Strange occurrences at the Elephant King's tomb: For 15,000 VND, visitors are given a key to open the gate themselves.

On October 4th, the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that it had requested the Biệt Điện Tourism and Hotel branch, belonging to Dak Lak 2.9 Import-Export Company Limited, to rectify its service to tourists at the cultural site of the tomb of the elephant-hunting king N'Thu Knul (Khun Yu Nốp), commonly known as the elephant king's tomb.

PHOTO: HUU TU

The Elephant King's tomb is locked; visitors must find their own key.

According to observations by Thanh Niên reporters, the area around the elephant king's tomb is surrounded by a fence, and the large gate is locked. Locals or tourists wishing to visit will find it difficult to access the site unless they are accompanied by a tourism operator, due to the lack of clear directions.

Upon inquiring about the sightseeing services here, a reporter from Thanh Niên newspaper was informed by the receptionist at the Buôn Đôn Suspension Bridge Tourist Center that the service fee to enter the Elephant King's tomb is 15,000 VND per person.

After consultation, the receptionist informed visitors that they could obtain the keys themselves to open the gate to the tomb area. If a guide is required, there is an additional charge of 200,000 VND per group.

PHOTO: HUU TU

According to the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the mausoleum complex is a structure associated with the cultural and religious life of the local ethnic people, and is under the management and use of a family, represented by Mr. YMK and Ms. HTN.

To facilitate the connection of the tour route, sanitation, protection, and maintenance of the landscape, the Biệt Điện Tourism and Hotel branch signed a 5-year civil contract with the representative of the entity managing the facility.

Regarding the gate being locked, the management explained that it was to ensure solemnity and prevent littering or any disturbance to the burial area.

There are currently two keys to the entrance to the Elephant King's tomb. One key is kept by the family for worship purposes, and the other is held by the management unit for use by tourists.

The unit's report also noted that the guided tour service fee is 200,000 VND per group for customers who require it.

PHOTO: HUU TU

After reviewing the situation, the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism concluded that the practice of businesses providing services but handing over keys for tourists to open the gates themselves is inappropriate, unprofessional, and could mislead visitors.

What exactly is the 15,000 dong for?

To address this issue, the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has instructed the Biệt Điện Tourism and Hotel branch to stop providing keys to tourists so they can open the gate themselves.

The unit must assign staff to manage, assist, and guide tourists during their visit, ensuring safety, civility, politeness, and appropriateness to the cultural and spiritual nature of the area.

PHOTO: HUU TU

The establishment was also required to review its procedures for receiving, guiding, and serving customers; to publicly and transparently disclose service prices and customer rights, and to promptly address any shortcomings in its operations.

The Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism notes that all activities involving the exploitation, repair, and construction that affect the original elements and landscape of the historical site must comply with the regulations of the Law on Cultural Heritage.

Regarding the 15,000 VND/person fee being collected at the Elephant King's tomb, the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated that, after reviewing the matter and receiving explanations from the business, this is a service fee that the business itself established as part of its business plan.

PHOTO: HUU TU

The Department affirms that this amount is not a fee or charge decided or issued by a competent State agency and does not belong to the State budget revenue.

Therefore, the department requires establishments to clearly list and publicly display the content, prices, and scope of services at the ticket and payment area. At the same time, it must be clearly stated that this is a service fee provided by the business, not an entrance fee to a state-managed historical site, in order to avoid confusion for tourists.

The Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also requested that the facility coordinate with the owner's family and local authorities in managing and protecting the structure; preserving the solemnity, environmental landscape, and traditional cultural values ​​associated with the elephant king's tomb area.