Dak Lak Travel

Best time to visit

Also in the Central Highlands climate zone, Dak Lak has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. So when you want to travel to Dak Lak at what time, you should carefully consider the following weather:

– The rainy time is from May to November. So when traveling to Dak Lak, you should avoid the rainy season to avoid dirt roads and hills

– The dry season is the first months of the year, the weather is quite cool and not too hot, so the advice for you to travel to Dak Lak in the dry season is the best.

Check the below table for the general idea of Dak Lak weather throughout the year.

Dak Lak’s current weather and 7-day forecast

ĐẮK LẮK WEATHER

Speaking of gongs culture, coffee, pepper or elephants, everyone will think of Dak Lak, a province of Central Highlands of Vietnam. If you have spent almost your Vietnam vacation with beautiful beaches, mountains or scattered tourist attractions, you should take time to have a change of scenery with this marvelous land which promises to bring you wonderful experiences as well as unforgettable memories.

1. Dak Lak Coffee: Trung Nguyen Coffee Village

Trung Nguyen Coffee Village is not only a famous place to buy coffee but also a miniature park with hundreds of historical artifacts of the Central Highlands ethnic groups. The small landscape is beautifully designed full of large waterfalls, bridges, streams, lakes, and stilt houses. Coming here, you may not need to buy any products, or drink water in the shop and just simply visit the farm.

Coming to Trung Nguyen coffee village, admiring the unique architecture & cultural space, sipping a pure coffee is an extremely attractive experience. If you have the opportunity to travel to Dak Lak, do not miss this place.

The architecture of the coffee village is a unique combination of creative ideas of people and beautiful natural scenery. The old-style houses of Hue with sophisticated carvings also bring a special feeling of enjoyment for visitors.

The Central Highlands Ethnic Museum is a must-visit place for tourists to visit Trung Nguyen coffee village. This place displays the oldest and most valuable ancient artifacts of the Central Highlands. An outstanding collection of gongs, musical instruments, agricultural tools, and weapons of ethnic minorities are displayed here as well. In addition, visitors will also learn more about the coffee processing tools, learn about the process of making delicious coffee cup through the lively explanation.

Coming to the Coffee Village, visitors will taste the delicious cups of coffee from pure coffee. Enjoying coffee among the poetic space of Coffee village will be much more poetic when drinking coffee in normal shops.

Also sipping a cup of coffee in the mountain town while watching the clear stream and lush mini garden brings a peaceful and rare feeling for visitors.

2. Dray Nur & Dray Sap Waterfalls

These waterfalls belong to the Serepok River, Dray Sap waterfall is the Husband waterfall, Dray Nur waterfall is the Wife waterfall, which are the familiar names called by the locals.

Dray Nur Waterfall is about 25 km from Buon Ma Thuot city, along Highway 14, nearly 3 km through Buon Kop hydroelectricity. Dray Nur is located right next to Dray Sap waterfall and just a distance from the Dray Sap bridge to the Serepok river. Both are beautiful and majestic waterfalls.

3. Yok Don National Park

Yok Don National Park is located in 3 districts: Buon Don district, Ea Sup district (Dak Lak province) and Cu Jut district (Dak Nong province). Yok Don is considered to be one of the largest special-use forests in Vietnam, located in a relatively flat area, with two small mountains to the south of the Serepok river. Forests are mainly natural forests, most of which are dipterocarp forests. Tourists can enjoy the typical types of ecotourism such as elephant riding, walking, mountain biking in the primeval forests. Especially, at night, you can see wild animals, or take a canoe day by day on the romantic Serepok river.

This is the largest nature reserve in Vietnam with the vast forests of many rare kinds of wood. You can also ride elephants around the village. If you want to have more thrills, you can ride an elephant across Serepok, which is one of the adventure games when traveling to Dak Lak. 

4. Khai Doan Pagoda

With the royal style of Hue imperial palace mixed with modern architecture, Khai Doan Pagoda attracts visitors to visit and worship.

Located in the heart of Buon Ma Thuot, with outstanding sophisticated architectural features, Khai Doan Pagoda is such a sacred place for tourists.

The pagoda was built by skillful hands of Hue artisans, so it has ancient Hue royal court architecture, combined with the style of stilt houses of the Western Highlands, and mixed with modern architectural features.

When coming to Khai Doan pagoda, visitors can not only learn the history of meaningful birth and special architecture of the temple but also discover more “unique & sophisticated” artworks. The Buddha Shakyamuni statue in the middle of the main hall built of bronze with a height of 1.1m, the wooden lotus, and many Buddha statues are really worth admiring.

