One of the nations where elephant populations have flourished for a long time is Vietnam. Elephants were always the focal point of royal festivities in the country. However, due to poaching, their population is dwindling these days.
There are several Vietnam national parks where one can visit to see the elephant population. In this post, we will mention three prominent national parks where you can find elephants.
1. Yok Don National Park – The First Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Vietnam
Most elephant and wildlife enthusiasts prefer to visit this national park to observe this giant elephant in their natural environment. The park covers a large area of land and is ranked number 2 in terms of area as far as the national parks are concerned.
Visitors are not allowed to interact with these giant animals directly. However, one can get the best opportunity to watch their activities, where they are free to do anything in their preferred environment.
Choose the months between October and December if you are keen to visit Vietnam to see this park. That is because, during these months, a few special trips are offered to visit many places where you can get the flavor of the local Vietnamese culture.
2. Quang Nam Elephant Sanctuary
The Quang Nam Elephant Sanctuary, which is home to eight Asian elephants, is situated in the Nong Son area of Vietnam’s Central Highlands and covers 19,000 hectares of verdant woodland. The sanctuary strives to shield elephants from poaching and human encroachment in partnership with global institutions like as USAID.
Trained wardens keep a careful eye on elephants, following their movements using dung and footprints. In this national park, there are abundant floras, such as bamboo and rattan, which the elephants love as they are their natural food.
The chance to witness elephants in their natural environment is available here. However, this national park does not receive enough advertising, so many people who enjoy animals are unaware of its presence. The safety of the elephants and the surrounding crops is further guaranteed by a fence constructed from prickly lebbeck trees.
3. Elephant Race Festival – Dak Lak
The Elephant Race Festival in Dak Lak Province is a must-see if you want to celebrate with elephants. This colorful celebration honors the area’s traditional bond with elephants and is held every year in Don Village during the third lunar month.
The elephants themselves compete in thrilling elephant races, tug-of-war contests, and swimming events across the Serepok River during the festival. As local communities, including the M’nong and Ede ethnic groups, unite to celebrate the elephants’ strength and agility, traditional gongs fill the air. It’s a special opportunity to discover the cultural significance of elephants and their place in local history.
Conclusion
Elephant sanctuaries and national parks in Vietnam offer a responsible approach to interact with these magnificent creatures. Every location emphasizes the value of elephant conservation and cultural legacy preservation for future generations, from Yok Don National Park to the Quang Nam Sanctuary and the Elephant Race Festival in Dak Lak.
