Ban Don Village

Nestled in a crook of the Serepok River, just across the water from the Yok Don National Park, the 'Ede' village of Ban Don is on display for visitors.

There's a traditional longhouse full of souvenirs to buy, and the tribes people that work there spend the day putting on musical shows using traditional instruments for group after group of tourists. It's all contrived and a bit awkward for our taste.

This is the place to head for elephant rides, which include fording across the Serepok River, which is pretty cool. The elephants can hold two to three people. Stilt house homestays are also available but attractive little huts that come with squat toilets and mattresses on the floor with mosquito nets. You can also arrange to cross over to Yok Don from here for a trek through the park.