5. Museum of Ethnic Groups in Dak Lak

Also known as Museum of Culture of the Central Highlands on Bao Dai Palace (a historical site of Dak Lak), this museum has about 1,000 artifacts and images categorized into three main display spaces (biodiversity, ethnicity and history). This is a cultural architecture built in modern style combined with national cultural traditions. In particular, Dak Lak Museum is also one of the museums pioneering the use of ethnic languages lacking indigenous numbers in the display.

6. Don Village (Buon Don)

Not only possesses beautiful landscapes, or from the great forest to the majestic river, Ban Don is also famous for the muscular elephants.

Located 40km from the center of Buon Ma Thuot to the West, Ban Don is located in Krong Na commune, Buon Don district, Dak Lak province.

Ban Don has become a famous brand of Dak Lak tourism and the Central Highlands in general. The most interesting thing to do that everyone expected to come to Buon Don is elephants riding, you will only spend 300,000 VND ($15 US) to ride a cute elephant in 30 minutes with 3 people, an elephant can take 3-4 people around the village.

Riding an elephant in vast Lak lake will help you discover the mysterious beauty of the Central Highlands landscape.
In the midst of the mountains, the elephants will take you on a walk across Ban Don village, watching coffee gardens, pepper gardens, sniffing the fresh air of the Central Highlands mountains and forests.

After the chaos of urban life, spending time in Ban Don and on the backs of elephants, to cross the lush green canopy or cross the majestic Serepok stream will make you dispel all fatigue and pressure force in life.

Budget options

Thanh Mai Hotel 

Add: 170 Ngo Quyen, Tan An Ward, Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam

Located in Buon Ma Thuot, 1.8 mi from Vincom Plaza Buon Ma Thuot, Thanh Mai Hotel provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodations offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.

Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. At the hotel each room has a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Thanh Mai Hotel offers a continental or buffet breakfast.

The area is popular for hiking and cycling, and car hire is available at the accommodations.

Lucky Star Hotel 

Add: 2/9 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam

Lucky Star Hotel is located in Buon Ma Thuot, a 19-minute walk from Vincom Plaza Buon Ma Thuot. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.

Lys Hotel 

Add: 49 - 51 Nguyen Thuong Hien, Buon Ma Thuoc City, Dak Lak Province, Buon Ma Thuot

Located in Buon Ma Thuot, 3.5 km from Vincom Plaza Buon Ma Thuot, Lys Hotel has accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. This 2-star hotel offers ticket service. The property provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.

All rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric tea pot, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also have free WiFi, while some rooms also offer a patio. Guest rooms feature a closet.

An Asian breakfast is available every morning at Lys Hotel.

Khách sạn Nam Sơn 

Add: 10 Lê Văn Hưu, Phường Ea tam, Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam

Located in Buon Ma Thuot, 2.3 mi from Vincom Plaza Buon Ma Thuot, Khách sạn Nam Sơn features accommodations with a bar, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. The accommodations offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi.

The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. The shared bathroom is fitted with free toiletries. At the hotel rooms come with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

Mid-range options

Buon Ma Thuot Hotel 

Add: 03 Hùng Vương, Phường Tự An, Buôn Ma Thuột, Đăk Lăk 03 Hùng Vương, Buon Ma Thuot

Located in Buon Ma Thuot, 300 m from Vincom Plaza Buon Ma Thuot, Buon Ma Thuot Hotel features accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodations offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and ticket service for guests.

A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the hotel.

Buon Ma Thuot Hotel offers a hot tub.

KHÁCH SẠN MỸ NGỌC 

Add: 20 Ngô Gia Tự, Phường Tự An, Thành phố Buôn Ma Thuột, Buon Ma Thuot

Located in Buon Ma Thuot, 2.6 km from Vincom Plaza Buon Ma Thuot, KHÁCH SẠN MỸ NGỌC provides accommodations with a shared lounge and free private parking. This 3-star hotel offers valet parking and a tour desk. The property has a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.

Guest rooms has air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, an electric tea pot, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also offer free WiFi, while selected rooms have a city view. All guest rooms include a closet.

Deluxe options

Sai Gon Ban Me Hotel 

Add: No 01-03 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak, Buon Ma Thuot

The 4-star Sai Gon Ban Me Hotel is located in Buon Ma Thuot City, also known as Vietnam's capital of coffee. A short 2-minute walk from Buon Ma Thuot Market, it has an outdoor pool, a sauna and karaoke facilities. Its modern rooms come with a 29-inch flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.

Fully air-conditioned, all rooms are equipped with a personal safe and mini-bar. High-floor room have big glass windows overlooking the forest. Private bathrooms come with a bathtub.

Sai Gon Ban Me Hotel is 0.6 mi from Dak Lak Museum and Akthon Village. It is 1.9 mi from Trung Nguyen Coffee Village. Gia Long, Dray Nur and Yok Don waterfalls are all within an hour's drive away.

