Top 10 Must-See Destinations in Dak Lak Highlands

Ko Tam is a newly established community-based tourism area in Dak Lak that has won the hearts of locals and visitors from nearby regions. Don't miss the chance to capture beautiful photos amidst the vast fields of wild sunflowers glowing under the golden sun. In the evening, wander along the hill slopes to enjoy the sunset, then return to the traditional stilt houses where delicious meals are waiting, served by the warm-hearted locals. The area also sells handmade products such as brocade bags, rice wine, and bamboo flutes at affordable prices, making it a perfect spot for souvenirs. Ko Tam leaves a lasting impression with its vibrant mosaic of colorful flowers like peonies, wild sunflowers, and daisies. It’s a wonderful retreat to unwind after a busy period of work or study.

While the area is modest in size, covering approximately 13 hectares, you can easily explore it in about two hours, taking time to snap some pictures. Ko Tam features numerous rest huts and picnic areas, making it a great destination for a relaxing day out. It consists of three main zones: the main garden, bamboo houses, and a fishing lake. With a restaurant and coffee shop conveniently located on-site, Ko Tam is an ideal spot for weekend getaways or holiday breaks.

Address: 789 Pham Van Dong, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak

Dak Lak's terrain slopes gently from southeast to northwest, located in the western part of the Truong Son mountain range. This large plateau features rolling hills and flat plains interspersed with lowlands along major rivers. Dak Lak is a popular destination for adventure travelers, drawn not only by its pristine natural landscapes but also by the cultural richness of the local indigenous tribes. March 10 Square is a major attraction in Buon Ma Thuot, welcoming visitors to the region.

After a long exploration of the outskirts of Buon Ma Thuot city, March 10 Square offers a recreational space for locals. While street vendors are no longer common, the square still attracts crowds, especially on weekends. It is also the venue for many of the province’s major events. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee or sugarcane juice at very affordable prices, ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 VND. In the late afternoon, try flying a kite in the breezy highland atmosphere, and watch the kites fluttering in the wind—your fatigue will melt away, replaced by a calm sense of peace.

Address: 01 Tran Quang Khai, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak

Located in the districts of Lak and Krong Bong in Dak Lak province, 60km east of Buon Ma Thuot, Chu Yang Sin National Park is an alluring eco-tourism destination, comparable to the renowned Yok Don National Park. This mountainous region is home to the headwaters of many rivers in Dak Lak. While exploring the park, visitors can enjoy a range of exciting activities, including hiking through ancient pine forests, observing millennia-old trees, watching wildlife, cycling along forest trails, canoeing on the river, and picnicking by waterfalls. Additionally, the park offers community-based tourism where visitors can engage with local villagers, stay in traditional stilt houses, and enjoy local delicacies such as bamboo rice, grilled chicken, and rice wine.

If you're passionate about nature and love discovering new places, Chu Yang Sin National Park is a must-visit. Covering an area of 59,531 hectares, the park consists of nine distinct types of forest, making it a vast natural wonder. During your visit, you may encounter 487 species of animals, including 203 bird species and 46 mammal species. The park is part of the Dalat Plateau's bird sanctuary, and with some luck, you may spot rare birds like the red-faced pheasant, black-headed laughingthrush, and long-billed laughingthrush. The park is also home to endangered species like the black-shanked douc and the red-shanked douc langur. Chu Yang Sin plays a key role in protecting the forests that serve as the headwaters for the Srepok River and the region's forest areas bordering Lam Dong province.

Address: Krong Bong and Lak districts, Dak Lak

Dak Tuar Cave is located near the Dak Tuar waterfall, about 6km upstream from the center of Cư Pui commune, Krong Bong district, Dak Lak province. During the Vietnam War, the cave served as a base for the Dak Lak Provincial Party Committee and local military units. In 1991, Dak Tuar Cave was officially recognized as a historical monument. Since then, it has grown increasingly popular as a tourist destination, attracting not only Vietnamese veterans but also American veterans who are eager to revisit. Dak Tuar Cave is now one of the must-see attractions in Dak Lak, drawing visitors from all over the country.

Located in the Chu Yang Sin mountain range, the Dak Tuar Cave system consists of several levels and hidden chambers deep within the mountain, capable of accommodating hundreds of soldiers. During the war, the site was strategically chosen as the headquarters of the Dak Lak Provincial Party Committee and resistance forces due to its remote and difficult-to-access terrain. Despite multiple bombing raids and military sweeps by the American forces, the revolutionary base remained intact. For those with a taste for adventure, the mysterious atmosphere of the cave makes it an exciting destination for exploration. Students, young people, and soldiers who visit here gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and efforts made to secure Vietnam's independence.

