EXPLORE DAK LAK VIETNAM: CENTRAL HIGHLAND GEM

Dak Lak is a stunning destination in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and coffee plantations. I will introduce you to the travel guide to Dak Lak, everything you need to know before planning your trip to this beautiful province.

Dak Lak – Central Highlands of Vietnam

1. Where is Dak Lak?

Dak Lak is located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, bordered by Cambodia to the west and neighboring provinces such as Gia Lai and Lam Dong. The province’s capital, Buon Ma Thuot, is a bustling city and the largest urban center in the Central Highlands. The area is famous for its coffee production, traditional ethnic communities, and scenic landscapes. It is 1410 kilometers from Hanoi and 320 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, the capital of Dak Lak.

Dak Lak is regarded as a “miniature Vietnam” because it is home to 40 different ethnic groups from all across the country. The fact that so many people come here and make it their second home is evidence of the land’s worth and liveability.

Dak Lak is one of the places you must travel to once in your life.

2. How to get there?

There are several options for reaching Dak Lak, depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transport:

-By Plane: The most convenient way to reach Dak Lak is by flying into Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV). The airport has direct flights from major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Once you arrive, you can easily find taxis or motorbike rentals to explore the province.

-By Bus: If you prefer overland travel, long-distance buses are available from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and other cities in Vietnam. The bus journey from Ho Chi Minh City takes around 7-8 hours, while it can take 12-14 hours from Hanoi. Bus tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot range from 200.000-400.000 VND; buses departing from Hanoi cost from 600.000 VND.

-By Motorbike/Car: If you want to stop freely, you can go by car or motorbike. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you go in the direction of National Highway 14. The road is beautiful so you don’t need to worry too much, but check and maintain your vehicle carefully before departure.

3. The ideal time to visit Dak Lak

With an average annual temperature of 24 degrees Celsius, Dak Lak experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season, which lasts from May to October, and the dry season, which lasts from November to April of the following year.

Because the rainy season has ended, the autumn sky is clear and crisp, and the waterfall still has a lot of water, Dak Lak is at its most picturesque around the end of November.

The first few months of the year also have nice weather. Coffee blossoms bloom from the end of February to the beginning of March, po lang (red cotton flowers) bloom on the hills in April, and wild sunflowers bloom in November. Additionally, there are apricot, yellow muong, and reed blossom seasons. It frequently rains in the afternoon during the Central Highlands summer, although it soon stops. As a result, you ought to spend the morning sightseeing.

4. Top attractions in Dak Lak that you should visit

4.1. Trung Nguyen Coffee Village

Trung Nguyen Coffee Village is an ancient architectural complex and is considered a museum of agriculture of the Central Highlands ethnic groups. This is not only a place to enjoy the unique flavor of coffee but also a destination to admire the unique space, imbued with the identity of the Central Highlands.

Trung Nguyen Coffee Village

Within the Trung Nguyen Coffee Village, there is a dedicated space for coffee enthusiasts. This area features three traditional houses, named Cherry, Arabica, and Robusta, all designed in the style of ancient Hue architecture. Here, visitors can indulge in various Trung Nguyen coffee offerings, including “Weasel” coffee, “Legendee” coffee, “Creation,” “G7 coffee,” and “Passiona” fresh coffee. Each type is crafted from high-quality coffee beans, carefully roasted and brewed to perfection, catering to even the most discerning coffee lovers and connoisseurs.

Enjoyment area with many unique and attractive coffees.

In addition, you can visit food court, supermarket area, museum area, Central Highlands Ethnic Museum, World Coffee Museum, coffee garden, and children’s play area.

A variety of coffee for you to admire

Coffee garden in the outdoor area

The performance area is an interesting place in Trung Nguyen Coffee Village.

Trung Nguyen Coffee Village regularly hosts coffee brewing art performances in the styles of many countries around the world such as Ethiopia, Turkey, Italy, Syphon Coffee, Ede Coffee.

Address: No. 163, Ly Thai To Street, Dak Lak Province.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Entrance fees: Free

4.2. Troh Bu Garden

Troh Bu is a botanical garden founded in 1995, located about 10 kilometers from Buon Ma Thuot city center. Over the years, it was transformed into a conservation area for wild orchids native to the Central Highlands. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the soft fragrance of orchids and the refreshing, cool mountain air.

Troh Bu Garden attracts many locals and tourist.

Covering an area of more than 20,000 square meters, the garden is divided into several sections, including flower gardens, orchid gardens, and wildlife conservation zones. To catch the most stunning orchid blooms, it’s recommended to visit during the dry season.

