Top 14 Most Stunning Tourist Spots in Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak

Buon Akõ Dhông is known as the most beautiful community-based tourism village in Buon Ma Thuot, welcoming visitors every year. As you enter the village, you'll be impressed by the meticulously clean streets and the abundant greenery planted by the locals. The village is home to about 30 long stilt houses that line the main road, making it one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting Dak Lak. The stilt houses here are designed and built in the traditional style, a distinctive feature of Buon Akõ Dhông. The residents of Buon Akõ Dhông are predominantly Christians, and their faith is deeply embedded in their daily lives. Annual ceremonies, such as the water ceremony and rice offerings, are important traditions that continue to be observed. When you visit this village, you're not just a tourist—you're a cherished guest, greeted warmly with a traditional gong performance, and treated to the village’s signature specialty: rice wine, a drink found nowhere else.

Bao Dai Palace is a unique structure that blends the traditional stilt house style of the Ede people with the simple, single-story architecture of the M'Nong people. This fusion of styles gives the palace its distinctiveness, reflecting the lifestyle of the local communities. What makes this place even more special is that between 1949 and 1954, King Bao Dai frequently visited the palace for hunting trips and relaxation during the rainy season. As a result, the palace came to be named after him. Located near the center of Buon Ma Thuot city, Bao Dai Palace is famous for its beautiful architecture and its historical significance, marking many key cultural and historical events in Dak Lak province. In addition to the majestic surroundings with various types of industrial plants, flora, and fauna, Bao Dai Palace also preserves numerous cultural practices, archaeological artifacts, and images from the wars of resistance. Visitors will gain valuable insights into the region's history and the sacrifices made for the nation’s liberation.

Buon Ma Thuot Cathedral, also known as Dung Lac Cathedral, was established in the 1930s and 1940s. After 20 years of care and development, this church, with its unique and remarkable architecture, has become a significant spiritual home for devout parishioners and a popular destination for tourists. In addition to its design, which is harmoniously integrated with the local landscape, Buon Ma Thuot Cathedral reflects the rich cultural identity of the Central Highlands’ ethnic communities. Around a quarter of the church’s 1,500 congregants today are from indigenous ethnic groups. A visit to this cathedral is a memorable experience, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the locals.

When visiting Buon Ma Thuot, one cannot miss the breathtaking Lak Lake. This vast, natural freshwater lake is blessed by nature, surrounded by towering mountains and lush, untouched forests. The lake is also steeped in local legend, said to be bottomless and connected to Biển Hồ. According to sacred folklore, the lake is named after a heroic figure, Lak, from the M'Nong ethnic group, who once protected this land.

The lake is renowned for its rich biodiversity, making it a popular eco-tourism spot. The natural, untamed beauty of the place, with its cascading waterfalls, tranquil sunsets, and ethereal landscapes, will captivate you. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences such as boat rides on the lake aboard wooden canoes or traditional elephant rides, while exploring the distinctive culture of the Mơ Nông people. Lak Lake is a must-visit destination in Dak Lak.

Location: Liên Sơn Town (also known as Lạc Thiện), Lak District, Dak Lak Province

Ea Kao Lake is well-known for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by a cool and refreshing atmosphere. This man-made lake also plays an important role in irrigation, supporting the region’s coffee and rice cultivation. Ea Kao Lake’s pristine beauty, nestled among the lush hills and dense forests of the Central Highlands, creates a peaceful and picturesque setting.

The lake is bordered by ancient trees, a rich diversity of plant life, and rugged mountain ranges. Whether in the rainy or dry season, Ea Kao Lake offers a serene escape, ideal for anyone seeking tranquility and relaxation. The peaceful, scenic surroundings make it an excellent spot for unwinding and enjoying nature.

Location: Ea Kao Commune, outskirts of Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak Province

Dray Nur Waterfall is a majestic natural wonder gifted to the people of Dak Lak. The first time you lay eyes on this awe-inspiring waterfall, you’ll be mesmerized by the misty white spray and the surrounding haze. One of the most thrilling activities here is to venture straight into the waterfall’s curtain of water, feeling the refreshing splash against your skin as the water rushes past your ears. Additionally, a visit to the Dray Nur Waterfall wouldn't be complete without crossing the towering suspension bridge, where you can take in a panoramic view of the stunning natural landscape.

Another remarkable feature of Dray Nur Waterfall is the large cave located behind the waterfall. Visitors can walk through the cave and cross to the other side without getting wet, all while enjoying the mesmerizing sight of the water cascading down. Standing inside the cave, with the water curtain in front and the faint light filtering through, you'll feel as though you’ve stepped into a dreamlike world.

Location: Dray Nur Waterfall Road, Dray Sáp, Krông Ana, Dak Lak

Thuy Tien Waterfall is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with intertwining tree roots and large stones stacked atop each other in the heart of a pristine forest. The waterfall is made up of three levels, which has earned it the nickname ‘Three-Tier Waterfall.’ At the first level, you’ll find gentle slopes with small steps, while the second tier reveals a peaceful, shallow lake with emerald waters and layered stone steps. The final tier features a wide, deep pool where the water cascades down, blending harmoniously with the surrounding nature, creating a breathtaking view. For those seeking a serene and enchanting place, Thuy Tien Waterfall is the perfect destination. This unspoiled gem allows you to experience the beauty of nature at no cost, making it an unmissable stop for adventure seekers.

Location: Ea Puk Commune, Krông Năng District, Dak Lak Province

At the World Coffee Museum, visitors can admire coffee processing tools that are centuries old. Additionally, it's a fantastic place for taking stunning photos with a Western-style backdrop. The museum features an open-plan design, divided into various sections. It is modeled after the traditional longhouse architecture of the Central Highlands people. The complex includes exhibition spaces, a light library, coffee-tasting areas, and seminar halls. Inside, the space is airy and cool, perfect for enjoying a cup of rich, local coffee right at the coffee capital of Vietnam!

