Buon Don Elephant Hunters Cemetery
Buon Don Elephant Hunters Cemetery
Buon Don Elephant Hunters Cemetery
Buon Don Elephant Hunters Cemetery
A historical memorial to the legendary wild elephant tamers in Dak Lak province.
Dak Lak
Historical Place
Cultural Heritage
The cemetery is located in the tourist village of Buon Don and is an important historical site associated with the tradition of hunting and taming wild elephants — a key element of the culture of the M'nong, Ede, and Lao peoples in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It is the final resting place of the famous "elephant kings," whose lives were inextricably linked with these majestic animals.
- Duration
1–2 hours
- Admission
30,000 ₫
- Location
Krông Na, Buôn Đôn, Đắk Lắk
What you need to know
History and Great Hunters
History and Great Hunters
Generations of hunters rest in the cemetery, including three legendary figures:
Kunjunob (1828–1924)
— the founder of the profession, who presented a white elephant to the King of Thailand and received the title "King of Hunters." His mausoleum is built in a unique M'nong-Lao style.
R'leo K'nul (1877–1947)
— a descendant of Kunjunob, who wrote his name into the region's history.
Ama Kong (1910–2012)
— the last great master, who tamed 298 elephants during his lifetime. His grave stands out with bas-reliefs bearing inscriptions in Vietnamese and Thai.
Architectural Features
Architectural Features
The graves are built in a traditional style with pyramidal or four-column structures. Each structure is richly decorated with carvings: depictions of elephants and tusks symbolize the hunter's status, peacocks symbolize nobility, drums symbolize joy, and copper cauldrons symbolize prosperity. In accordance with tradition, the graves face west, and everyday utensils for the afterlife are placed inside.
The dry season is the most favorable time to visit the Central Highlands and explore the cultural attractions of Buon Don village.
On Site
- How to get there
~45 km from Buôn Ma Thuột
- Activities
Elephant riding
- Cash
Required
- Important
The museum is located at the entrance to the village