Sustainable Tourism in Luang Prabang – All the Initiatives

Refill My Bottle initiative

As a part of sustainable tourism in Luang Prabang, most hotels and cafes promote the use of refillable bottles. Cold, filtered water is kept at reception/ lobby areas which are easily accessible to tourists and can be filled. Some eateries even offer a small discount if you bring your own coffee cup.

Thanks to the efforts of the German development agency, GIZ, there are even maps put up in various tourist areas which shows places that offer free water stations.

Say No to Plastic straws

Luang Prabang has taken the No Plastic straws campaign extremely seriously. Hotels and restaurants promote the use of bamboo straws by actually using them. Thanks to self-help groups like Bamboo Lao, bamboo straws and even cups are readily available and used proudly. Other products readily made using different types of Bamboo are mats, hats, small stools and others. Read about Bamboo Weaving in Luang Prabang, Laos. 

You can easily buy these straws in the local night market as well.

Discourage the use of single-use plastic

Whether you stay in a hostel or luxury hotel, the toiletries offered to you will be in a reusable basket or jute pouch. And you cannot stop yourself from falling in love with these small gestures and the attention to details they offer.

You will not find tissue papers for wiping hands near any washbasins in public toilets and cafes. You will see fresh, nicely folded cloth napkins/towels with a basket underneath the basin to dispose of after use. They are washed, dried and folded again for use of next tourist, just like traditional times.

Grow Local, Eat Local

This is a mantra, quite religiously followed in Luang Prabang. Rather than importing items, the local community is employed in producing fresh products, herbs and spices which are used across the town. One can easily shop for local produce or eat them after cooking, sold in the morning and night markets of the town.

They even have Ethical cheese and sustainable coffee which is supplied to the local hotels. After Vietnam, I had honestly thought that there could be no coffee to top that experience, and boy was I wrong! So so wrong.

Sustainable Art and Culture in Luang Prabang

There are organizations in Luang Prabang that are working hard to preserve the ethnic traditional handicrafts by employing local villagers. Ock Pop Tok is one such organization which helps Laotian women to earn income while educating them and teaching them weaving.

“The institution’s brightly coloured textiles and designs are not just to be found in its shop, but also in its gardens, café, living crafts centre and even in its little boutique resort. The concepts and applications at work here are a true example of how responsible practices and a focus on sustainability can be both luxurious and ethical, and it not only benefits a business financially but contributes to people’s lives and conserves nature in the best way possible”. Says Khiri Reach.

Sustainable development through education and capacity building of hospitality staff

Most hotels in Luang Prabang are part of a CSR programme wherein the hotel staff participates in sustainability workshops conducted by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, a German development agency). The workshop helps hotels to formulate their environmental policy and maintain data of water and electricity consumption and how to reduce it. The programme capacity builds local community members in the hospitality sector.

There are even English speaking and personal grooming classes conducted for the staff by individual hotels.

Waste Management in Luang Prabang

This is one of the important sectors which makes or breaks the town. The aesthetics of the city are completely dependent upon waste management and thankfully it is extremely efficient in Luang Prabang.

During my discussion with hotels and locals at the ‘Oh Luang Prabang you are simply Beautiful’ event, most of them said that waste was segregated into 2 major categories – food waste and recyclable waste. Most hotels have their own space for composting leftover food waste which is later used as fertilizer in their gardens. Plastic and other recyclables are sent to recycling agencies.

Since hotels are part of ‘Refill my bottle’ initiative and use refillable shampoo and lotion bottles, the plastic waste generated is negligible.

Thanks to the efforts of Sustainable Tourism in Luang Prabang, the town was awarded the Golden Award for Top Tourist Destination for seven consecutive years. (News, 2016) 

The world needs more and more such tourist towns which are sustainable is all aspects. There’s lesson to be learnt here from Luang Prabang.

Special thanks to Ms Alichith Phengsavang, CSR Manager of Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum for most of the information in this post and answering my million questions on sustainability in Luang Prabang. 

