Yok Don National Park Guide 2026
Tickets | Tours | Travel Tips

If you want to see elephants walking freely in the jungle — not riding, not performing — Yok Don National Park offers one of the most ethical wildlife experiences in Vietnam. Located in Dak Lak Province, this vast protected area combines rare forest ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and rich Central Highlands culture.

Overview

Covering more than 115,000 hectares, Yok Don is the largest national park in Vietnam. It is the only place in the country that protects the rare dipterocarp forest ecosystem. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, gaurs, and many endangered plant species.

Beyond nature, Yok Don is closely connected with local ethnic communities, making it an important destination for cultural tourism in the Central Highlands.

How to Get to Yok Don National Park

Yok Don is located approximately 38–50 km from Buon Ma Thuot City.

By Bus

Public buses operate daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Travel time: 1–1.5 hours
Ticket price: 40,000–50,000 VND
You can catch the bus at:
- Provincial Bus Station – 71 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street
- In front of Co-opmart – 71 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street
This is the most affordable option for independent travellers.
By Taxi

You can book a taxi from your accommodation or search online for local taxi companies.
By Scooter/Motorbike
Scooter rental costs approximately 150,000–200,000 VND per day. This is a flexible option if you prefer travelling at your own pace.

Elephant Watching Tour Timing (Ethical Experience)

Yok Don offers an ethical Elephant Watching Tour where visitors observe elephants living freely in their natural habitat.

Half Day

Morning: 8:30 – 11:30
Afternoon: 13:30 – 16:30

Full Day

Morning session: 8:30 – 11:30
Lunch break: 11:30 – 13:30
Afternoon session: 13:30 – 16:30

Visitors must arrive before the session starts.

What to Expect

During the tour, guides lead small groups into the forest to observe elephants roaming naturally. Visitors can watch, take photos (no flash), and learn about conservation efforts.

The full-day tour includes two different forest sessions to observe different elephants.

Ticket Prices

Half-Day Tour: 700,000 – 900,000 VND per person
Full-Day Tour: 1,400,000 – 1,600,000 VND per person

Tickets can be purchased directly at the park entrance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Yok Don National Park is during the dry season (November to April). The weather is cooler, trails are easier to walk, and wildlife sightings are more likely.

From May to October, heavy rain may make some forest paths muddy and slippery.

Travel Tips

Wear long pants and comfortable walking shoes
Bring sunscreen and insect repellent
Do not use flash photography
Follow your guide’s instructions
Respect wildlife and natural habitats

Why Visit Yok Don?

Unlike traditional elephant tourism, Yok Don focuses on ethical observation without riding or performances. This makes it one of the most responsible wildlife experiences in Vietnam.

FAQ

1. Where is Yok Don National Park located?

Yok Don National Park is located in Dak Lak Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, about 38–50 km from Buon Ma Thuot City.

2. How do I get to Yok Don National Park?

You can travel by public bus, taxi, or scooter from Buon Ma Thuot. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

3. What is Yok Don National Park famous for?

Yok Don is famous for its ethical elephant watching tours, rare dipterocarp forest ecosystem, and diverse wildlife.

4. Can you ride elephants in Yok Don?

No. Elephant riding is not allowed. Yok Don focuses on ethical elephant tourism where visitors observe elephants living freely in their natural habitat.