Dak Lak, situated in Vietnam’s South Central Coast and Central Highlands, is the nation’s third-largest province after Lam Dong and Gia Lai. With a 189-kilometer stretch of coastline and pristine nature reserves, it is the place where the mainland’s earliest sunrise can be witnessed.

Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Dak Lak is renowned for the vibrant festivals of its ethnic minority communities. The unique convergence of highlands and coastline has fostered a distinctive “sea-forest” cultural and ecological tourism corridor. This axis offers diverse experiences, from ecotourism and adventure travel to community-based cultural immersion, agricultural production, and luxurious beach resorts.

The province’s culinary heritage is equally captivating. Dak Lak boasts a rich gastronomic culture highlighted by Buon Ma Thuot coffee, Cần wine, fresh ocean tuna, and Song Cau lobster. Dak Lak’s Xuan Dai Bay, once a major lobster farming region in Vietnam, was got destroyed by a devastating flood in late 2025 and is currently being reconstructed. These specialties have earned acclaim both within Vietnam and internationally, leaving visitors with unforgettable flavors and lasting impressions.

Dak Lak does not have any golf courses yet…stay tuned for future projects in this spectacular province!

Established in 1992, Yok Don National Park lies about 40 kilometers northwest of Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak. As Vietnam’s second largest national park, it holds the distinction of being the country’s only protected area preserving deciduous dry dipterocarp (DDF) forests. This unique ecosystem is defined by broad tree canopies, abundant grasslands, and a remarkable diversity of endemic species. Each year, the forest sheds its leaves during the dry season (November – April), only to burst back into life with the heavy rains during May – October.

Yok Don is a sanctuary of extraordinary biodiversity. It shelters 89 species of mammals, 305 species of birds, 16 species of amphibians, 48 species of reptiles, 858 species of plants, hundreds of freshwater fish species, and thousands of insect species. Many are listed on the IUCN Red List, underscoring the park’s importance to global conservation. Wild elephants, buffaloes, and gaur roam freely in the deep forests. With its ecological richness, the park has significant biodiversity value for the Central Highlands and the nation.

Among the countless waterfalls of the Central Highlands, this complex of three interconnected cascades reigns as one of the most breathtaking.

Nestled in Kuop Hamlet, Ea Na Commune, just 25 km from Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak, Drai Nur Waterfall is steeped in legend. It is said to be the meeting place of Krong No (the male river) and Krong Na (the female river), whose union gave birth to the legendary Serepok River.

Stretching over 250 meters in length, rising more than 30 meters in elevation, and spanning about 150 meters wide, Drai Nur dazzles with cascades of white foam and mist. The highlight for adventurers is the vast 3,000 m² cave hidden behind the waterfall. Passing through the curtain of water, visitors are bathed in shimmering light before entering the cave’s mysterious darkness. From within, the view of walls of water crashing down and dim light illuminating uniquely shaped rocks creates a surreal experience.

Also located in Ea Na Commune, Dray Sap Thuong offers both natural splendor and historical resonance. It is named after King Gia Long of the Nguyen Dynasty, in association with his expedition through the Central Highlands. Measuring roughly 100 meters wide and over 30 meters high, the waterfall empties into a serene lake at its base, dotted with uniquely shaped rocks that resemble untouched oases in a vast sea.

Encircled by primeval forest, Dray Sap Thuong radiates a wild, majestic beauty.

Drai Nur – Dray Sap Thuong is a large waterfall complex boasting the wild and majestic beauty of the Central Highlands, a must-visit stop for tourists visiting Dak Lak.

Located about 46 km northwest of Buon Ma Thuot, Buon Don Ecotourism Village invites travelers to enjoy picnics, sightseeing, and overnight stays in guesthouses inspired by traditional Ede longhouse architecture. Visitors can immerse themselves in gong culture, stroll across suspension bridges to admire the scenic landscape, and savor local specialties at lakeside or treehouse-style restaurants.