Read More about Laos here:

• Luang Prabang Night Market
• Nong Khiaw Viewpoint
• Luang Say Residence, Luang Prabang
• Kuang si Falls, Luang Prabang
• Ethical cheese at Laos Buffalo Dairy

Disclosure: I was invited by Laos Tourism Board and Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) to Luang Prabang.

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running. Read about my Privacy Policy.

Pin This Post!

Wildlife of Manas National Park, Assam | What is Manas National park famous for?

It is difficult to answer – Manas National Park is famous for which animal?

Manas National Park animals range from 55 species of mammals, 380 species of birds and 50 species of reptiles. It is quite easy to spot Asian elephants, Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, Indian gaur or water buffalo, Assamese Macaque, Hoolock gibbons and Red panda.

If you are a bird watcher, Manas National Park is a paradise for you with more than 450 species of birds, which include the endangered Bengal Florican, Giant Hornbills, Fishing eagles, Jungle fowls, Finn’s weaver and Magpie Robins. Common species include Small Minivet, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Black rested Bulbul, Lesser Adjutant Stork, and Russet Sparrow, which are frequently seen.

Here are the Manas National Park attractions that are must add to your list:

Manas National Park Safari

It is surprising as a lot of people have not heard of Manas. Even my friends ask me where is Manas National Park. And it was a bigger surprise for them when I visited Manas twice. Yes, it is amazing that one visit cannot do justice to it.

With a dense forest cover, visitors need loads of luck to spot any animals or birds and are luckier to be able to photograph them. Like all national parks and sanctuaries, it is best to start early to get the best of wildlife and weather. Visitors may opt for an elephant safari as they can leave dedicated vehicle tracks and go in marsh areas which give a better chance to spot the elusive Indian Rhinoceros and Tiger but ethically it is best to avoid them!

Being in the Northeast of India and a different terrain altogether the wildlife of Manas National Park here is very different from Western and Central India which makes it even more exciting to click photos. During my 2 visits here, I have spotted Indian Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Red Panda, Barking deer and Golden langur. In birds, I have spotted Oriental Pied Hornbills, Serpent eagle and minivets.

Manas National Park has survived poaching but there is still a threat to the animals and birds due to habitat destruction.

Things to do in Manas other than a wildlife safari

If you are not interested in wildlife, is Manas National Park worth the visit?

Yes, a hundred times yes. The forest of Manas is lush green and taking a ride in the forest is the perfect way to unwind. Read how Vacation in Indian Jungles is therapeutic.

Other than jeep rides, Manas provides something most other parks don’t offer.

Manas River Rafting

While travel to Rishikesh is quite popular for adventure watersports like water rafting, very few people know that Manas also offer water rafting. Albeit, a slow one.

Slow water rafting, managed by the forest officials and Assam tourism is a one hour journey on the natural flow of water. There are hardly any rapids but the flow of water is good enough for an adventurous ride which gives you a chance to observe the dense forests and maybe also some wildlife. Very few tourists know about the option of rafting on the Manas river and that is why you must go before it gets too touristy and no fun. The rafting begins from Mathanguri which means you need to drive from the park gate to till here in safari jeeps. The forest officials will then take you on the 20km journey ahead.

As lazy as the slow water rafting sounds – it reminds me of lazy pool rides in a waterpark, but it is nothing like lazy. The clear Manas water will make you want to look deep down the river bed and look at some aquatic life. The crystal white river bed with dead logs floating around it will keep you stunned with its pristine beauty. You can easily spot birds overhead not giving a damn about the manmade borders and crossing from India to Bhutan and vice versa. And you can especially not feel lazy as there are chances to spot wildlife on the riverbanks. I happened to spot a bison.

Visiting Assam Tea Estates

Assam Tea is a world-famous beverage. So it is only fair to pay a visit to these tea estates, when in Manas, Assam.

While driving to the Park entrance, notice the tea estates on your right. While a quick photo-op is possible and even allowed for the tourists, it is super interesting to see the entire process. On request, the tea estate owner can allow visitors to stroll in the tea estate and also take a look at the factory. You can see the plucking of tea leaves and the entire process of making leaves into tea powder. If you are a tea lover, you will surely get transported into tea heaven. This certainly reminded me of visiting a tea estate in Munnar.

