Buzz
Choosing to wander instead of riding elephants along the river, I discovered a Buôn Đôn that is peaceful, gentle, and affectionate.
Exploring Buôn Đôn in Đắk Lắk - Unveiling a Peaceful and Serene Side
As we prepared our belongings for Buôn Đôn, warnings from previous travelers and locals indicated significant changes. Despite the warnings, we decided to visit and witness how the landscape had transformed.
On the 40 km journey from the city center of Buôn Ma Thuột (Đắk Lắk) to Buôn Đôn, vibrant streets and wide roads greeted us. The central Buôn Đôn has now become a tourist hub with establishments lining both sides of the streets. Many were disappointed as the unique attractions seemed limited to the eco-tourism zones. It no longer resembled the rustic village of imagination, giving off a city vibe with fewer ethnic people and traditional customs.
Instead of joining the crowd at the hanging bridge along the Serepôk River like others, I chose to leisurely stroll along the village roads. Opting to delve into the lives of the locals, I was fortunate to discover a Buôn Đôn that remains peaceful, amiable, and full of warmth.
Traditional stilt houses are scattered around vast lands, surrounded by lush greenery. Everywhere, scenes of utmost tranquility unfold, likely overlooked by those following pre-arranged tours. You might chance upon a local reclining in a hammock, playing a tune, or elders leisurely seated on the porch steps... Everything is gentle, serene, and distinctly characteristic of the Central Highlands. It's like a glimpse into the bygone Buôn Đôn, untouched by the influence of tourism.
Take a stroll on the suspended bridges that traverse ancient forests, below lies vibrant green rice fields. A captivating panorama that tugs at the heartstrings of any traveler. Encounter elephant caretakers guiding majestic beasts along the mighty Serepôk River. The evening sun casts its glow on the wooden stilt houses of Buôn Đôn, creating a masterpiece of natural art. Sunset hues piercing through ancient forests at an elephant training ground in Buôn Đôn evoke a profound sense of tranquility. Despite the disappearance of the longhouses, the extended houses remain a distinctive feature of this land.
Perhaps, instead of hoping for beauty at tourist spots molded by rigid programs, we should slowly perceive the gentle and peaceful beauty in that place in the most unique way. As Henry Miller said, 'Our destination is not a place, but a new way of seeing.'
Explore more visuals from Buôn Đôn:
By Tuấn Đào/Ngôi sao
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourJuly 3, 2017
