Lak Lake Elephant Watching & Waterfall Tour from Buon Ma Thuot

Track wild elephants through forest, swim at a waterfall, eat with the Mnong people

A full-day tour from Buon Ma Thuot to Lak Lake combines elephant tracking on foot through forest trails, a 3-kilometer hike to Bim Bip Waterfall for swimming, and lunch with Mnong traditional cuisine. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, English or Vietnamese guide, bottled water and travel insurance. Pickup starts at 8am and returns by 4pm. Elephant viewing is self-paid and does not involve riding or chains.

Step-by-step itinerary

Elephant watching and waterfall 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 starts with a 45-minute drive from Buon Ma Thuot to the Lak Lake landscape forest. Once there, you trek forest trails with a guide and elephant handler to track and observe elephants living freely in their habitat. The guides explain elephant behavior, the local ecosystem and indigenous culture as you move through the terrain: no riding, no chains, just observation and learning on foot.

At midday you move to Yang Tao Commune for Mnong traditional food, then set out on a 3-kilometer hike to Bim Bip Waterfall. You swim and rest at the waterfall before hiking back to the van around 3pm. The tour ends with a transfer back to Buon Ma Thuot city by 4pm.

The elephant viewing ticket is paid separately at the park, not included in the tour price. Children from age 4 are welcome. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health, though it suits all other fitness levels.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
• English or Vietnamese-speaking guide.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• Mnong traditional lunch.
• 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 49 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Insight Vietnam

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to observe elephants in a natural setting without riding or chains, combined with swimming and a taste of local Mnong culture. The self-paid elephant ticket keeps costs flexible and supports the park directly.

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.

What exactly happens during the elephant viewing at Lak Lake?

You trek forest trails with a guide and elephant handler to track and observe elephants living freely in their natural habitat. The guides teach you about elephant behavior, the local ecosystem and indigenous culture as you walk. There is no riding or chains involved, only observation and learning on foot.

How long is the hike to Bim Bip Waterfall and what do I do there?

The hike to Bim Bip Waterfall is 3 kilometers. You swim and rest at the waterfall, then hike back to the van. The whole waterfall section takes about two hours.

What is Mnong traditional food like, and when do I eat it?

Mnong cuisine is the traditional food of the indigenous Mnong people of the Central Highlands. You eat lunch at Yang Tao Commune around midday, between the elephant viewing and the waterfall hike.

Is the elephant park ticket included in the tour price?

The elephant viewing ticket is paid separately at the park and is not included in the tour price. You pay it on the day.

What time does pickup happen and when does the tour end?

Pickup is at 8am from your location in Buon Ma Thuot. The tour ends around 4pm with a transfer back to the city, making it an 8-hour day.