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Go Backpacking > Destinations > Asia > Laos > Mountain Biking And Elephants

Mountain Biking And Elephants

October 8, 2008 By Dave

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Mountain biking east of Luang Prabang

8:45 am – Began mountain biking to river – 1.5 hours (16 km) on dirt/rock road – bumpy enough to justify quality bikes. Sun came out. Hot hot. Seat was hard, didn't have easy access to all 18 gears.

Northern Laos

10:15 am – Arrived at a village, rest break, took five minute boat ride across river. Short walk to elephant camp.

A thumb's up after my first elephant ride

45 minutes – My first elephant ride. I got to sit on her neck for a bit like the Mahout (trainers). Mine was 48 years old. Fed her some bananas afterwards. Elephant tongues are big and funny looking. She was sweet though.

Happy elephant

There were a total of 6 elephants in the camp, and it was recognized as one that treats the animals humanely.

The passenger is bailing water to keep the boat afloat

10 minutes – Boat ride to waterfall, lunch of chicken fried rice, began to rain steadily. Got soaked on boat back. Another rest break in village.

A BIG spider makes for a little more interesting waterfall shot

1:15 pm – Mountain biked back to Luang Prabang for 2 hours (18 km) on dirt/mud roads and pavement, all the while soaked by rain showers.

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Filed Under: Adventures, Laos

About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura says

    October 8, 2008 at 5:18 pm

    Hey Dave. Care to share the name of the elephant camp? I’m on a constant search of humane animal sanctuaries, etc. in the US and elsewhere!

  2. Laura says

    October 8, 2008 at 10:18 pm

    Hey Dave. Care to share the name of the elephant camp? I’m on a constant search of humane animal sanctuaries, etc. in the US and elsewhere!

  3. Sonia says

    October 9, 2008 at 4:30 pm

    That spider + waterfall picture is AWESOME. Ya gotta love Mother Nature!

  4. Sonia says

    October 9, 2008 at 11:30 am

    That spider + waterfall picture is AWESOME. Ya gotta love Mother Nature!

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