—Elephant Conservation Center — Sayaboury, Laos
Yoga for Elephants
6 days / 5 nights
Yoga and meditation by the lake – surrounded by elephants observed at a respectful distance.
A 6-day / 5-night yoga and meditation retreat beside Laos’ rescued elephants 13-18 February 2027 · Elephant Conservation Center, Sayaboury Practise Taoist yoga on a lakeside sala at sunrise, then watch elephants bathe, forage and play just steps away. With yoga teacher Jacqueline, five days of Yin, Yin Yang and Restorative practice, kayaking on Nam Tien Lake, and time with the vets and mahouts who care for about 30 elephants rescued from logging and mass tourism. No yoga experience needed. All-inclusive from $770 per person, with a free shuttle from Luang Prabang. Book before 15 November.
Highlights
- Morning Yin Yang
- Elephant nursery visit, forest walk, and elephant bathing time
- Hospital visit and time with the vets and mahouts
- Observation of the young elephants and females, then the males, in their socialisation areas
- A positive reinforcement “ target-training” session
- Kayak and paddle on the lake
- Evening Meditation. Yin and Yoga Restorative.
The retreat
Practise Taoist yoga on a lakeside sala at sunrise, then watch elephants bathe, forage and play just steps away. With yoga teacher Jacqueline, five days of Yin, Yin Yang and Restorative practice, kayaking on Nam Tien Lake, and time with the vets and mahouts who care for about 30 elephants rescued from logging and mass tourism. Price per person, all-inclusive, 5 nights: · Shared room/dorm (2-4 people) $770 · Classic bungalow (shared / twin beds) $850 · Premium bungalow (shared / twin beds) $900 Book before 15 November Contact: jakahh@gmail.com · WhatsApp +221 77 192 22 10 · www.elephantconservationcenter.com Reserve your place, before 15 November.
Sunday
Arrival / Settling In (Earth)
7:30–11:00 · Transfer from Luang Prabang to ECC 11:15 · Check-in to the bungalows 12:30–14:00 · Nursery visit and lunch on the water, watching the elephants Free time 17:00–19:00 · Yin & Yang: settling in, welcome circle 19:00 · Dinner and welcome evening. All overnights at Dormitory or selected accommodation
Monday
Observe (Metal)
6:15 · Gentle wake-up: water, herbal tea, coffee 6:30–7:45 · Yin & Yang – breath & clarity 7:45–8:30 · Breakfast 10:00 · Meet the ECC team 12:00 · Lunch 14:00–15:00 · Visit to the information centre Free time 17:00–18:45 · Meditation & Yin – discerning 19:00 · Dinner.
Tuesday
Release (Water)
6:15 · Gentle wake-up: water, herbal tea, coffee 6:30–7:45 · Yin & Yang – fluidity & undulation 7:45–8:30 · Breakfast 9:00 · Forest walk with the elephants 12:00 · Lunch 13:30–15:00 · Hospital visit, conversation with the team 15:30–16:00 · Elephant bathing Free time 17:00–18:45 · Meditation & Yin – circulating 19:00 · Dinner
Wednesday
Act (Wood)
6:15 · Gentle wake-up: water, herbal tea, coffee 6:30–7:45 · Yin & Yang – momentum & direction 7:45–8:30 · Breakfast 10:00 · Visit to the socialisation area (young elephants and females) 12:00 · Lunch 15:30–16:00 · Elephant bathing Free time 17:00–18:45 · Meditation & Yin – unfolding 19:00 · Dinner
Thursday
Connect (Fire)
6:15 · Gentle wake-up: water, herbal tea, coffee 6:30–7:45 · Yin & Yang – Dragon Dance 7:45–8:30 · Breakfast Free time 12:00 · Lunch Free time 15:00–16:00 · Training observation (Target Training) Free time 17:00–19:00 · Meditation & Yin – radiating 19:00 · Dinner
Friday
Departure / Transfer
7:30–8:30 · Breakfast 9:00–10:30 · Observation of the males in their socialisation area 12:00–13:30 · Lunch 14:00 · Transfer to Luang Prabang The programme may be subject to minor adjustments
Accommodation
Five nights on the lake, in the room of your choice.
Classic Bungalow
Lakeside or garden terrace, twin bed, shared bathroom nearby.
$850 per personPremium Lakeside Bungalow
A larger terrace, and a quieter night on the water. Twin beds.
$900 per person
Dormitory
Shared bunk rooms – four rooms of four beds – with shared bathrooms.
$770 per personInfo
What’s included
- Included:
- All-inclusive: transfers from Luang Prabang, all meals, accommodation at ECC, guided activities, yoga equipment.
- Group size: 2–16 participants per session
- All interactions with elephants are hands-off / observation-only and under the supervision of ECC professionals.
- Accommodation in shared dormitories or shared bungalows
What’s not included
- Not Included:
- Flights to/from Laos
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Expenses before/after the programme
- Tips and drinks at bar
- No prior yoga experience is required. The retreat is conducted in both English and French languages.