Lak Lake Elephant Viewing and Waterfall Tour from Buon Ma Thuot

Walk forest trails to observe wild elephants, then swim at a waterfall in the Central Highlands.

This full-day tour from Buon Ma Thuot combines elephant tracking and waterfall hiking in the Central Highlands. You trek through forest to observe elephants living freely (no riding or chains) learn from guides and handlers about elephant behavior and local culture, enjoy traditional Mnong food at Yang Tao Commune, then hike three kilometers to Bim Bip Waterfall for a swim and rest before returning to the city. The tour runs eight hours with pickup included, a live English or Vietnamese guide, bottled water, and travel insurance. The elephant park ticket is a separate cost at the site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Elephant viewing and waterfall hike

• Pickup at Buon Ma Thuot
• Transfer to Lak Lake forest
• Trek forest trails to view elephants
• Learn about elephants and culture
• Move to Yang Tao Commune
• Enjoy Mnong cuisine
• Hike 3 km to Bim Bip Waterfall
• Swim and relax at waterfall
• Hike back to van
• Transfer back to Buon Ma Thuot

The experience

The day starts with a 45-minute drive from Buon Ma Thuot to Lak Lake's forest landscape, where you walk trails to track and observe elephants in their natural habitat. Guides and elephant handlers explain elephant behavior, the local ecosystem, and the traditions of the indigenous Mnong people as you move through the forest. There's no riding, no chains. The experience is built around watching and learning while the animals roam freely.

At midday you move to Yang Tao Commune for traditional Mnong cuisine, then set out on a three-kilometer hike to Bim Bip Waterfall. The waterfall is where you swim, rest and take in the quiet of the landscape before hiking back to the van. The tour ends with a transfer back to Buon Ma Thuot City around 4 p.m.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle and pickup from Buon Ma Thuot.
• live guide in English or Vietnamese.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• traditional Mnong lunch at Yang Tao Commune.
• travel insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to6h before

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

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by LOCAL TOURS VIETNAM

Is this one for you?The day involves steady walking on forest trails and a three-kilometer hike to the waterfall, so it suits travelers comfortable with a few hours of hiking and water entry. Children from age four are welcome, though the forest terrain and waterfall swim mean you'll want to assess your child's hiking ability and comfort in water.

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.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The elephant tracking is done on forest trails at a pace set by the guides, and the hike to Bim Bip Waterfall covers three kilometers each way. The day includes roughly four to five hours of walking spread across the forest trek and waterfall hike, with breaks for lunch and swimming built in.

Do I need to pay extra for the elephant viewing?

Yes, the elephant park ticket is paid separately at the site when you arrive. The tour price covers the guide, vehicle, Mnong lunch, water and travel insurance, but entry to the elephant area is an additional cost.

What is the Mnong food like, and will there be options if I have dietary restrictions?

Mnong cuisine is the traditional food of the indigenous people in this region, served at Yang Tao Commune as part of the tour. Specific dietary accommodations are best discussed with the operator when you book, as the tour is built around the set menu.

Is swimming at the waterfall optional, or do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Swimming at Bim Bip Waterfall is part of the itinerary, so bringing a swimsuit and a change of clothes is recommended. You'll have time to swim and rest at the waterfall before the hike back.

What time does the tour start and end?

Pickup from Buon Ma Thuot begins at 8 a.m., and the tour ends around 4 p.m. with your return to the city. The full day is eight hours including travel time.