Lak Lake Elephant Viewing Tour from Buon Ma Thuot

Walk forest trails to watch elephants living freely, then cool off in a waterfall pool

A full-day tour from Buon Ma Thuot combines elephant tracking at Lak Lake with a three-kilometre hike to Bim Bip Waterfall, where you swim and rest before returning to the city. The tour includes pickup, an English-speaking guide, Mnong traditional food, bottled water and travel insurance. Elephant viewing is a separate paid activity with guides and handlers who teach you about elephant behaviour and local ecosystems. The eight-hour itinerary starts at 8am and ends with a return transfer to Buon Ma Thuot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Elephant viewing and nature hike

• Pickup at Buon Ma Thuot
• Transfer to Lak Lake forest
• Trek forest trails to observe elephants
• Learn about elephants and local 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 begins with a 45-minute transfer from Buon Ma Thuot to Lak Lake's forest landscape. Once there, you trek through forest trails with a guide and elephant handlers to track and observe elephants living freely: no riding, no chains. The handlers teach you about elephant behaviour, the local ecosystem and the indigenous culture of the region as you move through the terrain.

At noon you move to Yang Tao Commune for Mnong traditional food, then start a three-kilometre hike to Bim Bip Waterfall. The walk takes you through the landscape at a steady pace. Once you reach the waterfall, you can swim, take a rest and relax in the pool before hiking back to the van. By 4pm the tour ends with a transfer back to Buon Ma Thuot city.

What’s included

• Pickup and return transfer from Buon Ma Thuot.
• English and Vietnamese-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• Mnong traditional food at Yang Tao Commune.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• 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 15

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 23 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Asia Green Travel

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so non-Vietnamese speakers can follow the commentary and learn about elephant behaviour and local culture without a language barrier. Children from age four are welcome, though the day includes a three-kilometre hike and forest walking, so families should be comfortable with steady walking in warm conditions.

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 riding them?

Yes. The elephant viewing is a forest trek where you track and observe elephants living freely, with no riding or chains involved. Guides and elephant handlers accompany you and explain elephant behaviour and local ecosystems as you move through the trails.

What is Bim Bip Waterfall like when we get there?

Bim Bip Waterfall is a natural pool where you can swim and rest after the three-kilometre hike. You'll have time to cool off and relax before hiking back to the van.

Is the elephant viewing ticket included in the tour price?

Elephant viewing is a separate paid activity on this tour, arranged with guides and handlers at Lak Lake. You pay for it when you book or on the day.

What time does the tour start and end?

Pickup from Buon Ma Thuot is at 8am, and the tour ends with a return transfer to the city at 4pm, making it an eight-hour day.