TRAVEL GUIDE TO BUON MA THUOT: EXPLORE THE TOP ATTRACTIONS IN THIS CITY

Buon Ma Thuot is a large city in Dak Lak province, the most populous city in Vietnam. In addition to its wonderful cultural beauty, a combination of many different ethnic groups such as Ede, Co Tu, Gia Rai. This place also attracts a large number of visitors thanks to its attractive tourist destinations and cuisine typical of the Central Highlands. I will introduce you to the travel guide to Buon Ma Thuot, as well as the top attractions in this city.

Buon Ma Thuot

1. Where is Buon Ma Thuot

Buon Ma Thuot is located in Dak Lak Province, in the heart of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. The city is roughly 350 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City and about 180 kilometers west of the coastal city of Nha Trang.

Buon Ma Thuot’s elevation (over 500 meters above sea level) gives it a cooler, fresher climate compared to the lowlands, making it a refreshing escape for travelers.

Buon Ma Thuot is considered the cradle of the Central Highlands gong culture space.

2. How to get there?

There are several ways to reach Buon Ma Thuot, depending on your location and preference.

-By Plane: Buon Ma Thuot Airport (Buon Ma Thuot Airport – BMV) is located about 10 km from the city center and offers daily flights from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet operate regular flights to the city, making air travel the most convenient option. This is the best transportation to get there in the fastest way.

-By Bus: If you prefer road travel, there are sleeper buses from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and other cities that take you directly to Buon Ma Thuot. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City takes around 8–9 hours. Comfortable sleeper and semi-sleeper buses are available for long journeys.

-By Motorbike or Car: For adventure seekers, riding a motorbike or driving a car to Buon Ma Thuot is a thrilling experience. The roads leading to the Central Highlands are scenic, with lush landscapes, coffee plantations, and rolling hills. The journey can be done in 7–9 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, depending on traffic and road conditions.

3. The ideal time to visit Buon Ma Thuot

The ideal time to visit Buon Ma Thuot is between late December and April when the weather is cool, and the highlands exude a peaceful charm. During this period, visitors can enjoy the stunning sight of white coffee flower gardens and vibrant red po lang flowers in full bloom.

You can come to Buon Ma Thuot to enjoy free coffee in March.

Mornings in the mountainous region tend to be chilly, so it’s recommended to bring warm clothing. Taking a morning walk is a great way to enjoy the fresh, crisp air. If you’re visiting between May and October, which is the rainy season, be sure to pack rain gear, warm clothing, mosquito repellent, and sturdy walking shoes, as some areas have slippery red dirt roads.

4. Top attractions in Buon Ma Thuot

4.1. Dak Lak Museum

Dak Lak Museum situated on Y Ngong Street in the heart of Buon Ma Thuot City, offers visitors an insight into the region known for its elephants and coffee in the Central Highlands. The museum’s architecture is inspired by the traditional longhouse style of the Ede community, the largest ethnic group in Dak Lak.

Inside, approximately 1,000 artifacts are preserved and displayed, showcasing the history, natural geography, and culture of various indigenous ethnic communities, including the Ede, Mnong, Gia-rai, Xo-dang, Gie Trieng, and Ma.

Dak Lak Museum

4.2. World Coffee Museum

World Coffee Museum offers a fantastic space, perfect for capturing stunning photos at one of Buon Ma Thuot’s most popular attractions. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to order a rich cup of coffee with distinctive flavors and enjoy it in the museum’s remarkable architectural setting.

In terms of architecture, this place is designed in the shape of the traditional long houses of the Ede people and includes 5 spontaneously curved blocks. The complex is built on a large land fund surrounded by many green trees, creating a fresh, airy space. in a spacious campus with many green trees.

The project consists of 5 spontaneously curved blocks.

World Coffee Museum – a hot tourist destination in Buon Ma Thuot that anyone coming to the mountain town must stop by.

Spanning a large area, the World Coffee Museum serves as both an exhibition space and a luxurious European-style coffee lounge. Unlike typical museum settings, its modern, open bar lets visitors watch the bartenders brew coffee. You can enjoy delicious, hot coffee prepared in various styles, offering a unique coffee experience.

Enjoy coffee in the luxurious, modern space of the museum.

Address: Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Buon Ma Thuot City.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:45 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 70.000 VND/adult and 40.000 VND/children.

4.3. Mother Elephant Rock

Mother Elephant Rock is one of the two mountains of the Yang Tao Limestone pair (Mother Elephant Rock Mountain and Father Elephant Rock Mountain). Famous for its legend as the “walking rock”. Located about 40km from Buon Ma Thuot city center on Highway 27.

From the ground, it only takes about 15 minutes to reach the highest peak of the rock by climbing over gentle slopes. From the top of Mother Elephant Rock, you can observe many scenic spots in the area such as: Yang Reh Lake and Chu Yang Sin Range – the roof of the Central Highlands. Visitors can easily take beautiful, unique, and rare photos.

