Tiger Trails 2 day elephant programme

Hi

Has anyone taken part in the two day living with elephants programme offered by Tiger Trails out of LB?

How did you find it?
Is it worth the money?

Tiger Trails Elephant Programme

jezusek

If you get more information let me know! I contacted them and they quoted me at 119$ for adult and $99 for each kid. It's looks amazing ! I wonder if it's that good, have done the elephant riding in Northern Thailand but washing and caring for the elephants and being with the baby? That is unique! Accommodation and food included for 2 days.

Let me know!

Hi muminJapan

I agree it looks amazing too. But, looking at the lack of reponses to my posting, no LPers have done it yet.
If I do get anymore info I will PM you :)

jezusek

Hi jezusek

I am planning to be in LP from July 17 so will do a write up on it or pm you privately!
I am definately going to do it! The gibbons is out for me in the wrong direction I want to be in.
Planning a rafting trip and tubing in VV. Will check out more sites no response from TTer's on this one either.
Good luck to you! When will you be in LP, Laos?

Hi muminjapan

I am heading to Laos around Sept/October time, so I would be really grateful if you could provide me with any feedback about the trips you do with Tiger Trails or any of the other agencies in Laos.

Have a great time and travel safe!

Thanks

jezusek

Regardless of your intentions, why ride a elephant? The elephant is making money for the owners, so a tourist can ride it, which is sad to me, as I think the elephants should be kept in park to observe, but to be rode by tourist, is not a good thing.

Not to mention, you can walk 2 times faster than a elephant, so whats the point?

I hiked by the elephant camps in LPB, they seamed well cared for, but why ride it?

Because with beer goggles on, we all end up riding the odd elephant.

And to feel that it is unfair to ride it would be the same as saying its unfair to ride a horse or a camel.

ticotim

The aim of the Tiger Trails program is not to have an elephant ride.

It is to learn the skills of the mahouts who care for the elephants. I don't doubt that there will be an elephant ride somewhere along the way, but the majority of the time will be spent learning to care for the elephants.

jezusek

I did a similar trip last year in december with All Lao Elephants. (office also on Sisavangvong Rd). They have their 'Elephant Lodge' approx. 5 km further the same dirtroad as Tiger Trail. I paid € 50,00 for two day Mahout experience including overnight stay at the lodge and meals. It was great fun to look after your 'own' elephant for approx. 24 hours (wearing the mahout costume)

In a short time you feel like you get to know the elephants in a better way than just sitting on the wooden seat for an hour and it is fun to see how the mahouts live and look after their animals.

Have fun!
Annemieke

Hej

i have been in laos last year and ist was very nice.

i made a stop in luang prabang and made a two day trip with Tiger Trails
http://www.laos-adventures.com/12244<BR><BR>it was an amazin experience

greets Timo

Hey there,
I am new here, but found this as I looked for people to share what I know from Laos...traveled in Laos since more than 7 years (without Lonely Planet though) and guide people around the country as I work as tourleader sometimes.

If you join the Elephant Program you will be surprised about the great location, the guides, the Elephants and last but not least about the rooms they put you in!!! It is an old farm house - totally renovated with glass front rooms, private shower and so on...
The program included for me some basic ride, basic instrucion about how to sit and ride an elephant without a chair, washing, bringing them to jungle, waking up real early (too early for me!) to pick them up from forest.
And than a nice trekking through the surrounding mountains.

Actually I thought that was cheap with 2 people, 1 guide full time - he even sleeps out there, transfers, full board...any many great pictures to take home. Not suitable for groups though!!!

So, I think this is really good value and a really cool experience...and by the way. It is better riding the elephants than letting them work in the forests or Laos, leaving alone when they are to old to work. Still than they can take you on the back...they have food, vets and enough attention!

Cool concept, nice place

RECOMMANDED

Is it me or do I smell a tout?

1, the guy is German and the elephant website is in English, German or french.

2, the text for the discrpitpon on the "farm house is almost identical to the site.

3, the post includes a caviate - "NOT SUITABLE FOR GROUPS" - the sought of thing a bizznes person would not be able to stop themselves from putting in.

shame as it looks like a real nice place and was getting good genuine review and a tout want necessary.

Anyone gnat to unlease the dogs of hell ?

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Timo could you please email us what exactly did you get for your money, was it worth it? I have two children so I am paying almost full price for each person - would we get alot out of it. I like the idea of putting the money into caring for the elephants and giving the trainers a job, rather than logging them and ill treating elephants.
I don't think having a little ride on their neck is harmful for the elephant that's my opinion.

Hi , just found another company doing the same tour!
Cheaper but stated age as being over 18 yrs.

http://www.infohub.com/vacation_packages/7345.html

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>Is it me or do I smell a tout?<hr></blockquote>

That's pretty much the 'pot calling the kettle black' for someone who runs a guesthouse in Vang Vieng.

And your ignorant anti-American rants are getting quite old.

Back to the OP-

MumInJapan

You dont think it hurts for a little ride on a elephant...where does one draw the line? Swimming with dolphins at resorts? Pet Monkeys?

Hanuman

Your point being?

If you don't understand the point of the idiom, 'the pot calling the kettle black', then you're a heck of a lot denser than I thought, especially since you've been tagging and touting your posts with your own guesthouse's website.

My My, are you able to walk with big chip?

Someone says something about the USofA you don't like and you start stalking there posts?

I could drop to your level and call you odd & hypocritical for yesterday posting that you wouldnt wipe your arse with the Times and later calling on it with a link to satisfie you own point.

If you feel I have breached TT rules please make a complaint to the correct person.

I have no wish to drag this thread in to a slagging match to pleasure your ego.

If you actualy take a second to look at the thread, it was a very, and is a very positive statement for Tiger Trails.

There are a number of very good genuine reviews and people expressing interest in it.

But the post made scheissemitsahne are to closely worded to the website with to many "points" covered for it not arouse suspicion.

Which is a shame.

I did PM him with my thoughts.

If he takes the time to contact an administrator they may allow him to carry his website on his tag line or profile.

As do a lot TTs.

The issues is people misrepresent themselves and acting commercially.

But you, am sure, know the rules far better then me.

You Have A Nice Day Now.

Nic

Please excuse my mistake, you didnt say you would wipe your arse with the Times.

An error on my part.