(TITC) – When life becomes overwhelming and you long for peace and fresh air, Yok Don National Park is the perfect retreat. A place where you can truly connect with nature.
Located in Dak Lak and Lam Dong provinces, Yok Don National Park is famous for its rare dry deciduous forest ecosystem. As one of the few places in Vietnam that preserves the untamed beauty of tropical forests, the park attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Covering an impressive area of 115,545 hectares, it is Vietnam’s second-largest national park, following Phong Nha – Ke Bang. Its rich biodiversity includes various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a lush variety of flora.
Beyond its natural treasures, Yok Don also preserves the cultural heritage of ethnic communities in the Central Highlands. Over 6,000 residents belonging to ethnic groups like the Ede, Lao, and M’nong live in the area. In Buon Don village, visitors can find traditional long stilt houses and the iconic Central Highlands communal house (nha rong), designed through generations of indigenous wisdom and craftsmanship.
Visitors can choose from a wide array of eco-tours, such as canoeing on the Serepok River, fishing, camping, bird watching, trekking through the forest, or learning about the unique dry deciduous forest ecosystem. A major highlight is the elephant-friendly tourism model.
Instead of elephant rides, tourists now observe elephants living freely in their natural environment. You can follow their daily lives from a respectful distance watching them eat, bathe, and wander the forest. No more chains or saddles, just ethical, respectful wildlife experiences.
Serepok River (Photo:Yok Don Tourism Center)
This model, launched in 2018 by Yok Don National Park in partnership with Animals Asia, aims to protect domesticated elephants in Dak Lak. Many of these elephants had suffered from years of labor and poor treatment. By 2024, 10 elephants are part of the program, including 6 females who frequently interact with visitors. In 2023, this tour was recognized by the Vietnam Records Organization as one of the 20 most unique tourism experiences in Vietnam.
Visitors to Yok Don National Park by cable car (Photo: Yok Don Tourism Center)
What makes Yok Don truly special is not just its vast greenery or rich biodiversity but the harmony between nature, culture, and conservation. The park serves as a living classroom for environmental education and a role model for responsible tourism. Schools, families, and eco-conscious travelers can come here to learn about sustainable practices, ethical wildlife treatment, and the value of preserving indigenous cultures.
Green trees is everywhere in Yok Don National Park (Photo: Yok Don Tourism Center)
As you walk under the canopy of towering trees, glide along serene rivers, or listen to the forest echo with birdsong, you’re not just sightseeing, you’re becoming part of a greater effort to protect Vietnam’s natural heritage.
Come explore Yok Don and take home not just memories, but inspiration.
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