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Region: Vientiane And Surrounds> Province: Vientiane> Location: Phou Khao Khouay National Park
Ban Na Elephant Watch Tower and Homestay
An exciting opportunity
Ban Na Elephant Watch Tower and Homestay
Ban Phabath, Thaphabat District, Bolikhamsai Province
Tel: (020) 220 8286
Visit website
Description
Operated under the same scheme as that in Ban Hatkai, villagers of Ban Na have established an exciting opportunity to view wild elephants. About 4km from Ban Na is a 9m high elephant viewing tower which is the focal part of the initiative. The tower is located next to a stream and a salt-lick, both of which are frequented in the evenings by wild elephants. Best times to go are moonlit nights between November and April when thirsty elephants extend their range to wetter lowland areas. There is no guarantee that the pachyderms will show up, but the villagers are keen and the guided treks deeper into elephant territory may result in an encounter. The elephants are both shy and dangerous, so no vehicles are permitted and all excursions must be accompanied. Simple accommodation is available at the tower or at houses in the village, but with the night elephant vigil at the tower, don't expect much sleep there. Clean bedding is provided at both places and traditional Lao food can be prepared, accompanied by a drop or two of Lao Lao. The guides speak little English. Be sure to arrive before 11:00, when the trek to the tower begins. The Elephant Watch Tower costs US$22 to US$43 per person depending on group size.
Total rooms: The watchtower holds eight, 30 people can stay in the village.
Family room
7 USD (low season)
7 USD (high season)
Homestay
Added to Travelfish on: 20th February, 2007
Last visited or updated on: 20th February, 2007
Guest feedback
Wonderful experience - 
By gringeaux ( total comments: 15 
) Stayed here 1/2008
Made our way to Ban Na by tuk-tuk (much cheaper than with organized tour), and spent $90 total for tons of food, guided treks, and a night in the elephant watch tower. The guides were good, but don't expect fluent english. The food was simple but plentiful and delicious. The watchtower is rustic, but the guides set up bedrolls and mosquito nets. Just after dusk, we saw an adult elephant and a baby bathing in a stream nearby. What a great experience. Didn't stay in Ban Na itself, but everyone in town is super friendly and we heard great things about a homestay. Highly, highly recommended.
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