According to the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, it had ordered the Biet Dien Tourism and Hotel Branch, which operates the site, to improve visitor services.
The move followed reports that visitors were charged VND 15,000 per person and given a key to unlock the gate and visit the tomb on their own. Those wishing to use a guide were charged VND 200,000 per group.
The department said the tomb of N’Thu Knul, also known as Khun Ju Nop, is closely associated with the cultural and spiritual life of local ethnic communities. The site is managed and used by a local family.
In August 2025, the Biet Dien Tourism and Hotel Branch signed an agreement to lease the site for tourism purposes, including maintaining cleanliness, security and the surrounding landscape.
The company told authorities that the VND 15,000 payment was a service charge under its business plan, rather than an entrance fee or other charge set by a state agency. It also charges VND 200,000 per group for guide services on request.
The company said the gate was kept locked to preserve the solemnity of the site and prevent littering and other activities that could affect the burial area.
There are two keys to the site. One is held by the family for worship purposes, while the other is kept by the operator for visitors.
Following a review, the department said charging visitors and then handing them a key to enter the site on their own was inappropriate and unprofessional and could cause misunderstanding.
It ordered the company to stop giving visitors the key and instead assign staff to assist and guide them during their visits.
The operator was also required to clearly display the services provided, their prices and scope, making clear that the payment is for services provided by the company and not an admission fee for a state-managed heritage site.
The department also instructed the company to work with the owner’s family and local authorities to protect the site, preserve its solemn atmosphere and surrounding landscape, and safeguard its traditional cultural values.
N’Thu Knul (1828-1938), a powerful local chief widely respected in the region, is regarded as a founder of Buon Don. He played an important role in establishing and developing the local tradition of capturing and taming wild elephants.
During his lifetime, he captured and tamed hundreds of wild elephants. He was given the title Khun Ju Nop and became widely known as the Elephant King.
After his death, he was buried in the area where he had lived, and his descendants later built a tomb in his memory.
