Watch elephants in the wild for free at Dak Lak durian festival in Vietnam

Mai Duc Vinh, director of the center under the Dak Lak Department of Agriculture and Environment, on Tuesday said the center was offering free admission to visitors interested in learning about elephants and other wildlife during the 2026 Dak Lak Durian Festival in the namesake province in Vietnam's Central Highlands.

Getting close to elephants, hearing their stories

Leaving behind the bustle of the festival, many visitors are heading into the dipterocarp forest of Buon Don in Buon Don Commune, Dak Lak to see elephants being cared for and rehabilitated at the center.

This is the first time the center has opened its doors to visitors. Free visits are available from August 15 through September 2, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm daily.

Vinh said about 200 visitors had come to the center since the festival began.

"Each day, seven to eight staff members in the rescue and conservation areas directly guide visitors and introduce them to the elephants," Vinh said.

Visitors learn about the elephants' daily care, including health monitoring, observing their behavior, cleaning and foot care. 

Trimming an elephant's toenails, in particular, requires specialized skills and experience. 

Staff members must undergo training and learn techniques from experts in India and Thailand before doing the work.

Because these tasks require specialized expertise, visitors mainly watch the staff perform them while listening to explanations about the care procedures.

Walking into forest to see elephants

Visitors can do more than stand near the elephants. 

Staff also guide them on walks into the dry dipterocarp forest to observe the animals in a natural, semi-wild setting.

The walks range from about 800 meters to three kilometers. 

Visitors travel on foot rather than by motor vehicle while learning about elephant behavior and how the animals under the center's care are monitored, protected, and looked after.

Vinh said the experience has been popular with visitors because it allows them to see the elephants not only in designated areas but also amid Buon Don's distinctive forest landscape.

"We want visitors to not only see the elephants but also gain a better understanding of the work involved in caring for, rescuing and conserving wildlife," Vinh said.

Through these hands-on experiences, the center hopes to foster greater appreciation for elephants and nature while raising awareness about wildlife conservation.

Argentine veterinarian Godoy Gonzalo Manuel said he was pleased to have the opportunity to take part in elephant-viewing and educational programs at Yok Don National Park and the Elephant Conservation, Animal Rescue and Forest Protection Center in Dak Lak.

He said Dak Lak's shift from elephant riding to observing elephants in their natural environment was a positive move. 

In particular, the elephant-viewing program at Yok Don National Park allows visitors to observe the animals without disrupting their natural behavior.

Regarding visitor safety, Vinh said visitors entering the forest are not allowed to approach or touch elephants on their own and must follow instructions from center staff.

"The visitor program has been submitted to and approved by the provincial People's Committee. When visitors voluntarily come here, the center is responsible for ensuring the safety of both people and elephants," he said.