Set on the shores of Lak Lake, 56 km from Buon Ma Thuot, Buon Jun is considered one of the most beautiful ancient villages in the Central Highlands. This Mnong village preserves its traditional cultural identity while offering a gateway to the pristine, majestic nature of the region. Its authenticity and charm make it an ideal destination for cultural exploration and eco-adventures.

Just 2 km northwest of Buon Ma Thuot lies Buon Ako Dhong, founded in 1956 by Y Diem Nie (Ama Hrin) from M’Drak. In the Ede language, “Ako Dhong” means “headwater valley,” a name that reflects its fertile land and scenic beauty. The village is known for its prosperous community life and vibrant cultural festivals. Along its roads, visitors encounter longhouses with red-tiled rooves and rows of tea bushes, creating a picturesque setting that draws tourists seeking both tradition and tranquility.

Brocade weaving is a distinctive cultural tradition of ethnic groups in the Central Highlands, including the Ede, M’nong, and Jrai. Their artisans create exquisite products such as shirts, loincloths, scarves, bags, and carpets. Each piece is adorned with unique patterns and crafted with exceptional skill, reflecting both artistic creativity and cultural identity.

“Cần” wine (a local liquor drinking with tubes) holds a special place in the life of Central Highlands communities. It is an essential drink during festivals and a symbol of hospitality for honored guests. Made from purple or white glutinous rice combined with traditional yeast, the wine is fermented in earthenware jars and sealed with dried banana leaves. The result is a cloudy yellow beverage with a distinctive balance of spicy warmth and sweet richness, embodying the spirit of the highland people.

Located on Phan Dinh Giot Street in Buon Ma Thuot, the Dak Lak Museum was inaugurated in 2008 and features three main exhibition spaces with around 1,000 artifacts, including Biodiversity Exhibition – showcasing the rich natural environment of Dak Lak; Ethnic Culture Exhibition – highlighting the traditions and lifestyles of local communities; History Exhibition – tracing the province’s historical journey.

Especially noteworthy, this is the first museum in Vietnam to present its exhibitions in four languages: Vietnamese, French, English, and Ede. With its modern architecture and comprehensive display methods, the museum has become a cultural landmark attracting both domestic and international visitors.

Situated within the “Coffee City Project” on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, just 1.5 km from the Six-Way Intersection in Buon Ma Thuot, the World Coffee Museum was established in 2018 by Trung Nguyen Legend Group. Designed as a global coffee cultural heritage museum, it houses artifacts collected from many countries, including more than 10,000 tools and utensils for coffee processing and brewing, originally from the Jens Burg Museum in Hamburg, Germany. This museum offers visitors a fascinating journey into the history, culture, and artistry of coffee worldwide.

Built in 1989 and located at 151 Tran Phu Street in Tuy Hoa, the Phu Yen Museum is a cultural institution that reflects the province’s past, revolutionary struggles, and contemporary life. It also serves as a venue for performances of intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can explore exhibits that illuminate the history and traditions of the ethnic groups who have lived in Phu Yen across different eras, making it a meaningful stop for those interested in Vietnam’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Gongs are sacred instruments deeply woven into the cultural and spiritual life of the Central Highlands’ ethnic groups. Their resonant sound accompanies weddings, new rice harvest celebrations, water source worship, and funeral rites, serving as prayers offered to the gods. In 2005, the Central Highlands Gong Culture Space was inscribed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and later transferred to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.

T’Rung is a traditional percussion instrument of ethnic groups such as the Ede, Jrai, and M’nong. Crafted from bamboo or reed tubes, it comes in two variations: high-pitched and low-pitched. T’Rung is closely associated with the spiritual life, festivals, and activities of the Central Highlands ethnic communities.

Lithophone is an ancient musical treasure—a set of eight stone xylophones discovered in 1992 at Nui Mot, Trung Luong village, Tuy An Tay commune. Dating back approximately 2,500 years, this instrument is considered by scientists to possess the most complete musical scale among all stone xylophones found in Vietnam to date. It stands as a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and artistry of early communities in the region.