I was lucky enough to roam in these gardens and also have chai with the owner. He is a good storyteller I must tell you.

Nature Walk

Depending upon where you are staying around the park premises, most resorts arrange a nature park around their property which is also the fringe areas of the Park. If you are a birder request a birding walk and you will be surprised with the number of birds you will spot with a professional guide or in-house specialist.

Don’t be a fool like me who did not carry the telephoto lens because I did not want to lug around the heavyweight. On one such walk, I spotted the one-horned rhino that I did not spot in the actual safari.

Best Time to Visit Manas National Park

Like every other national park in India, Manas remains closed during monsoon – June to September. Hence the best time to visit is in the winter months – October to February. March to May is extremely humid and may rain in the mornings, lowering the chances of spotting wildlife in the forest. Though safe, it is always advisable to check with the forest department for any untoward incidences in the periphery of Manas as the forest entry may be closed and the safari could be cancelled. Each safari lasts for 3 hours and there are 3 options to choose from. Ideally, go for the morning safari. Manas National Park Safari Timings are:

• Morning safari – 6:30 am to 9:30 am
• Mid-morning safari – 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Evening safari – 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

You can plan a trip around spring to participate in the Manas Spring Festival.

Manas National Park Safari Cost

Like all parks, there are various zones. Manas National Park is divided into 2 zones – Bansbari and Bhuyanpura. Jeep safari in open gypsy is possible for both zones. The safari can be booked online here

Safari cost in Bansbari zone: Approx. INR 4000 (including gypsy, driver cost, permit charges, online payment gateway charges & service charges)

Safari cost for Bhuyanpura zone: Approx. INR 4500 (including gypsy, driver cost, permit charges, online payment gateway charges & service charges)

Up to 5 visitors are allowed to sit in each gypsy.

Resorts near Manas National Park | Hotels in Manas National Park

When I first visited Manas back in 2013, there were only a handful of options to stay. Most people relied on the Forest Rest House. And deservingly so.

The Mathanguri FRH at Manas National Park offers the best views of the Manas forest, Manas River and the experience is amazing. I feel this is one of the highlights of Manas.

Visitors can opt to stay here for the night with a very basic tariff. This place has 6 rooms and needs to be booked in advance. I don’t know about now but when I stayed there in 2013, there was no electricity. The experience of living right in the middle of the jungle at night was nothing less than an adventure.

Hotels and Resort near Manas National Park are:

Bansbari Lodge

Birina Eco-lodge

Musa Jungle Retreat

How to Reach Manas National Park

By Air

The nearest airport to the National Park in Assam is Gauhati, which is around 176 km from the destination. Gauhati airport is well connected to the other parts of India through New Delhi.

By Rail

Barpeta Road is the junction which is around 32 km away from the Manas National Park. However, you can travel by train to Gauhati railway station and then travel by road to Manas.

By Road

From Gauhati, take national highway number 31 to reach Barpeta road. Barpeta to Manas National Park is pretty much a straight road. From there the highway will lead you to Bansbari, which is the entry point of Manas. It will take approximately 4 hours to reach Manas National Park.

Sustainable travel tips

• Do not get down from the jeep ride in the national park as it is dangerous and against the rules.
• Strictly avoid wearing perfume or body spray with a strong scent. It distracts wild animals.
• Wear camouflage colours that will easily blend with the jungle – shades of green, brown and grey.
• It is totally understandable to get excited when you spot a wild animal in the jungle. But do not make noises – whisper if necessary.
• You may carry water and snacks in the care but do not dispose of plastic or leftover food in the jungle. Keep it in your bag or gypsy and dispose of it safely once you return to the hotel.
• Do not feed anything to wild animals.

Enjoy Indian Wildlife? Read more wildlife posts here

• For Nilgiri tahr: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
• For Blackbucks: Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar
• For tiger: Jim Corbett National Park , Tadoba National Park
• For Asiatic lion: Gir National Park

Pin this post!