Mother Elephant Rock Mountain – Majestic nature in the Central Highlands.

Address: Town 2, Krong Bong District, Buon Ma Thuot City.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

4.4. Chu Yang Sin National Park

Chu Yang Sin National Park is renowned for its rich ecosystem, featuring nine distinct types of forests that cover an area of over 589 km² across several communes, including Cu Dram, Yang Mao, Hoa Phong, Hoa Son, Hoa Le, and Khue Ngoc Dien.

Chu Yang Sin National Park

The park is home to 487 animal species, including 203 bird species and 46 mammal species, along with thousands of plant varieties. As you explore Chu Yang Sin National Park, you’ll be able to admire its diverse ecosystem and enjoy the peaceful sound of rustling leaves.

During the dry season, the journey to explore Chu Yang Sin National Park will be easier and smoother.

A visit to Krong Kmar Waterfall, nestled deep within the mountains, is another highlight. Though the waterfall is not very large or tall, its clear waters and flat rock surfaces provide the perfect spot to relax and take a refreshing dip, washing away the fatigue from your hike.

Address: Yang Mao Commune, Buon Ma Thuot City.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 25.000/person. (1 USD)

4.5. Dray Nur Waterfall

Dray Nur Waterfall, known for its enchanting and mysterious beauty, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak. Here, you can admire nature’s masterpiece while enjoying the fresh air and untouched, wild surroundings. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Dray Nur Waterfall

The best time to visit Dray Nur Waterfall is between February and May, when the waterfall splits into multiple smaller streams, resembling the soft, flowing hair of a graceful fairy.

In addition to visiting Dray Nur waterfall, visitors are also attracted by exciting outdoor activities. You can participate in mountain climbing, rowing between Dray Sap and Dray Nur waterfalls, or cycling around the sightseeing area.

For those who love adventure, trekking in the forest will be an exciting challenge. Conquer the forest road to admire and explore the nature in the majestic Central Highlands, when night falls, you can set up tents and join together in a memorable campfire.

Address: Dray Nur, Buon Ma Thuot City.

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

4.6. Suoi Ong Tourist Area

Suoi Ong Tourist Area is one of the famous destinations in Buon Ma Thuot city, Dak Lak province. In addition to participating in many activities, coming here you can also enjoy the cool space as well as enjoy many specialties of the Central Highlands.

Suoi Ong Tourist Area

You can visit places such as the maze garden, the 3D house, the Koi fish pond, the flower road at Suoi Ong, the children’s swimming pool area, and experience attractive culinary restaurants.

Labyrinth Garden

Flower street at Suoi Ong tourist area

Suoi Ong tourist area restaurant.

Address: No. 568, Vo Van Kiet Street, Buon Ma Thuot City.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM from Monday to Friday and 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday and Sunday.

Entrance Fee: 30.000 VND/adult and 15.000 VND/children.

4.7. Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Book Street

Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Book Street is not as bustling as the book street in Saigon, but the book street in Buon Ma Thuot has its own charm. Although it is a newcomer, this place is still a hot tourist destination in Buon Ma Thuot that you can visit, enjoy books and coffee.

Coffee and book street is a hot tourist destination in Buon Ma Thuot, loved by young people.

Address: No. 2, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Buon Ma Thuot City.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

4.8. Buon Ma Thuot Prison

Buon Ma Thuot Prison was built by French colonialists to imprison and exile political cadres and party members from the Central provinces who were given harsh sentences. Covering 2 hectares, the prison complex includes various facilities such as detention cells, administrative buildings, a medical ward, kitchen and dining hall, educational center, torture chambers, workshops, a chapel, and office areas.

 Buon Ma Thuot Prison

It was constructed and operated in two phases: from 1931 to 1945 during the French colonial era, and from 1954 to 1975 during the resistance against the U.S.

Address: No. 18, Tan Thuat Street, Buon Ma Thuot City.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:00 from Monday to Friday.

Entrance Fee: 20.000 VND/adult and 10.000 VND/children.

4.9. Sac Tu Khai Doan Pagoda

With its “soul-stirring” ancient architecture, Sac Tu Khai Doan Pagoda is the largest ancient pagoda in Buon Ma Thuot. This is not only the first pagoda of the Buddhist organization in Dak Lak but also the last pagoda in Vietnam to be granted a royal decree by the feudal regime. The name of the pagoda is a combination of the names of King Khai Dinh and Queen Mother Doan Huy.

Sac Tu Khai Doan Pagoda

Dress elegantly to match the ancient background of the temple to create an extremely wonderful picture.

Because it is a sacred place, when you come to take pictures, you should wear appropriate clothing such as skirts and pants above the knee and keep the pagoda quiet and orderly.

Address: No. 117, Phan Boi Chau Street, Buon Ma Thuot City.

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