Located in Tuy An Dong Commune, Ganh Da Dia is a striking natural wonder of Vietnam’s coastline. Spanning about 50 meters in width and stretching over 200 meters long, the site captivates visitors with its rare geological formations. Research shows that the cliff’s unique basalt columns were created millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions, resulting in perfectly arranged rock layers that resemble giant stacks of plates.

On December 31st, 2020, Ganh Da Dia was officially recognized as a Special National Monument, affirming its significance as both a geological treasure and a cultural landmark. Today, it stands as one of the most iconic destinations in the province, drawing travelers with its dramatic beauty and scientific importance.

Nghinh Phong Stone Tower is located at the intersection of Nguyen Huu Tho Avenue and Độc Lập Street in Bình Kiến Ward. Built in 2020, its name carries the meaning of “welcoming the wind.” The structure consists of two towers—one 35 meters high and the other 30 meters—often referred to as the “twin towers.”

Beyond its striking architecture, Tháp Nghinh Phong stands as a cultural symbol, embodying historical values and the proud traditions of the Vietnamese people.

Also known as Dien Cape, Dai Lanh Cape – Bai Mon Beach is located in Dong Be Village, Hoa Xuan Commune. In the late 19th century, French officer Varella discovered the site and marked its importance on global maritime maps.

Dai Lanh Cape forms the southernmost tip of the Dai Lanh mountain range, itself a branch of the Truong Son range, and is the point on Vietnam’s mainland that extends furthest into the sea. From Bai Mon Beach, visitors can cross a freshwater stream and climb about 1,000 meters of steps to reach the lighthouse station.

The lighthouse, originally built by the French to guide ships entering Vung Ro Bay, was reconstructed in 1995 after the war. Today, it not only serves its navigational purpose but also enhances the natural scenery, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

Mui Dien offers a breathtaking panorama of mountains and sea, with the lighthouse rising in the distance. At its base lies Bai Mon Beach, a pristine stretch of sand ideal for overnight camping and for witnessing the first rays of sunrise on the Vietnamese mainland.

Located just 15 km north of Tuy Hoa, the Hon Yen Island Complex belongs to Nhon Hoi Village, O Loan Commune, and comprises Hon Yen, Hon Dun, Hon Choi, Vung Choi, Ban Than, and Ganh Yen. The centerpiece is Hon Yen, lying only a few hundred meters from the shore. Together with Hon Dun, it forms a romantic and picturesque coastal setting that enchants visitors.

The name Hon Yen (Swallows Islet) originates from the ancient tale of swallows that once flocked here to roost. Viewed from the sea, the island resembles a giant sail—an enduring symbol of the seafaring tradition and a guardian of the peaceful fishing village nearby.

Hon Yen is a geological marvel. Rising up to 70 meters, its basalt columns—black and reddish-brown hexagons aligned vertically and diagonally—were sculpted by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Geologists note that its formation is similar to the famous Ganh Da Dia (Disk Rock Cliff).

During early or late summer, when the tide recedes, visitors can walk across the exposed rocky beach along a natural path more than 20 meters long, connecting Hon Yen and Hon Dun. Beneath the clear blue waters, Hon Yen’s coral reefs shimmer in diverse shapes and colors, resembling dancers in a vibrant underwater performance. These reefs are considered among the rarest in Vietnam.

Beyond its natural beauty, Hon Yen offers rich community tourism experiences. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, explore coral reefs and lobster farming areas, walk along hillside trails, and learn traditional crafts such as bird’s nest harvesting and net weaving with local fishermen. And of course, no trip is complete without savoring the region’s fresh and delicious seafood.

Stretching along Doc Lap Road, Tuy Hoa Beach boasts dazzling white sand that is dozens of meters wide and extends for more than 10 kilometers. Lined with endless green pine forests, the beach offers a pristine environment and natural beauty that draws thousands of visitors daily. Tourists come here to swim, relax, and enjoy the lively atmosphere, while savoring the region’s famous and delicious seafood specialties.