Address: Cư Pui commune, Krong Bong district, Dak Lak.

When it comes to Buon Ma Thuot, one cannot miss the towering waterfalls next to the serene Serepok River, and Krong Kmar Waterfall is certainly one of them. From the outside, the cave, which is said to be where Prince Nur visited his homeland, appears to be a small, modest rock formation hidden behind the powerful flow of Krong Kmar Waterfall. However, once inside, visitors are surprised to discover that it spans nearly 3,000 square meters, holding countless fascinating features to explore. Adventurous travelers are sure to be thrilled by the moment they cross the waterfall to reach the cave's interior. The intense rush of water pouring down from above promises an unforgettable thrill. While it may seem dangerous to cross the renowned wild waterfall, rest assured that safety is ensured with life jackets and professional rescue teams nearby.

Moreover, visitors can take a leisurely walk in the nearby pristine forest, marveling at ancient trees that are thousands of years old, with enormous trunks and roots. A visit to Krong Kmar Waterfall is also an opportunity to walk across a precarious wooden suspension bridge spanning the river. As you step cautiously across, you will feel the unease and thrill typical of the wooden bridges commonly found in ethnic minority regions. The exhilaration of slowly crossing the bridge will leave visitors with an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, standing on the bridge offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic natural landscape of flowing waters and scenic beauty. It's a view that is both grand and peaceful, evoking a poetic atmosphere.

Address: Krong Kmar Town, Krong Bong District, Dak Lak Province

Ea Kao Lake is located about 12 km southeast of Buon Ma Thuot city center. Often compared to an expansive sea, this artificial lake was created by damming the large Ea Knin, Ea Kao, and several smaller streams like Ea Chat and Cu Mblim. The lake serves as a vital irrigation source for the Hoa Xuan rice fields—one of the main rice-producing areas in Buon Ma Thuot—and for the surrounding industrial crops.

Despite being man-made, Ea Kao Lake is surrounded by local legends, deeply connected to the myths of the Ea Knin stream, the Ea Kao stream, and the sacred Tre Hill. The Ea Knin stream, for instance, is long and divided into sections, each with its own unique story. With lush greenery, vast waters, and its location on the outskirts of Buon Ma Thuot, Ea Kao Lake is a haven for eco-tourism lovers. The natural scenery here evokes peace and tranquility: at sunrise, the calm lake blends seamlessly into the serene backdrop of hills and fields. During the afternoon, the lake reflects the bright sunlight, and at sunset, it reveals a mesmerizing and poetic charm. As night falls, the air turns cool, harmonized by the sounds of insects, creating a gentle, graceful countryside ambiance.

Dray Sap and Dray Nur Waterfalls are two majestic waterfalls along the Serepok River. Known as the 'Husband Waterfall' and 'Wife Waterfall,' respectively, these falls are famous in the Central Highlands for their pristine beauty and a touching love story often shared among the locals.

Dray Nur, also known as the 'Wife Waterfall,' straddles the border of Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces. It stretches 250 meters in length and reaches a height of 12 meters. Known for its enchanting and mysterious beauty, Dray Nur is a favorite spot for adventure travelers, especially young explorers and backpackers. Meanwhile, Dray Sap, or 'Husband Waterfall,' is characterized by powerful cascades, creating an impressive mist that rises like smoke. Visiting these waterfalls offers the opportunity to experience the raw, untamed natural beauty of the Central Highlands mountains. You can cross a bridge that connects you to the 'Wife Waterfall' right nearby. If you ever find yourself in this vast region of the Central Highlands, don't miss the chance to visit these breathtaking waterfalls, Dray Sap and Dray Nur, for an unforgettable adventure!

Yok Don National Park is the largest forest reserve in Vietnam, a place full of fascinating natural wonders and pristine landscapes that attract both scientists and travelers alike. Located in both Dak Nong and Dak Lak provinces, it lies about 40 kilometers north of Buon Ma Thuot City. Spanning an area of approximately 115,545 hectares, the park's terrain is mostly flat, with the prominent Yok Don and Reheng mountains. The majority of the forest is natural, predominantly consisting of dry dipterocarp forests, the only area in Vietnam dedicated to preserving this unique ecosystem. Moreover, for an affordable price, visitors can enjoy thrilling activities such as elephant rides, and canoeing along the winding Serepok River. Don't forget to take home some local handicrafts or a bottle of fragrant rice wine as souvenirs!

