Sun Bear by Alex Cearns OAM | Alex Cearns OAM

Lantern festival in Luang Prabang

Crafted umbrellas Laos

Laos temple

Photograph Laoswith Alex Cearns and Free the Bears

An exclusive Laos journey supporting Free the Bears, hosted by acclaimed wildlife photographer Alex Cearns OAM.

Laos

9 Days from

$ USD

Trip Code: FB71

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Duration

9 Days

Activities

Photography
Wildlife
Cultural Immersion

Accommodation

8 nights five star hotel

Meals

3 Dinners
6 Lunches
8 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

3 / 10

Introductory

Trip highlights

Travel with award winning animal photographer, educator and author Alex Cearns OAM
Go behind the scenes at the Free the Bears sanctuary, witnessing the daily care, enrichment and rehabilitation of rescued bears
Walk alongside elephants on a guided jungle experience, observing these gentle giants in a natural forest setting
Cruise the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves and explore Luang Prabang’s temples, markets and riverside life

Overview

This exclusive Laos journey offers a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes with Free the Bears, gaining insight into the remarkable conservation work taking place at their sanctuary near Luang Prabang. You’ll witness first-hand the daily care, rehabilitation and enrichment of rescued bears, learning how this dedicated organisation is improving animal welfare across the region. A contribution of $500 (AUD) per person from your tour price directly supports Free the Bears and their ongoing work.

Hosted by award-winning wildlife photographer Alex Cearns, who will share her expertise and guidance to help you capture compelling images of wildlife, people and landscapes throughout the trip. Alex Cearns has spent a lifetime making a substantial contribution to the lives of rescued animals and endangered species, and prioritises ethical animal encounters above all else.

Based for eight nights at the tranquil hilltop Luang Prabang View Hotel, this is a relaxed and rewarding exploration of one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting destinations. There is ample time to enjoy the hotel’s panoramic setting and pool, as well as free time to wander Luang Prabang’s atmospheric streets, markets and riverside cafés.

Beyond the sanctuary, we explore the cultural and natural highlights of the region, including a scenic Mekong River cruise to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues, and visits to some of Luang Prabang’s most revered temples.

Laos remains one of the most serene and culturally intact countries in Southeast Asia, where forested mountains frame fertile river valleys and life flows at the gentle pace of the Mekong. Combining wildlife conservation, photography, culture and relaxation, this journey offers a meaningful yet unhurried way to experience Luang Prabang while contributing to an important cause.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Laos. Our base in Luang Prabang is the tranquil hilltop Luang Prabang View Hotel, offering panoramic views across the town and surrounding mountains, with easy access to the historic centre below. The afternoon is at leisure to settle in, perhaps relax by the infinity pool or take in the peaceful surroundings after your journey. In the late afternoon, we gather for a trip briefing with your guide before enjoying a welcome dinner, our first opportunity to come together and begin this special journey in northern Laos. NOTE: We will nominate one group flight for the arrival transfer on day 1, if you are arriving outside of this flight time/date, we can arrange a private transfer at an additional cost.

Meals: D

We travel to the Free the Bears Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary for two inspiring and insightful days. Opened in 2017, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued Asiatic black bears and sun bears, along with other vulnerable wildlife including macaques, leopard cats and gibbons. In recent years, even red pandas intercepted from illegal wildlife trade have found refuge here. Since 2003, Free the Bears has rescued more than 170 bears in Laos, with over 130 rescues taking place since 2017. During our time at the sanctuary, we’ll be introduced to the resident bears and gain insight into the organisation’s rescue, rehabilitation and conservation programs. We’ll learn how carefully designed activities encourage natural behaviours and improve the wellbeing of animals in care. This is a rare opportunity to experience the sanctuary from a behind-the-scenes perspective. With guidance from Alex, there will be dedicated time to photograph the bears and other wildlife, capturing meaningful conservation stories. On the morning of Day 3, visit a nearby village close to the Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary to observe daily life and local traditions. With prior permission, we will visit the village school to learn about education in rural Laos Each afternoon, we return to Luang Prabang, where the evening is at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore the town at your own pace.

Meals: B,L

Today we explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Luang Prabang, travelling by local tuk tuk and on foot. Once the ancient royal capital of the Lao Kingdom, Luang Prabang sits gracefully at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. Our exploration includes the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, offering insight into Laos’ royal history, as well as visits to Wat Mai and the exquisite Wat Xiengthong, one of the most important monasteries in the country. We also visit the Living Crafts Centre to meet local weavers and learn about traditional textile techniques, before continuing to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre for a deeper understanding of Laos’ diverse ethnic communities. Late in the afternoon, there is the option to climb the 328 steps to Mount Phousi for panoramic views across the town and surrounding rivers, particularly beautiful as the light softens toward sunset. In the evening, you may wish to browse the vibrant Luang Prabang Night Market, where handicrafts, textiles and local snacks line the lantern-lit streets.