Guests can buy a local souvenir at the gift shop, relax wtih a massage, or exercise at the gym. Day trips and airport transfers can be arranged at the tour desk.

Asian and Western dishes can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurants. Drinks are served at the 4th floor pool-side bar. Alternatively, room service is available from 06:00 - 23:00 everyday.

Dakruco Hotel 

Add: 30 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Buon Ma Thuot

Located in Daklak's capital, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dakruco Hotel offers spacious rooms, free wireless internet access and a spa.

Situated in the central highlands, Dakruco Hotel is a 10 minute drive from the airport.

Rooms are equipped with an LCD TV, walk-in dressing area and a large bathroom with a double vanity.

Dakruco's facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, gym and a sports center offering tennis courts, ping-pong and badminton. Other amenities include conference facilities and an on-site restaurant.

Muong Thanh Luxury Buon Ma Thuot Hotel 

Add: 81 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Tan An Ward, Buon Ma Thuot

Located in Buon Ma Thuot, 1.6 mi from Vincom Plaza Buon Ma Thuot, Muong Thanh Luxury Buon Ma Thuot Hotel provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness center and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are room service and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, entertainment staff and a 24-hour front desk.

Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel each room is equipped with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

A buffet breakfast is available daily at Muong Thanh Luxury Buon Ma Thuot.

The accommodations offers a terrace.

Guests can enjoy playing table tennis and tennis, or take advantage of the business center.

1. Mink Coffee

Mink coffee is Dak Lak’s must-try drink as it is considered as the legendary Dak Lak coffee as well as one of the most expensive drinks in the world. Cafe was introduced to Vietnam quite early (since 1857) and grown in some provinces in the Central Coast region but for a long time, Dak Lak was known as the Mecca of Human Coffee. In recent years, the Dak Lak Coffee industry has also attracted the attention of people by the revival of the legendary Mink Coffee – a drink classified as the rarest and most expensive around the word.

The value of Mink Coffee is made up of three basic factors including the traditional culture of the place where they were produced, rareness, and process. The Dak Lak mink coffee not only covers all three factors, but each of those factors is associated with the name of Dak Lak is far more special.

2. Red noodles

Red Vermicelli is a specialty of Dak Lak too. The name of the dish comes from a bowl of noodles with the characteristic red broth color. The dish is combined with many ingredients such as crab bricks, quail eggs, vegetables, etc. 

Only with 15,000 VND, you can enjoy this delicious and attractive red noodle. A bowl of red vermicelli consists of crab bricks, quail eggs, a little bit of fat, add a little purple heart shrimp sauce, mauve, ground chili, and celery.

You can enjoy this popular dish at the intersection of Tran Phu & Y Zut, the corner of Phan Dinh Giot – Le Hong Phong street or at the corner of Le Duan – Phan Dinh Giot.

3. Venison

Like goat meat in Ninh Binh, venison is special in Dak Lak. You can enjoy venison with 7 different ways of processing, each dish has its own unique flavor like roasted venison, stir-fried venison, chipped venison, fried venison, vinegar rattled venison, stomach porridge, and dried venison. 

4. Hemibagrus Soup

Hemibagrus Soup with lentils is also a must-eat dish that visitors can hardly ignore the specialty of the majestic Serepork river. This dish is delicious and has a good cooling effect on sunny days. You can enjoy this dish at Phuong Dung & My Lan – Hoa Phu.

Getting there

By plane

From Hanoi and Saigon to Buon Ma Thuot, there are many routes of airlines such as Vietnam Airline, VietJetAir, JetStar to Buon Ma Thuot. The round-trip ticket from Hanoi (including taxes and fees) of Vietnam Airline ranges from VND 2,600,000, of VietJetAir about VND 2,500,000. And the round-trip price from Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam Airline is 1,200,000 VND and of JetStar is 1,000,000 VND, VietJetAir is about 1,200,000 VND. It will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour and a half to fly to Buon Ma Thuot.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By coach/ bus

From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, there are direct buses to Buon Ma Thuot and other districts of Dak Lak province, you can buy tickets at Eastern Bus Station or Giap Bat Bus Station. It takes about 8 hours from Ho Chi Minh City and more than 1 day for cars from Hanoi. 

• From Ho Chi Minh City to Dak Lak: 200,000 – 300,000 VND – 7 hours.
• From Hanoi to Dak Lak: 600,000 – 700,000 VND – over 24 hours.
• From Danang to Dak Lak: 250,000 VND – 12 hours.

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

Get around

Transportation in Dak Lak is mainly taxi and motorbike taxi. Some taxi companies you can refer to your trip.

• Taxi Mai Linh: 0500 3819819
• Taxi Ban Me: 0500 3979979
• Taxi Ban Me Xanh: 0500 6272727
• Central Highlands Taxi: 0500 3838838
• Dak Lak Taxi: 0500 3818181