January
22.3°C ~ 72°F
2 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Ban Don Village
A village of the M'nong and Ede peoples, historically known for elephants and now shifting to elephant-friendly tourism.
- Location
- Buon Ma Thuot
- Time needed
- 2 – 3 hours
- Entry fee
- Varies by activity; check…
- Best months
- Nov – Mar
Overview
Ban Don (Buon Don) is a village of Ede and M'nong communities known for traditional stilt houses and elephants. Elephant riding at Buon Don officially ended in 2023, and the province is replacing it with elephant-friendly tourism.
Choose experiences that do not involve riding, and ask your guide how the elephants are cared for. A visit takes 2 to 3 hours. The village also has a long communal house and a lake, and the area is best in the morning.
Highlights
- See the traditional stilt houses
- Watch elephants in a non-riding setting
- Visit the village and learn about local culture
- Walk by the lake
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily, daytime |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Varies by activity; check before you go |
| Time needed | 2 – 3 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning |
| Good for | Culture lovers, wildlife-friendly travellers |
| Accessibility | Uneven village paths |
| Facilities | Cafes, small shops |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Buon Ma Thuot by month.
February
23.5°C ~ 74°F
1 day of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
26°C ~ 79°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
27.4°C ~ 81°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
26.7°C ~ 80°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
25.5°C ~ 78°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
24.9°C ~ 77°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
25°C ~ 77°F
28 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
24.5°C ~ 76°F
28 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
October
24.3°C ~ 76°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
November
23.8°C ~ 75°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
22.4°C ~ 72°F
5 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
- From Buon Ma Thuot centre
About 40 km from Buon Ma Thuot. Most visitors go by car or tour.
- Ban Don Village
Tips before you go
- Choose experiences without riding
- Ask how the elephants are cared for
- Go in the morning
- Respect the villagers' homes
Location
About 40 km northwest of Buon Ma Thuot
More attractions in Buon Ma Thuot
FAQs
Can I ride an elephant?
Elephant riding at Buon Don ended in 2023.
What can I do instead?
Visit the village and watch elephants in a non-riding setting.
How long do I need?
About 2 – 3 hours.