Located in the heart of Buon Ma Thuot, the museum is easily accessible for tourists. The curving, organic forms of its architecture create a unique and striking visual, leaving visitors in awe. With its one-of-a-kind design, vibrant activities, and a green, clean, beautiful environment, the World Coffee Museum has become an ideal “check-in” spot for all visitors to Buon Ma Thuot.

Location: Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Tan Loi, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak

Yok Don National Park is another mesmerizing destination that attracts visitors with its endless forests and rugged mountains. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature, experiencing activities like elephant riding. The park is adjacent to the legendary Serepok River, offering tourists the chance to explore the jungle and cross the river by boat to experience the distinctive characteristics of the Central Highlands. Yok Don is home to many large animals, including wild oxen, elephants, monkeys, gibbons, tigers, leopards, peacocks, and eagles.

There are several exciting activities you shouldn’t miss when visiting Yok Don National Park, such as taking a traditional wooden boat ride on the scenic Serepok River, visiting local villages of the Central Highlands ethnic groups, tasting rice wine, and enjoying the sounds of traditional gong music. Additionally, the park preserves the unique cultural heritage of ethnic groups like the Ede, M'Nong, and Lao.

Location: Krông Na, Buon Don, Dak Lak

In addition to the vast, untouched forests, the endless coffee, tea, and rubber plantations, and the majestic waterfalls that roar day and night, Buon Ma Thuot also boasts pagodas of deep spiritual significance. The Sắc Tứ Khải Đoan Pagoda is famous for its unique architecture. It’s not only one of the most revered spiritual destinations in the city but also a popular spot for capturing stunning photos.

This is the first Buddhist pagoda in Dak Lak and the last in Vietnam to be bestowed the royal title during the feudal era. Nestled in a serene, peaceful setting, the pagoda is a testament to cultural and historical significance, right in the heart of Buon Ma Thuot City. From afar, visitors can admire the pagoda’s ancient design with its gracefully curved tiled roof, harmoniously blending with the surrounding nature to create a beautiful and captivating scene. The pagoda has become a favorite spot for many social media influencers, with stunning photos going viral online. Don’t forget to capture your own moment when visiting the Sắc Tứ Khải Đoan Pagoda!

Location: 117 Phan Boi Chau Street, Thong Nhat Ward, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak

Trung Nguyên Coffee Village is a renowned spot for savoring premium, aromatic coffee. It’s not just a place to explore and deepen your knowledge of coffee, but also a picturesque location for amazing photos. Spanning 20,000m², this architectural complex offers visitors a variety of coffee styles from around the world, including Turkish, Ethiopian, Italian, Japanese, and Brazilian brews. The village also boasts a dining area with over 50 delicious dishes representing the three regions of Vietnam. Trung Nguyên Coffee Village is a great destination for travelers of all ages.

When you visit Trung Nguyên Coffee Village, you’ll immerse yourself in a lush, green environment surrounded by ancient coffee trees and traditional statues from the Central Highlands. But that’s not all—this place also lets you discover coffee legends and cultural stories from different countries, explore the Ede longhouse, and view valuable and ancient artifacts from the Central Highlands, such as gong collections and farming tools.

Location: Ly Thai To - Nguyen Huu Tho Intersection, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province

When we mention Buon Don, it's impossible not to talk about its rich tradition of taming and hunting wild elephants. A visit to Buon Don offers you the chance to learn how to ride an authentic elephant through the forest, swim across rivers, or simply listen to the elders share ancient stories from days gone by.

While you’re there, you can’t miss the Yok Don National Park, home to the famous Khop Forest ecosystem and the largest Asian elephant sanctuary in Vietnam. Don't forget to visit iconic sites like the suspension bridge, the restaurant-on-deck area, Eano Island, the Seven-Branch Waterfall, the traditional longhouse, and most importantly, join in a lively bonfire experience. Buon Don is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Additionally, visitors can savor the rich flavors of Central Highlands specialties, participate in traditional gong music, and taste the famous local rice wine, which is a must-try when visiting Buon Don.

Location: Krong Na Commune, Buon Don District, Dak Lak Province

This national park boasts an incredibly diverse and rich plant ecosystem, with a particularly high level of endemic species. Located between the Central Highlands and two vast plains, Chu Yang Sin is naturally isolated, creating a unique environment. Its allure is particularly strong for adventure-seeking travelers and scientific researchers due to its fascinating landscapes and abundant natural resources.

When visiting Chu Yang Sin National Park, tourists can enjoy exciting activities such as picnicking at waterfalls, kayaking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, and exploring ancient pine forests. The most remarkable feature is the thousand-year-old Pơ Mu forest. A trip to Chu Yang Sin National Park is a journey into nature for those truly captivated by wilderness. You will surely be amazed by the park’s majestic natural beauty.

Location: On the boundary between Lak and Krong Bong districts, Dak Lak Province

KoTam Ecological Zone is a vast, open space full of natural beauty. The first impression most visitors have upon arriving is the stunning array of colorful flowers, such as wild daisies, sunflowers, and peonies, that fill the landscape. A highlight is the sunflower path that shines golden under the brilliant sunlight.

The KoTam Ecological Zone stands out for its unique cultural heritage, showcasing traditional stilt houses, elephant worship ceremonies, and annual gong festivals. With its majestic yet rustic beauty, this ecological zone will surely leave a lasting impression. Visitors can easily snap stunning photos in this picturesque setting, making it a perfect spot for social media.

Location: 789 Pham Van Dong, Ea Tu, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province