Exploring Buon Ma Thuot - A 2-Day Itinerary Post-Pandemic

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Discovering Buon Ma Thuot - Day 1:

1. Morning Session

Afternoon

Explore Buon Ma Thuot – Day 2

Morning

Afternoon

Amidst the myriad of beautiful destinations in Vietnam, where to go for something truly unique and extraordinary? Vntrip boldly answers that question with Buon Ma Thuot - the Central Highlands region with its rugged and mysterious beauty awaiting exploration.

Discovering Buon Ma Thuot - Day 1:

1. Morning Session

The Tranquil Zen Temple

The Tranquil Zen Temple, also known as Sắc Tứ Khải Đoan, stands as the grandest temple in Buon Ma Thuot city and the entire Dak Lak province. It marks the pioneering temple construction in the Central Highlands back in 1951. Undoubtedly, this is an unmissable destination on this journey.

The Tranquil Zen Temple in Buon Ma Thuot. Image: @cuongkhii

Crafted by the skilled hands of artisans from the ancient capital of Hue, The Tranquil Zen Temple welcomes visitors with its intricate wooden architecture reminiscent of Hue's traditional houses, adorned in hues of golden brown. Moreover, the temple's design integrates the distinctive stilt-house style of the Central Highlands with subtle modern touches, culminating in a truly remarkable and visually stunning architectural ensemble.

The temple boasts architecture reminiscent of Hue's traditional houses. Image: Phương Đỗ

Every angle captures a truly impressive scene. Image: @giathinhph

Please note:

Except for the lower courtyard, visitors must remove their shoes to ascend and pay respects, ensuring cleanliness for the temple.
As it is a spiritual site, remember to dress modestly and respectfully.
Address: 117 Phan Bội Châu

Remember to take off your shoes to keep the temple clean. Image: Hoàng Tuấn Anh

Troh Bu Garden

Our next stop will be Troh Bu Garden – an ecotourism destination preserving the unique charm of Daklak tourism and the red soil region of the Central Highlands.

Troh Bu Ecological Garden. Image: Cường Quốc Phạm

From the very first steps into Troh Bu Garden, you'll immerse yourself in the lush green natural atmosphere, accompanied by the gentle fragrance of wild orchids mingling with the aroma of Buon Me coffee. Troh Bu welcomes you with a vibrant red wooden gate – a color symbolizing luck in Eastern culture. Beyond that, countless picturesque corners await, ready to be captured in beautiful photos.

The bamboo 'bird nests' hanging amidst the greenery allow for delightful photo opportunities. Image: Cường Quốc Phạm

One distinctive feature here is that all decorative materials are recycled from old tires, which not only saves costs but also gives Troh Bu its unique character. Moreover, Troh Bu features bamboo 'bird nests' hanging amidst the lush forest, perfect for striking poses. If you haven't been to Bali, these bird nests here might just satisfy your passion.

The garden area is overflowing with lush greenery. Image: Phương Đỗ

Address: Buon Nieng, Ea Nuol Commune, Buon Don District
Opening hours: 8am – 4pm
Price: 25k per person

Afternoon

Trung Nguyen Coffee Village

When in the 'coffee capital,' it's a must to indulge in coffee, right? So, head to Trung Nguyen Coffee Village. Not only is it renowned for its premium aromatic coffee, but it's also a place for you to explore, share new coffee knowledge, and of course, snap some incredibly Instagram-worthy photos.

Trung Nguyen Coffee Village. Image: Collected

Spanning over 20,000m2, Trung Nguyen Coffee Village resembles a miniature coffee world consisting of 5 zones with different functions: tasting area, dining area, supermarket, museum, and information counter; each zone offers its own unique experiences. Here, you'll have the chance to witness the journey of coffee cultivation and processing from the past to the present, admire hundreds of historical artifacts from the Central Highlands ethnic groups, including production tools, indigenous musical instruments, and more.

A special corner of Trung Nguyen Coffee Village. Image: Cường Quốc Phạm

Especially in the tasting zone, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a wide variety of coffees, depending on each person's coffee preferences, including civet coffee, legendary coffee, creative blends, G7, and Passiona – fresh coffee. All the coffee here is meticulously selected from premium coffee beans, roasted, ground, and brewed with utmost care.

The exhibition house is built in the style of the longhouses of the Ede people. Image: Cường Quốc Phạm

Address: 222, Lê Thánh Tông Street

World Coffee Museum

Although virtual check-in spots in Vietnam have been on the map for a long time, the World Coffee Museum still attracts hundreds of young people to check-in every day.

Outside the World Coffee Museum. Image: _Yuminh0n_66_

The World Coffee Museum has taken shape with architecture reminiscent of the familiar longhouses characteristic of the sacred Central Highlands with their versatile and graceful curves intertwining, combined with modern, elegant European architecture, creating an incredibly impressive ensemble.

Coffee tasting area. Image: Kenh14

Truly impressive architecture. Image: Ptukkata88

Especially notable is the interactive exhibition space where visitors engage through experiences of hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling, and touching. Here, there are up to 10,000 artifacts brought from the Jens Burg Museum (Hamburg, Germany), arranged along the pathways rather than enclosed in glass cases, providing a realistic and intimate atmosphere. Additionally, numerous Vietnamese coffee production and processing tools and utensils are displayed, dating back through the ages.

A myriad of Instagrammable spots awaits you. Image: Hoàng Tuấn Anh

Address: Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Tan Loi Ward
Entrance fee: 75k

Explore Buon Ma Thuot – Day 2

Morning

Elephant Rock

Your trip to Buon Ma Thuot isn't complete without a visit to Elephant Rock. This massive rock formation continues to draw attention and shows no signs of cooling down.

