Encounters with Elephants
Careful communication with giants in heart of jungle
What it is and why
In past riding on elephants was popular tourist attraction, but now Vietnam actively moves to format of ethical tourism. In reserve zones, such as Dak Lak highlands, accent shifts to walks in accompaniment of driver and observation for elephants in their natural habitat — among jungles and lakes.
Such format allows to see, how elephants behave on freedom, feed or accept water procedures. This is cognitive experience, which helps to support local centers of rescue and preservation of population of Asian elephant, reducing with each year.
Where to do it in Vietnam
Points on the map are real places where this activity can be done. Numbers in the list match the markers.
- Dak Lak highlands — Lak lakeDak Lak
Traditional center of keeping elephants. Now here develop ethical programs of observation.
- Yok Don reserveDak Lak
Largest national park, where can see elephants in maximally natural conditions.
- Safari park on Phu QuocKien Giang
Popular zoo with program of preservation of Asian elephants.
Tips
- Choose parks practicing "elephant-friendly" approach: observation without use of chair-seats.
- Wear light closed clothing and comfortable shoes, to protect from insects in forest.
- Always clarify with guide, where go funds: ideally they should direct to care for animals and salaries to mahouts (drivers).
- Do not use flash when photographing, not to frighten animals.
Caution
- Avoid parks, where elephants forced to perform circus tricks or carry heavy constructions on back.
- Never approach elephant without permission of accompanying driver.
- In rainy season forest paths become hard to pass, plan visit for dry weather.