Located in Tuy An Nam Commune, about 14 km north of Tuy Hoa, Xep Beach is framed by two rocky outcrops known as Ong (Grandfather) Cliff and Ba (Grandmother) Cliff. Shaped like a crescent moon, the beach exudes poetic charm and tranquility. Visitors can swim, take memorable photos, or wander onto Ong Cliff, where a breezy green meadow dotted with yellow wildflowers creates a picturesque setting that feels timeless and serene.

Dak Lak, celebrated as the “Coffee Capital” of Vietnam, boasts the world’s highest average coffee yield at 2.5 tons per hectare. This remarkable productivity has played a pivotal role in establishing Vietnam as the world’s second-largest coffee exporter.

The province is renowned for its specialty coffees, most notably Buon Ma Thuot coffee and the rare Dak Lak civet coffee. Predominantly Robusta, Dak Lak’s coffee is prized for its rich flavor, large-scale production, and deep cultural significance within the Central Highlands.

Each year, from February to March, the coffee blossom season transforms the landscape. Hillsides, plantations, and roads across Buon Ma Thuot are blanketed in white flowers, creating breathtaking scenery that highlights the beauty of the Central Highlands.

Coffee is more than a beverage here—it is a way of life. In the Buon Ma Thuot city center alone, the sheer number of coffee shops is so vast that visiting one per day would take an entire year.

Locals savor their coffee slowly, whether black or with milk, enjoying its strong, bold flavor. Traditional filtered coffee, brewed drop by drop with boiling water and served with ice, reflects the unhurried rhythm of life and the unique coffee culture of Vietnam.

Cần wine is one of the most renowned specialties of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Unlike distilled spirits, it is naturally fermented in earthenware jars and traditionally enjoyed through bamboo straws pierced with small holes.

The act of drinking cần wine is steeped in ritual. The host begins by opening the jar and offering prayers to the spirits, wishing health and good fortune for the guests. A symbolic sip is taken by the host before the straw is respectfully presented. The guest, in turn, receives the straw with both hands, gently rubs it along the stem, and then drink—an act that embodies hospitality.

Considered a precious beverage, cần wine is reserved for sacred occasions: religious ceremonies, village festivals, and the welcoming of honored guests.

Hybrid pork, a crossbreed between domestic pigs and wild boars, is a celebrated specialty of Kö Tam in Đắk Lắk. The meat is carefully marinated with natural spices to enhance its flavor.

The preparation is as unique as the taste: the pork is either steamed or placed inside fresh bamboo tubes and grilled over charcoal. This traditional cooking method infuses the meat with a subtle bamboo aroma while preserving its natural sweetness. The result is a dish that is crispy, chewy, fragrant, and irresistibly flavorful, offering visitors a truly distinctive culinary experience of the Central Highlands.

The Song Cau region is proudly known as Vietnam’s “Lobster Capital” thanks to its abundant harvests and exceptional quality. Famous for its firm, sweet meat, Song Cau lobster has become both a culinary treasure and a symbol of local pride.

In 2022, the area achieved a Guinness Vietnam Record for preparing 100 different dishes made from lobster, showcasing the creativity of its cuisine and the skill of its fishermen. Today, Song Cau lobster is not only a highlight of Vietnamese gastronomy but also a testament to the hard work and tradition of the coastal communities who bring it to the world’s table.

Humpback tuna is a versatile ingredient used in countless delicious dishes. Its firm, flavorful meat is especially popular among diners in Europe, Japan, and Taiwan. On July 29, 2022, the Vietnam Record Organization honored this culinary treasure by establishing a record for “101 dishes made from tuna,” showcasing the creativity and richness of Vietnamese coastal cuisine.

A renowned specialty of Vietnam’s coastal regions, this dish features tuna eyes steamed with traditional medicinal herbs. The result is a dish that is both flavorful and highly nutritious, reflecting the harmony of food and healing traditions.