1. Where is the Khunjunob elephant king tomb?
The elephant king Khunjunob tomb is located in Krong Na commune, Buon Don district, Dak Lak province, Vietnam. It is about 45 km northwest of Buon Ma Thuot city center and about 370 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City.
2. How is the tomb of the elephant king Khunjnob unique?
The tomb of the elephant king is a famous historical and cultural relic of Dak Lak province. And it is located in the Ban Don tourist complex, also known as Buon Don. The tomb of the elephant king is the resting place of Khunjunob, who is known as the “elephant king” of this land. He was a talented chieftain, who made great contributions to the birth and development of the profession of hunting and taming wild elephants in Ban Don.
In particular, the tomb of the elephant king was built according to the tomb architecture of the M’nong people with the shape of a miniature pyramid. Moreover, the tomb is surrounded by a primeval forest with large ancient trees, creating a scene that is both majestic and mysterious.
In addition to Khunjunob’s tomb, the mausoleum also has the tombs of other chieftains and elephant hunters. These tombs are all decorated with elaborate statues, imbued with the cultural identity of the M’nong people.
Therefore, the elephant king’s tomb is a destination that you should not miss if you have the opportunity to travel to Buon Ma Thuot. And you have a passion for exploring the historical and cultural values of the Central Highlands. When you come here, you will learn about the life and career of the “elephant king” Khunjunob as well as discover the unique cultural beauty of the M’nong people.
3. When is the best time to visit the Khunjunob elephant king tomb?
To have a good experience when visiting the elephant king’s tomb in Ban Don, the most ideal time is early morning or late afternoon. During this time, it not only gives you the opportunity to enjoy the cool and pleasant climate of the Central Highlands. But it also helps you to fully admire the beauty and majesty of the tomb in natural light.
Moreover, when exploring the elephant king’s tomb in Ban Don at this time, you can comfortably learn more about the history and culture of the M’nong people without having to jostle with the crowd. Therefore, if you want to go to the elephant king’s tomb and have a complete experience. Then come here early in the morning (from 6:00 – 9:00) or in the late afternoon (from 16:00 to 17:30).
4. How to get to the Khunjunob elephant king’s tomb?
The elephant king’s tomb Khunjunob is only about 45 km from the center of Buon Ma Thuot city. Therefore, you can easily travel via google map to the elephant king’s tomb by many different means.
- If you go by motorbike, you can follow National Highway 14 towards Buon Don. On the way there are many clear signs, ensuring you get to your desired destination safely.
- For those who choose to travel by coach from Buon Ma Thuot city to Buon Don. You just need to go to the bus station to catch a bus with a total travel time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- In addition, you can also choose a bus to travel to the elephant king’s tomb. Normally, the bus fare for the distance from Buon Ma Thuot center to the king’s tomb is about 20,000 VND/ticket. When you arrive, you will have to walk about 200m paved with stones and surrounded by rows of rustling green trees.
5. Opening hours and ticket prices to visit the tomb of elephant king Khunjunob
5.1 Opening hours:
- From: 7:00 to 18:00 daily.
5.2 Entrance fee:
- Ticket price: 20,000 VND/person/trip.
6. Summary of the biography of King Elephant Khunjunob
Khunjunob was born in 1828, the son of chief R’leo K’nul, who had the merit of exploring the land of Ban Don. Khunjunob showed himself to be a young man with extraordinary strength and excellent ability to hunt wild elephants. He had hunted more than 300 wild elephants, including the most ferocious ones. He was also the one who taught the villagers how to tame wild elephants. Therefore, he helps Buon Don become a famous land for hunting and taming elephants.
In 1861, Khunjunob presented a white elephant to the King of Thailand. Admiring Khunjunob’s rare heart and talent, the King of Thailand conferred on him the title “King of Elephant Hunting”. Khunjunob lived to be 110 years old and chose Buon Don as his resting place.
After Khunjunob passed away, the villagers of Ban Don decided to build his tomb based on the combined M’nong – Lao architecture to show their gratitude and respect for this chief.
7. Admiring the unique architecture of the tomb of the elephant king Khunjunob
Built around the 19th century and located at the foot of Yang Tao mountain. This tomb is not only the resting place of Khunjunob – the chief who contributed greatly to the development of Buon Don. With the profession of hunting and taming wild elephants. But he is also a symbol of the strength and intelligence of the M’nong people.
Moreover, the architecture of the tomb according to the M’nong – Lao culture is clearly shown through the block motif decorated with lotus buds on the four corners and the top of the tomb. In front of the tomb of the elephant hunter King Khunjunob, there are symbols of elephants, fierce animals and peacocks carved from wood and painted in colorful colors with many very sophisticated carvings.
Besides, they designed the tomb in the shape of a pyramid and small houses are built with 4 columns around with a roof system. In the tombs, there are animal bones, bowls, chopsticks, blankets, etc., which are the objects that accompany the deceased.
Next to the tomb of the Elephant King are dozens of tombs of people. Who were awarded the title of brave elephant hunters of the village. In particular, the tomb of Ama Kong, an excellent descendant of the Elephant King Khunjunob. With the achievement of hunting more than 300 elephants, must be mentioned.
In particular, the statues and symbols here not only have artistic value but also are evidence of a unique culture.
8. Enjoying Buon Don specialties when visiting the tomb of the elephant king Khunjunob
When traveling to Khunjunob elephant king tomb, you can not miss the attractive specialties. They imbued with the flavor of the mountains and forests here. Among them, the most prominent are:
- Buon Don grilled chicken: Made from free-range chicken, the meat is firm, sweet and fragrant.
- A Ma Cong wine: A famous precious wine of the Central Highlands, said to have good effects on health, especially for “men”.
- Other attractive specialties: Bamboo rice, goby fish stewed with galangal, wild vegetable hotpot, sour catfish soup, etc.
- Specialties to buy as gifts: Coffee, wild honey, rice wine, dried deer, wild bamboo shoots, cocoa powder, macadamia nuts, Tay Nguyen brocade, etc.
9. Accommodation when visiting the tomb of elephant king Khunjunob
When traveling to this unique tomb, you can refer to some of the following accommodations:
There are many types of accommodation in Buon Don for you to choose from such as motels, hotels, homestays, etc.
- Troh Bu Accommodation Area. Address: Buon Nieng 3, Ea Nuol Commune, Buon Don District, Dak Lak Province.
- Thanh Thao Guesthouse, Buon Don District. Address: 86, Village 15, Buon Don, Dak Lak.
- Thuy Muoi Guesthouse. Address: Tan Hoa Commune, Buon Don District, Dak Lak (Buon Don District Center).
- Yok Don National Park Guesthouse. Address: Buon Yang Lanh, Krong Na commune, Buon Don district, Dak Lak.
10. Some important notes when visiting the tomb of the elephant king Khunjunob
To make your Buon Ma Thuot trip to the tomb of the elephant king Khunjunob complete. You need to refer to some necessary notes below:
- Keep public hygiene, do not litter.
- Do not climb on statues and architectural works in the area.
- Do not bring food, drinks… into the tomb area.
The above is extremely interesting information about the tomb of the elephant king Khunjunob. You will hear historical stories about the talented chief of the M’nong Khunjunob. Or the traditional architecture of the local people and many other interesting sightseeing activities. Join Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. We will accompany you on your Vietnam tour, so that you will have a trip full of emotions when visiting the tomb of the elephant king Khunjunob.