Elephant Rock Mountain in Buon Ma Thuot. Image: @giathinhph

The reason it's called Elephant Rock is because from above, this rock formation resembles the back of a large elephant. It's also known as the largest solid rock in Vietnam, with a length of about 200 meters, a circumference at the base of about 500 meters, and a height of over 30 meters. Standing atop this rock, you can overlook countless underground streams; admire the serene Yang Reh lake area amidst the vast green forests; and gaze upon the Chư Yang Sin range or the vast expanse of local farmland.

From atop the rock, you can freely enjoy the scenery. Image: Cường Quốc Phạm

A dreamy scene amidst the vast green of the forests. Image: @giathinhph

Elephant Rock isn't just an ideal check-in spot but also a place to lightly challenge every adventurous heart as you have to climb each steep step up the rocky slope with no footholds amidst the highland winds.

Be careful when climbing this rock. Image: Cường Quốc Phạm

Address: Yang Tao Commune, Lắk District, approximately 40km from the center of Buon Ma Thuot city via National Highway 27

Lak Lake

If you've made the effort to visit Elephant Rock, just diligently travel another 11km and you'll reach Lak Lake – the second largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam after Ba Be Lake (Hanoi).

Lak Lake Buon Ma Thuot. Image: @ppchip

At Lak Lake, you can enjoy a fascinating ride on wooden boats amidst towering mountains covered by primeval forests, offering you a completely unique experience, unlike climbing on rocks or trekking through the forest. Immerse yourself in nature, watch the fish swim by, and listen to the sound of water flowing on both sides of the boat.

Boating on Lak Lake. Image: Collected

Not only can you enjoy vibrant scenery, but at Lak Lake, you can also experience various aspects of Central Highland culture such as fire dancing, seasonal dances, gong performances, silk weaving, stone instruments... and visit the Bao Dai Palace built long ago – a place for relaxation, hunting, and training soldiers for the Nguyen dynasty.

Extremely romantic and peaceful scenery. Image: @kym_anh287

Address: Located in Liên Sơn town, Lắk district, Đắk Lắk province, about 56km south of Buon Ma Thuot city via National Highway 27.
Motorboat ride: 450,000 VND/15 passengers/60 minutes
Wooden boat ride: 150,000 VND/2 passengers/30 minutes
Elephant riding: 300,000 VND/2 passengers/30 minutes, 550,000 VND/2 passengers/60 minutes
Gong performance: 2,200,000 VND/show

Afternoon

Dray Nur Waterfall

With a length of over 250m and a height of up to 30m, Dray Nur waterfall is likened to a magnificent and powerful gift from nature to the mountainous region of Buon Ma Thuot.

Dray Nur Waterfall Buon Ma Thuot. Image: thuphuongggg_

From a distance, Dray Nur Waterfall resembles a gigantic wall of water with thousands of white foaming threads intertwined, creating a dazzling and mystical scene. As you approach the waterfall, you'll discover stunning nooks and crannies. At the foot of the waterfall, there are narrow streams winding around rocks, with deep and clear water, allowing you to enjoy watching schools of fish swimming and immerse yourself in the cool water.

The majestic beauty of Dray Nur waterfall. Image: Thoi_tuongvan

Discover the stunning hidden corners of Dray Nur waterfall. Image: Nhatminhtboj

Visiting Dray Nur waterfall, you'll not only admire the majestic cascade amidst the pristine mountains but also experience walking on a high and long suspension bridge. Stepping onto the suspension bridge, you'll feel the sway and the challenge to maintain balance. However, once you reach the middle of the bridge, you'll be amazed by the breathtaking scenery of the mountains, rivers, and nature around you.

Suspension bridge at Dray Nur waterfall. Image: _1304200124122017_

Now, you've got the itinerary to conquer Buon Ma Thuot in 2 days, gather a big team quickly to explore this land right after the pandemic ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-visit attractions in Buon Ma Thuot for first-time travelers?

First-time travelers in Buon Ma Thuot should not miss The Tranquil Zen Temple, Troh Bu Garden, Trung Nguyen Coffee Village, and Elephant Rock. Each location offers unique experiences that highlight the beauty and culture of the Central Highlands.

How can visitors enjoy the natural beauty at Lak Lake near Buon Ma Thuot?

Visitors can enjoy Lak Lake by taking a wooden boat ride through stunning landscapes, experiencing local cultural performances, and visiting historical sites like Bao Dai Palace. This offers a serene way to appreciate nature and culture simultaneously.

Is it possible to engage in cultural activities while visiting Dray Nur Waterfall?

Yes, visitors can engage in various cultural activities near Dray Nur Waterfall, such as enjoying traditional performances and exploring the natural beauty of the area. The scenic surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for experiencing local culture.

What unique experiences await travelers at Trung Nguyen Coffee Village?

Travelers at Trung Nguyen Coffee Village can explore a mini coffee world, taste various coffee types, and learn about coffee cultivation history. The village’s atmosphere and knowledgeable staff enhance the overall experience for coffee enthusiasts.

What precautions should visitors take while exploring Elephant Rock in Buon Ma Thuot?

Visitors should take precautions like wearing sturdy shoes and being careful when climbing Elephant Rock due to its steepness. Safety is crucial as the rocky terrain can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with hiking.

What makes Troh Bu Garden a unique ecotourism destination in Daklak?

Troh Bu Garden is unique because it creatively uses recycled materials, offering visitors a vibrant atmosphere filled with natural beauty and charming photo spots. Its lush greenery and artistic designs make it a memorable ecotourism experience.

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