Lak Lake tour from Buon Ma Thuot: Elephants, waterfall hike

Elephants in the forest, a waterfall swim, and lunch cooked the Mnong way

A full-day tour from Buon Ma Thuot to Lak Lake in the Central Highlands combines free-roaming elephant observation, a 3 km forest hike to Bim Bip Waterfall with swimming, and authentic Mnong cuisine at Yang Tao Commune. The tour includes pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, a live guide in English or Vietnamese, bottled water, and travel insurance. Elephant trekking is optional and self-paid. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Lak Lake and Waterfalls

• Pickup at Buon Ma Thuot
• Transfer to Lak Lake forest
• Elephant viewing trek
• Traditional Mnong lunch
• Hike to Bim Bip Waterfall
• Swim and relax at waterfall
• Hike back to van
• Return to Buon Ma Thuot

The experience

The day starts with a 45-minute drive from Buon Ma Thuot into the Lak Lake landscape forest. Once there, you can choose to trek through scenic forest trails with a local guide and elephant caretaker to watch elephants moving freely in their natural habitat: no riding, no chains. The guide explains elephant behavior and the indigenous ecosystem as you move through the terrain.

At noon you travel to Yang Tao Commune for a traditional Mnong lunch, then head to Bim Bip Waterfall for a 3 km hike through the forest. The waterfall itself is the destination: you swim and soak in the natural pool before hiking back to the van. By 4 pm you're transferred back to Buon Ma Thuot, ending an eight-hour day that moves between observation, walking, and water.

What’s included

• Pickup from Buon Ma Thuot and return transfer.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• English or Vietnamese-speaking guide.
• bottled water throughout.
• traditional Mnong lunch at Yang Tao Commune.
• 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 2 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Authentic HA GIANG

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the pace manageable for families with children from age 4 and for anyone who prefers walking and swimming over a rushed itinerary. The optional elephant trekking means you decide whether to add that experience or spend more time at the waterfall.

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 is the elephant viewing experience like on this tour?

You trek through forest trails with a local guide and elephant caretaker to observe elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. There is no riding or chains involved. The focus is watching their behavior and learning about the local ecosystem and indigenous culture.

How long is the hike to Bim Bip Waterfall?

The hike to Bim Bip Waterfall is 3 km through scenic forest trails, followed by a return hike of the same distance. You have time to swim and relax at the waterfall before heading back to the van.

Is the elephant trekking included in the tour price?

Elephant viewing is optional and self-paid. It is not covered by the tour price. You can choose whether to participate when you arrive at Lak Lake.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes pickup from Buon Ma Thuot, air-conditioned transport, a live guide, bottled water, traditional Mnong food at lunch, and travel insurance.