Buon Don

Buôn Đôn

A small village on the edge of Lak Lake known as the elephant capital of Vietnam, where the M'nong ethnic minority has trained Asian elephants for centuries. It offers authentic cultural experiences including elephant camps, traditional village stays, and interactions with indigenous communities.

Things to do

• Elephant Rides on Lak Lake — Wade into the water on the back of a trained Asian elephant for a swimming experience unique to the M'nong tradition.
• Visit Elephant Camps — Tour working elephant sanctuaries where you can observe how M'nong mahouts train and care for these gentle giants daily.
• M'nong Longhouse Stay — Sleep in a traditional stilt house with a local M'nong family to experience their daily life, cooking, and storytelling.
• Lak Lake Boat Tours — Cruise across Vietnam's largest natural freshwater lake to spot wildlife, visit floating villages, and watch sunsets over the highlands.
• M'nong Village Market Walk — Browse the weekly market where M'nong locals sell traditional crafts, textiles, and fresh highland produce.
• Gong Music and Dance Evening — Attend a cultural performance featuring bronze gong music and traditional M'nong dances in the village gathering area.

Food to try

• Grilled Fish from Lak Lake — Fresh local fish seasoned with lemongrass, chili, and salt, cooked over charcoal and served with sticky rice and vegetables.
• Com Lam (Bamboo Tube Rice) — Glutinous rice cooked inside a hollowed bamboo tube with coconut milk, a specialty of highland M'nong communities.
• Elephant Ear Fish Curry — A rich, aromatic curry made with large local fish named for their shape, flavored with turmeric, galangal, and coconut milk.
• Roasted Wild Game — Venison or wild boar from nearby forests, marinated in M'nong spice blends and slow-roasted over wood fires.
• Sticky Rice with Herbs — Glutinous rice served with fresh herbs, edible flowers, and fermented fish sauce as a traditional M'nong staple meal.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Elephant Handlers — Mahouts (elephant trainers) have lifelong bonds with their animals; always follow their instructions and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
• Learn Basic M'nong Greetings — A simple 'Hello' in M'nong (the local language) shows respect and will be warmly received by village elders and families.
• Remove Shoes in Longhouses — When entering a traditional stilt house, always remove your footwear at the entrance as a sign of respect for the family's space.
• Participate in Communal Meals — Sharing food and rice wine with hosts at family dinners is a core M'nong social custom; accepting a small portion shows appreciation.