Lak Lake Elephant Experience & Waterfall 8-Hour Tour

Walk forest trails to watch elephants roam free, then swim at a waterfall in the Central Highlands

An 8-hour tour from Buon Ma Thuot to Lak Lake combines elephant watching in their natural habitat, traditional M'nong lunch in Yang Tao Commune, and a 3 km hike to Bim Bip Waterfall where you can swim. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, English or Vietnamese guide, and hotel pickup. Elephant watching is optional and priced separately. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Elephant watching and waterfall hike

• Pickup at Buon Ma Thuot
• Transfer to Lak Lake forest
• Elephant watching experience
• Traditional M'nong lunch
• Hike to Bim Bip Waterfall
• Swim and relax at waterfall
• Return hike to van
• Transfer back to Buon Ma Thuot

The experience

Eight hours takes you from Buon Ma Thuot through the forest landscape around Lak Lake, where the day splits between two main events. The morning focuses on elephant observation: you trek through scenic trails to watch the animals moving freely in their natural setting (no riding, no chains), while guides and elephant caretakers explain their behavior and the local M'nong culture. This part of the tour is optional and paid separately from the main booking, so you decide whether to add it when you check out.

Lunch is traditional M'nong food served in Yang Tao Commune around midday. After eating, you head to Bim Bip Waterfall for a 3 km hike through the landscape. The waterfall itself is where the day slows down. You can swim, wade or simply sit in the quiet. The return hike brings you back to the van by mid-afternoon, and you're back in Buon Ma Thuot by 4 pm. The whole route is covered in an air-conditioned vehicle, and your guide speaks English or Vietnamese.

Travel insurance and bottled water are included. Bring swimwear and sturdy shoes for the forest trails and waterfall. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. Infants must sit on an adult's lap in the vehicle.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup.
• English or Vietnamese-speaking guide.
• traditional M'nong lunch.
• bottled water.
• travel insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (9 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 39 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Authentic MAI CHAU

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here since the forest trails and waterfall hike move at a steady pace and the elephant watching (if you add it) involves quiet observation rather than a structured activity. The optional elephant experience means you can tailor the day to your interests. Add it for wildlife and culture, or skip it and focus on the waterfall and landscape if you prefer a lighter itinerary.

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Vietnamese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

Can I watch the elephants without paying extra?

Elephant watching is an optional add-on priced separately at checkout, so you choose whether to include it. If you skip it, the tour still covers the waterfall hike, M'nong lunch, and the forest landscape around Lak Lake.

What is the hike to Bim Bip Waterfall like?

The hike to Bim Bip Waterfall is 3 km through forest trails and takes place in the early afternoon. You can swim and rest at the waterfall before hiking back to the van. The return journey is also 3 km.

What kind of food is served at lunch?

Lunch is traditional M'nong cuisine, served in Yang Tao Commune around noon. M'nong is the indigenous culture of the Central Highlands, and the meal is part of experiencing their local way of life.

What time does the tour start and end?

Pickup from your hotel in Buon Ma Thuot is at 8:00 am, with a 45-minute transfer to Lak Lake. The tour ends around 4:00 pm when you return to Buon Ma Thuot City.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring swimwear for the waterfall, sturdy hiking shoes or boots for the forest trails, and a change of clothes. Bottled water is provided. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended for the Central Highlands.