Central Highland Vietnam: Unspoiled Beauty Destination to Visit
Central Highland is a land full of valleys, primitive forests and tiny ethnic minority groups that cling to their identity throughout mass settlement of the region. The rugged landscape of this area is an ideal location for those who want to explore the undisturbed scenery and remote societies of Vietnam. BestPrice Travel team shares 10 attractions with you to make your trip to Central of VietNam more fun and unforgettable.
Where is central highland Vietnam
Central Highlands, one of three sub-regions in Central Vietnam (the others are North Central and South Central Coast) is a broad plateau region. It, extending from north to south, contains 5 provinces, including Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong with a natural area of 54,474 km2, accounting for 16.8% of total national natural area.
In terms of geography, though Kon Tum shares western boundary with Laos, Cambodia, Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Dak Nong only share borders with Cambodia. Lam Dong is landlocked, but there is no international border.
Central Highland Vietnam
Best places to visit in central highland
Buon Ma Thuot
Buon Ma Thuot, capital of Dak Lak Province, is buried deep in Vietnam's lush green Central Highlands, where it acts as a gateway to the region's awe-inspiring natural wonders – its many secret waterfalls and Yok Don, the country's largest nature reserve. Buon Ma Thuot, home to more than 40 ethnic minorities, also shows rich cultural tapestry of the region.
Buon Me Thuot
Lak Lake - untamed beauty
As regards Dak Lak, the myth of Lake Lake is often described – one of the largest natural freshwater lakes linked to Krong Ana River is about 500 hectares, situated at an altitude of more than 500 meters above sea level. It is a remarkable eco-tourism destination for both domestic and foreign visitors, with romantic natural scenery of nearby mountains and forests. Apart from natural scenery, fresh air and experiences on the back of elephants, wooden boats with excursions to discover culture and character of M'nong villagers would make Lake an invaluable destination for tours to Dak Lak, in particular, and Central Highlands in general.
Lak Lake - untamed beauty in central highland
Dray Nur Waterfall - perfect picnic spot
Another short ride from Buon Ma Thuot is ruggedly spectacular Dray Nur Waterfall. It is famous for its purity and its amazing legends. Dray Nur, in local language, means a female or a female waterfall. From afar, Dray Nur provides a stunning view: a strong surge of water cascaded through rock face until it falls into the pool below. Waterfalls are most spectacular when the flow is at its highest, and sun's light is on the water. In villages around waterfall, you can witness everyday practices of E De ethnic minority people – rice grinding, brocade weaving or hunting equipment.
- Distance from center: 50km
- Entrance fee: 50,000 VND
- Opening time: 8:00 – 17:00
- Note: Not recommended for families having children under 12 years old
Dray Nur Waterfall - perfect picnic sport
Ako Dhong Eden Village - beautiful traditional wooden longhouses
Ako Dhong, an ancient village of Ede people, is situated in the city of Buon Me Thuot. This region is renowned for its wealth, and is sometimes referred to as "Tile House Village" or "Ama Rin Village." The area was set up by Ama Rin a long time ago, with featured Ede ethnic group longhouses and a vibrant green landscape all around. In addition, timber construction of houses and gardens that surround them provides balance with lush, green fields. As well as preserving local way of life, the village also retains local customs and traditional crafts such as weaving or brocade.
beautiful traditional wooden long houses in Ako Dhong Eden Village
Cat Tien National Park - home of endangered species & birds
Cat Tien National Park, located in Nam Cat Tien commune, Tan Phu district, Dong Nai province, is isolated by Dong Nai River from residential city. The region is classified as a biosphere reserve zone by UNESCO, one of six in Vietnam that aim to conserve remarkable species of fauna and flora inside this park. With aid of professional guides, over 100 types of mammals can be seen throughout the reserve. Some of 350 different species of bird or 400 different species of butterfly are more readily spotted. If you are a nature lover and love to discover natural plants and wildlife, Cat Tien National Park would be an unforgettable destination for your holiday in Vietnam.
