part 2 of 3: Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam in Three Weeks. Visiting the Mekong, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang (including the Elephant Village Sanctuary and Resort, and a visit to the Sun Bear Rescue Sanctuary)

Asia » Laos
December 24th 2009

Published: December 24th 2009

See Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam in Three Weeks, Part 1 for pictures and details of Thailand, now we are in Laos, before flying to Vietnam, which will be featured in Part 3 of this journey. December 24th. We crossed the Friendship Bridge from Nang Khai, Thailand yesterday. An Irish ex-pat we had met in Nang Khai the night before recommended we take the 20 minute city bus instead of taking a Tuk Tu... Read Full Entry

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Cathy Rosewell Jonas

Elephant Dreamer

This blog shares travel stories, writing, and narrations about spirituality and opening the heart to life. It includes some details from my three trips to India (in 2005, 2006, and 2008), other travels, organizations that are helping elephants (and the Dancing Bears), and even shares the secret of "How to Find Yourself" in India. Cathy Rosewell Jonas: As a fellow traveler on the spiritual journey, I am sharing what I have learned about opening the heart to life. My book "Bringing Home the Mountain, Finding the Teacher Within" available now for pre-ordering: http://www.freeheartpress.... full info

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Taking in a nice view while sipping on some yummy fruit shakes...

Luang Prabang

Another nice sunset dinner in Luang Prabang

Monks passing by

Steve giving an offering of rice

Cathy offering a lotus to monk

Young Monk with Begging Bowl

A visit to the Elephant Village

Look for the authentic Elephant Village to register a tour or visit

Many other tourist businesses look like it, but this is the one that has an fake elephant in the front, with information from their website. Find this one. Proceeds then go directly to the elephants.

Bumpy ride via Tuk Tuk to the Elephant Village

We decided to skip an organized tour and just showed up to take a look around. Worked out great!

Elephant and a great view

Gorgeous Nam Kahn River, what a setting for the Elephant Village

Interviewing Marcus Peschke, the Founder and President of the Elephant Village

Elephant Gaze

Elephant Riding Platform, which is a separate program offered to tourists.

The Elephant Village has an inspiring message...

To create a sanctuary for injured and aging Logging Elephants, and to give retired logging elephants a job with reasonable working hours, as well as to educate and help neighboring villages on other ways to care for the land rather than slash and burn, and about protecting this beloved animal species.

Two of the Elephants just returning from their riding time

The Elephant Village limits the time the elephants are worked. It typically it about three hours a day, which helps the elephants earn enough money to keep them well fed.

Logging is so rampant in Laos, which is the reason there will be thousands of unemployed logging elephants in the not so distant future to care for.

The Elephant Village is working on more than just offering elephant rides, although this is a necessary component to get tourists to visit.

Feeding Station, currently there are nine elephants

Steve feeding one of the elephants

Cathy feeding an elephant

One of the elephants being used for Mahout Training for tourists

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Part 2 of 3: Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam in Three Weeks. Visiting the Mekong, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang (including the Elephant Village Sanctuary and Resort, and a visit to the Sun Bear Rescue Sanctuary)

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