According to researchers, Yok Don National Park is home to 63 species of mammals, 196 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, 30 species of amphibians, and 464 species of plants. Notably, the park hosts rare animals like elephants, wild buffalo, and giant bison. Out of 56 endangered animal species in Indochina, 38 species are found here, with 17 listed in the Red Book, such as elephants, wild buffalo, the twisted-horned bison, fragrant trees, and mountain goats. The abundance of wildlife is due to the park's 90% primary forest cover, making it an ideal habitat for various animals and plants. Visitors to Yok Don can engage in unique activities exclusive to the Central Highlands, including elephant riding, cycling through the dry forest, paddling in traditional canoes, trekking, mountain climbing, and much more.

Address: Krông Na Commune, Buôn Đôn District, Dak Lak.

What makes Trung Nguyên Coffee Village a popular destination in Dak Lak is its very "Central Highlands" style. Located at 222 Le Thanh Tong Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, this spacious, airy place boasts unique architecture and a rich cultural space. Sitting in the "village" while sipping a cup of pure coffee amidst the vast mountains is an incredibly attractive experience. Trung Nguyên Coffee Village is one of the largest coffee houses in the "coffee capital of the Central Highlands." Here, visitors not only enjoy high-quality coffee but also experience a creative space, exploring and learning more about coffee while relaxing with loved ones and friends. Covering an area of 20,000m2, Trung Nguyên Coffee Village resembles a historical museum, where any visitor can learn about the journey of coffee cultivation and processing from the past to the present. It is also a space for coffee philosophy and idea exchange. In addition to coffee, the village displays hundreds of historical artifacts from the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands, including tools and musical instruments from indigenous people, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the unique cultural space. Trung Nguyên Coffee Village is both a place to enjoy coffee and to rediscover the peaceful, nostalgic essence of the Central Highlands.

Trung Nguyên Coffee Village is a complex of buildings that caters to both domestic and international tourists. The architecture here combines creative human ideas with the beautiful natural surroundings. The buildings feature Huế-style ancient houses with intricate carvings, offering a special sense of enjoyment to visitors. The village's layout consists of five areas serving different functions: the tasting area, dining area, supermarket, museum, and information desk, each offering its own unique experience. The tasting area is uniquely designed with three ancient-style houses: Cherry, Arabica, and Robusta, inspired by traditional Huế architecture. The coffee selection is diverse, catering to all types of coffee lovers, from civet coffee to the legendary blends, G7, Passiona, and fresh coffee. All coffees are carefully selected from premium beans, roasted, and brewed with meticulous attention to detail, pleasing even the most discerning customers.

Address: 163 Lý Thái Tổ Street, Tan An, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak.

Lak Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Dak Lak Province and the second largest in Vietnam. Surrounded by the majestic mountains and forests, Lak Lake is a place of pristine beauty, both enchanting and poetic. When visiting Dak Lak, tourists should not miss a chance to visit this lake for a peaceful retreat and to immerse themselves in the romantic beauty of the area. Located near Lien Son Town in Lak District, Dak Lak Province, it is about a one-hour drive, over 50 kilometers south from Buon Ma Thuot City. As the largest freshwater lake in the Central Highlands, Lak Lake spans an area of about 6.2 million square kilometers, situated over 500 meters above sea level, with the main water source flowing from the Krong Ana River. The lake is bordered by a vast primary forest teeming with diverse flora and fauna, with the calm, green waters reflecting the surrounding mountains, offering a stunning, tranquil, and poetic natural landscape. The local people surrounding the lake are mostly M'Nong ethnic group members from villages such as Jun, M'Lieng, and Le, who still preserve many unique traditional cultural values.

According to a local legend, the story of Lak Lake is tied to Lak Liêng, a brave M'Nong warrior. Long ago, a fierce battle took place between the Fire God and the Water God, lasting through many harvest seasons. The Fire God emerged victorious, bringing drought to the M'Nong villages. During this time, a forbidden love blossomed between a village girl and the Fire God, resulting in the birth of Lak Liêng. As an adult, Lak Liêng set off to find water, seeking redemption for his parents' actions. After a long journey, he saved a deer trapped in a rock crevice, and in gratitude, the deer led him to a large, deep lake. The villagers followed Lak Liêng to settle by the lake, which is now known as Lak Lake.

Address: Lien Son Town, Lak District, Dak Lak Province.