Yok Don National Park
Park Dry forest park protecting elephants and diverse wildlife
A Central Highlands park of dry forest and open plains bordering Cambodia; visitors come for wildlife watching, guided treks, elephant sightings and visits to ethnic minority villages.
Yok Don National Park is a protected area in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, located in Dak Lak province near Vietnam’s border with Cambodia; it protects extensive areas of dry-deciduous forest and associated wildlife. The park is recognized for populations of Asian elephants and other large mammals that inhabit the seasonal forest and grassland mosaics.
The park’s landscapes include open woodland, grassy clearings and patches of denser forest that support diverse fauna and flora adapted to a seasonal dry climate. Visitors come for guided wildlife viewing, forest walks and to learn about conservation of the Central Highlands’ remaining dry forests.
Yok Don lies in the western part of Dak Lak province, within the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, and is accessed from provincial towns in the area.
- Wildlife and habitat: Home to dry-deciduous forest and important populations of wild Asian elephants, the park is one of Vietnam's key conservation areas for large mammals.
- Visiting season: Best visited in the dry season when wildlife viewing is easier and many ranger stations are more accessible.
How to Get to Yok Don National Park #
Yok Don is accessed from Buon Ma Thuot (the provincial capital) by road; the drive is several hours along provincial routes and requires a 4x4 in wet conditions. Local tour operators in Buon Ma Thuot run guided visits and arrange permits.
Tips for Visiting Yok Don National Park #
- Hire a local guide if hoping to see wild elephants - guides know traditional elephant paths and current safe viewing practices.
- Bring mosquito repellent and light, breathable clothing; the park protects dry forest and can be hot and buggy in the rainy season.
- Accommodations in park buffer zones are limited; arrange lodging in Buon Ma Thuot or Yok Don buffer villages in advance.
Best Time to Visit Yok Don National Park #
Dry season (November-April) is generally best for wildlife viewing and park access.
Weather & Climate near Yok Don National Park #
Yok Don National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1795 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 28°C. Heavy rain (224 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (206 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (298 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (310 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (324 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (216 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