This concludes the list of the top 10 tourist destinations in Buon Ma Thuot – Dak Lak, along with entry fees. We hope this information helps you plan a memorable trip to the Central Highlands. For more details or to book a tour, call Dat Viet Tour at 1800 6700 for expert advice.

The impressive suspension bridge is always checked in by many people.

Address: Buon Nieng 3 Street, Buon Don District, Dak Lak Province.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

Entrance fees: 25.000 VND for adults (1 USD) and 15.000 VND (0.6 USD) for children under 1.4 meters.

4.3. Lak Lake

Lak Lake is the second largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, following Ba Be Lake in Bac Kan. It is encircled by towering mountain ranges covered with ancient forests. The best time to arrive at Lak Lake is around 4:30 PM, just in time to enjoy the stunning sunset over the water.

One of the lake’s most distinctive features is the dugout canoe, a traditional form of watercraft in the Central Highlands. As a result, the most popular activity is taking a boat tour around the lake, where visitors can soak in the scenic views and go for a swim.

Lak Lake

Address: Lien Son Town, Dak Lak Province.

4.4. Truc Lam Tu Giac Buddhist Monastery

Truc Lam Tu Giac is located 50 kilometers southeast of Buon Ma Thuot city, situated on Chu Kuin Mountain in Ea Wi village, Ea Yong commune, Krong Pac district, Dak Lak province. The pagoda is beautifully positioned with its back to the mountain and a large lake in front, creating a picturesque setting. From a distance, the monastery stands out as the focal point of the entire landscape, with its harmonious “mountain behind, water in front” layout adding to its charm.

Main hall of Truc Lam Tu Giac Zen Monastery

If you want to find a place to comfort your soul after a tiring day at work, a peaceful place, Truc Lam Tu Giac is an ideal place for you.

Address: Ae Uy Lake, Dak Lak Province.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

4.5. KoTam Eco-tourism Area

KoTam is a popular destination for those who enjoy exploring and immersing themselves in nature, thanks to its refreshing environment and unique structures inspired by the Ede culture.

The longhouses, communal houses, and stilt houses, all designed with a strong Central Highlands influence, are a highlight of KoTam. These buildings are thoughtfully scattered throughout the area and constructed to closely resemble traditional Ede homes, allowing visitors to experience their housing culture firsthand.

Natural green at KoTam

In addition, KoTam offers a variety of activities to help visitors unwind after a busy work schedule, including duck pedaling, rowing basket boats on the lake, and gliding across the water while taking in the lush greenery.

From above, KoTam looks like a watercolor painting.

The wild scenery in the middle of the jungle is an extremely profitable background of KoTam.

Address: No. 789, Pham Van Dong Street, Dak Lak Province.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily.

Entrance fees: 20.000 to 30.000 VND/person (0.6 to 1.2 USD)

4.6. Krong Kmar Waterfall

Krong Kmar Waterfall is about 3 km from the center of Krong Bong district and about 60 km from the center of Buon Ma Thuot city. The falling water creates layers of white foam, with a sound echoing in the middle of the sacred forest.

Next to the water columns of Krong Kmar Waterfall, there are many large and flat rocks that look like elephants bathing in cool water. You can stop on these rocks to admire the scenery or enjoy some food before exploring more beautiful scenery.

The beauty of Krong Kmar.

Immersing yourself in the crystal clear water of Krong Kmar will surely be an unforgettable experience when you come here.

Address: Krong Kmar Town, Dak Lak Province.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

4.7. Ancient Pottery Village

Ancient Pottery Village is less than 10 km from Lak Lake is Yang Tao Commune, the only place in the Central Highlands that still preserves the ancient pottery craft of the M’nong Rlam people. Here, you can learn about the art of handmade pottery as well as buy pottery products as gifts at affordable prices.

The only ancient pottery village in Dak Lak.

Address: Yang Tao Commune, Dak Lak Province.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

4.8. Buon Don Village

Buon Don Village, originally established on an island in the Serepok River, was once a hub for trade with Laos and Cambodia. Today, it has been developed into a tourist attraction where visitors can learn about elephants and explore the local traditional culture. It is a must-visit check-in spot in Dak Lak, offering a variety of recreational activities that draw many domestic and international tourists.

A memorable journey to Buon Don Village.

Buon Don is home to several ethnic minorities in Dak Lak province, and its name, in the Ede or M’Nong languages. In addition, you can experience the Central Highlands communal house architecture, play with cute elephants, trekking through Yok Don National Park, check in at the suspension bridge.

Check-in at the suspension bridge over the legendary Serepok River.

Address: Krong Na Commune, Dak Lak Province.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fees: 40.000 VND (1.6 USD) for adult and free for children under 1m3.