Meals: B,L

Today we join a scenic Mekong cruise, travelling upstream, where small riverside villages and traditional fishing boats line the banks, offering a gentle glimpse into daily life. Our destination is the sacred Pak Ou Caves, set dramatically in limestone cliffs at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. For centuries, pilgrims have travelled here to leave offerings, and inside the two cave chambers are thousands of Buddha images of varying sizes and styles, placed by devotees over generations. We enjoy lunch riverside before a leisurely cruise back to Luang Prabang.

Meals: B,L

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Luang Prabang. You may choose to explore more of the town’s quiet laneways, linger in its temples, or simply relax at the hotel’s infinity pool overlooking the river valley. Luang Prabang is a delight to wander. Boutique shops and artisan galleries line the main street, offering handwoven textiles, locally made jewellery, natural soaps and traditional crafts created by nearby ethnic communities.

Meals: B

Deeply woven into Lao culture and Buddhist tradition, elephants hold a revered place in the country’s history. We visit MandaLao, an ethical elephant sanctuary dedicated to providing a dignified, low-impact environment for elephants formerly working in logging and tourism. With logging restrictions now in place across Laos and increasing awareness of animal welfare, sanctuaries such as this play an important role in ensuring elephants can live more naturally in protected surroundings. Accompanied by experienced guides, we walk alongside two adult elephants on a gentle 2.5km jungle trek through forest paths, streams and rice fields. This is a calm and respectful experience, allowing you to observe the elephants’ behaviour at their own pace while learning about their care, diet and personalities. After the walk, we enjoy lunch at the MandaLao property before returning to Luang Prabang in the afternoon.

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, we travel to the Kuang Xi Free the Bears Sanctuary for our final visit with the team and resident bears. It’s an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the sanctuary’s work and spend further time observing the animals in their forested surroundings. We also explore the spectacular Kuang Xi Waterfalls, where turquoise tiers cascade through the jungle into a series of clear natural pools. There is time to walk the forest trails and, or enjoy a refreshing swim. In the afternoon, we farewell the sanctuary team and return to Luang Prabang. This evening, we come together for a celebratory farewell dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by a traditional Lao dance performance.

Meals: B,L,D

Our journey comes to an end. A group departure transfer to the airport will be provided at a nominated time. If you are departing at a different time or extending your stay in Luang Prabang, we will be pleased to assist with additional arrangements. Thank you for being part of this special journey in support of Free the Bears.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

Hosted by photographer, educator and author Alex Cearns OAM
Expert local bilingual guide
8 nights in a five star hotel on twin share basis
$500 (AUD) donation to the Free the Bears
Three days visiting and photographing at Free the Bears sanctuaries
Jungle walk with elephants
Mekong Cruise, visit to Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Xi waterfall
8 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners
Private transport throughout
One group arrival transfer on day 1 and one group departure transfer on day 9

Not included

Travel to/from Luang Prabang
Visa
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Single supplement when staying in your own room
Meals & beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips

About your guide

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER ALEX CEARNS OAM is far more than a world-renowned expert in pet and animal photography; she is a force of nature whose passion for the animal kingdom is defined by her substantial contribution to the lives of rescued animals and endangered species. With a career spanning over twenty years and all seven continents, Alex has captured the soul of wildlife in every imaginable environment, from the humid Vietnamese jungles and the vibrant red sands of the Galapagos to the formidable icy tundras of Antarctica. Her reputation as one of Australia’s most awarded photographers is built on a foundation of technical mastery and an innate understanding of animal behaviour, ensuring that even the most uncooperative subjects are portrayed with dignity and grace. Travelling with Alex offers a rare opportunity to learn from a mentor who prioritises ethical animal encounters above all else. As the driving force behind Houndstooth Studio, she brings a wealth of expertise to her tours, yet it is her engaging humour and infectious quick wit that truly define the experience. Alex possesses a unique ability to make every attendee, regardless of their skill level, feel inspired and capable of capturing the extraordinary.

“I have witnessed first-hand the incredible resilience of the bears rescued by Free the Bears and it is their unwavering spirit that fuels my commitment to their cause. My long-term support for Free the Bears comes from alignment with their ethical approach to conservation and their relentless dedication to providing sanctuaries where these beautiful animals can live out the rest of their lives safely and with dignity.”Alex Cearns OAM