- Things to do & see: Visiting botanical gardens & Cat Tien jungle - especially the magnificent and spectacular landscape of a 400-year-old Tung tree with an altitude of more than 8 metres, joining nightlife tour - rent a bike or stroll to see wildlife and visit spots where ethnic minorities live, reach Bau Sau - go sightseeing, trekking through jungle, sail across lake and watch crocodiles swim in lagoon,...
- Best time to go: From December to May
Cat Tien National Park
Kon Tum
Kon Tum Province is situated in the northernmost portion of Central Highlands Vietnam, with valleys, coffee plantations and hilltops over 1,000m in altitude. The area of Kon Tum is home to many ethnic minorities whose lives have been relatively untouched by far. You will therefore be greeted with breathtaking ethnic diversity, warm hospitality in remote mountain villages, exquisite rural landscapes and a trip through Vietnam's war-torn history.
Where to visit:
- Kontum Wooden Church - unique architecture and design that blends typical Vietnamese architecture with local architecture, Kon K'lor Communal House - the largest cultural group in highland region, a location where important local meetings and festivals are held,
- Chu Mom Ray National Park - a great ecosystem of nature and traditional ethnic communities of Highland Minorities,...
Kon Tum
Bien Ho in Pleiku
Bien Ho (Ocean Lake) in Pleiku, compared to precious Central Highland pearl, is just like a translucent saphir that brings cool fresh air to a sunny mountain town. The charm of this pine-lined lake is its untouched rugged elegance, untouched by urban developments. From early in the morning, the lake shows its elegance under rolling clouds that give way to midday sun and fresh mountain air. Flat, glassy water changes hue during the day, reflecting sky from light blue to golden as the sun sets. On the other side of lake, there are ethnic minorities who earn their livelihood by planting certain agricultural products, such as pumpkins, sweet potatoes, corn and bamboo shoots.
Bien Ho in Pleiku
Plei Chuet Montagnard Church
Plei Chuet Montagnard Church is another religious structure, this time a catholic one, with an unusual design. This church is constructed in a typical Rong House style of area. While much of the iconography of Church remains associated with Catholicism, it has been tweaked to be more in line with the style of indigenous people.
Plei chuet montagnard church
Phu Cuong Waterfall
Phu Cuong waterfall is always the best place to explore, situated on lava rock of a volcanic eruption, in Phu Cuong, Dun Commune, Chu Se, Gia Lai Province, about 45km southeast of Pleiku City. It possesses a fascinating and majestic elegance of the wild creatures from 45m high. Coming here, tourists will have an opportunity to admire breathtaking appearance of waterfall during rainy season, immerse themselves in poetic beauty that appears as a soft silk strip across forest during the dry season in Central Highlands, particularly riding an elephant to explore forest and swimming in La Peet stream.
Phu Cuoc waterfall
Yok Don National Park
The park covers a wide area of 115,000 hectares of protected woodland that looks wild and enchanting and alive with wildlife. They not only provide protection, but can also share specialist information and help to spot some of many species of wildlife hidden among trees. Moreover, it is home to several rare and endangered species and hundreds of colorful bird species. There are also four ethnic minority villages within the park, three of which can be reached by one of the guides.
- Other activities: Take a boat ride, trekking to Buddha Cascade , relax in a hammock and experience the sights and sounds of nature.
Yok Don National Park
Recommended central highland itinerary
Normally to visit all Central highland attractions it will take you at least 6 - 7 days. I will recommend you a short itinerary visit highlight of this area in 5 days:
Day 1 - Pleiku Arrival - explore Kon Tum city
Day 2 - Kon Tum – Kon Ko Tu Village Homestay
Day 3 - Kon Ko Tu Village - Buon Ma Thuot
Day 4 - Buon Ma Thuot - Yok Don National Park
Day 5 - Buon Ma Thuot - Lak Lake - departure
To plan a trip visit the central highland, you should connect your trip with other destinations in Vietnam like Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh. Our Vietnam package tours are available in many different tour types from budget to luxury, from easy to adventure ... Please do not hesitate to contact us if you could not find a suitable travel plan.
Minh Tam
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