This easy trek takes the passionate walker into the elephant forests of the Phou Khao Khouay NPA. Of the two herds known to inhabit this National Park, one has quite recently chosen to roam the bamboo thickets nearby the village of Ban Na.
To protect elephants maximum and to compensate the villagers for the frequent damages, a community-based tourism scheme was introduced. Trained local guides lead the visitors to very remote sites within the forests of this Nature reserve, just over an hour away from Vientiane.

Option 1 ( in the wet season, June to September )

Day 1: Vientiane – Ban Na – Elephant Tower ( L,D )

We will be transferred to Ban Na, which is 80 km from Vientiane. Once we arrive, we start the trek thru the second forest. A simple picnic lunch will be served by Laung Stream.

After lunch, we take a sort trek to Elephant Tower, 15m high, where you spend the night. An early diner will be prepared for us to have time to wait for the elephants in a quiet atmosphere. It’s now your chance to see the elephants in where they live wildly.

Approximately:1 ½ hour transfer/ 3 ½ hours trekking 

Day 2: Elephant Tower - Ban Na – Wat Pra Bath – Vientiane ( B, L )

 After an early breakfast, we will keep track with the elephants. We will hear them cracking the bamboo. We will trek back to Ban Na, where our lunch is prepared by the local guide.

We will fill in the day with learning how to weave from the friendly villagers. Before returning to Vientiane, we will make a stop at Wat Pra Bath, where you can see a Buddha footprint. Wat Pra Bath was built at the same time as Wat E-Hang in Savanakhet, a Southern Province. We return to Vientiane in the late afternoon.

Option 2 (in the dry season, October to May): A harder trek can be occasionally provided as alternative in case we consider there is a very small or no chance to see the elephants. The alternative itinerary is designed as below:

Day 1: Vientiane – Ban Na – Nam Hi ( L,D )

We will be transferred to Ban Na, which is 80 km from Vientiane. Once we arrive, we start trekking on a 14 km long trail sneaking under the canopy, mostly uphill and across several ridges.

The two waterfalls Tad Lung and Tad Fa offer good locations for breaks and lunch, before heading to the Tad Hi Kheng Khani (Waterfall of the Gibbon) on the Nam Hi where we spend the night in camps.

Approximately: 1 ½ hour transfer/ 7 hours trekking

Day 2:   Nam Hi – Ban Na - Vientiane ( B, L )

After breakfast, we follow one of the elephant trails. When heading downhill, mostly along the Nam Hi, elephant tracks and feces are often found. We can make a lunch stop at Elephant Tower.

In the afternoon we continue toward Ban Na by trekking thru an area where wild elephant and other animals such as jackal, wild dog (dhole), boar or the rare Sambar, barking and Mouse deer are occasionally found. At Ban Na, a songthaew awaits the group for the return back to Vientiane.

Approximately: 1 ½ hour transfer/ 5 hours trekking

Group Cost: US$ per pax	2 pax	3-5 pax	6-10 pax
Deluxe	230	200	160

Including:

• English speaking guide ;
• water,
• Meals B = Breakfast, L = Luch, D = Dinner
• Accommodation : Dormitory at Elephant Tower with bath room and toilet. Pillow, mattress mosquito net and blanket  mattress mosquito net and blanket will be provided or camping if taking the option 2
• Transportation : Private Songthaew

What to bring:

Hat, sun-screen, clothes to get wet, firm but light shoes to get wet, mosquito repellent, change of clothes for the evening, sarong for bathing