Ban Na

Ban Na is a small and peaceful village on the outside of Phou Khao Khouay, known as the Elephant Village. Existing since 1948, Ban Na offers guided trekking and a great opportunity to watch wild elephants from the observation tower. This friendly village is a good place to learn more about the genuine lifestyle of the Lao Loum people.

What to do?
Highlights of visits to Ban Na village are thrilling experience on the elephant observation tower to watch group of elephants as well as other wild animals bathing, adventurous overnight stay with the villagers while exploring their culture and lifestyle and rewarding longer treks to more distant places such as Nam Hi, Tad Lung waterfall, or Tad Fa, a 40-meter high cliff. During the dry season, 2-to-3-day trekking can also be organized from Ban Na to Tad Leuk. It is also worthwhile paying a visit to the nearby Wat Phabath, one of the more important pilgrim sites of Laos because of its well-known Buddha footprint.

When to go?
The best time to visit overall is the cool season, between November and February. Don't forget to bring warm clothes as it does get a wee chilly. The rainy season begins in May and ends in October. It is a beautiful time of the year to visit with every thing so lush and green. However, it does make travel a bit uncomfortable with muddy roads and land leeches.

Travel Tips
To prepare for trekking, wear suitable teva-type sandals or amphibious shoes as you will cross many streams, go through mud and take your shoes off and on when visiting the local houses. Also, in rainy seasons, nylon stockings are recommended as a barrier that leeches cannot penetrate.
Watching wild elephants, with a bit of luck, you can watch elephants visiting the area around the tower, usually in the evening hours. No guarantee, though, can be given to see the animals! They're wild animals with their own schedule and free will. Because you're in the midst of the elephant territory, it is very important to observe rules for your own safety. To minimize the possibility of an accident, the number of visitors is restricted and the instructions of the guides have to be followed strictly at any time. Thus, no self-guided tours are allowed.
Accommodation in Ban Na village is typical village houses. It is traditional wooden pillar houses and participates in local family life. The home-stay in Ban Na are basic, but clean and are equipped with mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets, bed linen, French toilets and village showers.

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