Don Hamlet is known as the capital of elephants in the Central Highlands. Here, elephants are raised and tamed in each family. The elephants are very closed and even become friends of the locals. Annually, in March when the wild flowers bloom in the area, all villagers are eager to organize their traditional elephant festival. During the festival, elephants please viewers with impressive competitions, such as running, swimming and playing football that shows their natural instincts and skills. The competitions also create an exciting and relaxing atmosphere with funny situations, fascinating everyone. The festival is aimed at honouring the power and intelligence of elephants and a distinctive cultural tradition of the Central Highlanders.
 

By Tat Son - Trinh Van Bo

A ceremony for the winner.

Swimming is the most difficult competition for the elephants.

Elephant Kham Ngoac scores a goal.

Elephants at the football match.

Elephants at the swimming competition.

The swimming competition takes place at the Tha Luong Wharf in Don Hamlet.

Two elephants compete with each other in the swimming competition.

A fierce competition of three elephants, Thong Ngam, Da Ly and Kham Ngoac, in the final race.

Two elephants try their best to finish.

Elephants catch the ball.

The goal keeper of the red flag team.

A parade of elephants on the roads in Don Hamlet before the competitions.

This year, the festival draws the participation of 18 elephants from 18 ethnic groups in Buon Don District.