35 places to discover
Ako Dhong Village, also called Buon Ako Dhong, is a traditional Ede ethnic village located in Tan Loi Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province. Situated about 2 km from the city center, it is notable for preserving authentic Ede longhouses (nha dai) within an urban setting. The village offers insight into Central Highlands indigenous architecture, matrilineal culture, and community life, and remains inhabited by Ede families.
Bai Mon Beach is a crescent-shaped sandy beach in Hoa Tam Commune, Dong Hoa Ward, about 35 km southeast of Tuy Hoa in Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province). Nestled between Mui Dien (Dai Lanh Cape) and Hon Nua, it is noted for clear turquoise water, fine sand, and an undeveloped natural setting. The beach lies directly below Mui Dien Lighthouse and is recognized as a scenic coastal attraction near Vietnam's easternmost mainland point.
Bai Xep Beach is a small, relatively undeveloped beach located about 14 km north of Tuy Hoa city in Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province). It features golden sand, clear turquoise water and distinctive black basalt rock formations beside a traditional fishing village. The beach gained national attention as a filming location for the film Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass and is noted for its tranquil, scenic and unspoiled coastal landscape.
Bao Dai Palace in Buon Ma Thuot is a historic residence of Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty, located in central Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province. Built between 1950 and 1952 in French colonial style, the single-storey wooden villa served as his retreat and working residence during visits to the Central Highlands. Set within landscaped gardens, it preserves original furniture, artifacts and photographs reflecting imperial life and regional history.
Bao Dai Villa at Lak Lake is a historic hilltop residence overlooking Lak Lake in Lien Son town, Lak District, about 56 km south of Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak Province. Built in 1951 as a retreat for Emperor Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, the villa features French colonial architecture with local influences. Set within gardens on a high point above the lake, it offers panoramic views and insight into the region's history and Central Highlands landscape.
Buon Don Village, also called Ban Don, is a traditional settlement on the Srepok River in Buon Don District, about 40 km northwest of Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak Province. It is notable as the historic center of elephant hunting and taming in the Central Highlands and for the culture of the M'Nong, Ede and Lao communities. The village features traditional long houses, suspension bridges and proximity to Yok Don National Park.
Buon Ma Thuot Prison is a preserved colonial-era prison in central Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Built by the French administration in 1930-1931, it was used to detain political prisoners and is now designated a Special National Relic. The site retains original walls, cells, shackles and exhibitions, offering insight into its architecture and historical role in the region.
Chop Chai Mountain is a 394-meter-high peak located northwest of central Tuy Hoa in Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen). Recognized as a distinctive natural landmark visible across the city, it offers panoramic views over Tuy Hoa, the Da Rang River and the East Sea. The mountain is accessible via a paved road and hiking trails to the summit, where visitors find a broad viewpoint and telecommunications facilities. It is a popular local site for hiking, sightseeing and photography.
Chu Yang Sin National Park is a large protected area in Krong Bong and Lak districts, about 60 km southeast of Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak Province. Centered on Mount Chu Yang Sin (2,442 m), the highest peak in Dak Lak, it covers nearly 59,000 hectares of primary evergreen and coniferous forest. Notable for high biodiversity, endemic flora and fauna, and landscapes of mountains, rivers and waterfalls, it is a major trekking and nature destination in the Central Highlands.
Da Bia Mountain, also known as Thach Bi Son, is a 706-meter granite peak in Hoa Xuan Nam Commune, Dong Hoa Town, about 30 km south of Tuy Hoa in Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen). Notable for a large flat rock resembling a stele on its summit, it overlooks Vung Ro Bay and the East Sea. The mountain is a recognized national scenic site and a symbol of Phu Yen, attracting hikers for its views and historical legend.
Dak Lak Museum is a modern provincial museum located at 12 Le Duan Street in Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, in Vietnam's Central Highlands. Housed in a building inspired by traditional Ede long houses and communal architecture, it is notable for its comprehensive exhibitions on regional biodiversity, ethnic cultures, and history. The museum displays over 1,000 artifacts and multimedia exhibits representing the 47 ethnic groups of Dak Lak.
Dray Nur Waterfall is a major waterfall on the Srepok River on the border of Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces, located in Dray Sap Commune, Krong Ana District, about 26 km south of Buon Ma Thuot City. It is the largest of the three waterfalls on the Srepok River system, approximately 250 meters wide and over 30 meters high. Notable for its wide cascade over basalt cliffs, surrounding dry dipterocarp forest, and accessible viewing areas.
Ea Kao Lake is a large artificial freshwater lake located about 12 km southeast of Buon Ma Thuot city center in Dak Lak Province, Central Highlands of Vietnam. Created as an irrigation reservoir, it covers approximately 120 hectares with surrounding hills and forests. The lake is notable for its calm waters, scenic landscape, and role in local water supply and agriculture, serving as a popular recreational area for residents and visitors.
Ganh Den Lighthouse is a small coastal lighthouse at Ganh Den cape in An Ninh Dong Commune, Tuy An District, about 30 km north of Tuy Hoa in Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen). Located near the famous Ganh Da Dia basalt columns, it features a distinctive red-and-white tower overlooking the East Sea. The active navigation aid guides local fishing boats and offers panoramic sea views, making it a popular stop for sightseeing and photography.
Ghenh Da Dia is a famous coastal geological formation in An Ninh Dong, Tuy An District, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province), about 35 km north of Tuy Hoa city. It is notable for thousands of interlocking hexagonal and polygonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Recognized as a National Natural Heritage site in 1998, it is one of Vietnam's most distinctive natural landmarks and a major sightseeing attraction along the central coast.
Hon Nua Island is a small uninhabited coastal island at the foot of Ca Pass on the border between Dak Lak (formerly Phu Yen) and Khanh Hoa provinces. Located in Vung Ro Bay off Hoa Xuan Nam Commune, Dong Hoa, it is notable for its rocky cliffs, clear turquoise water, pebble beaches, and historic lighthouse. The island is valued for its pristine natural landscape and panoramic views of Vung Ro Bay and the mainland.
Jun Village (Buon Jun) is a traditional M'Nong ethnic village located on the shore of Lak Lake in Lien Son town, Lak District, Dak Lak Province, about 56 km south of Buon Ma Thuot. Known for its long stilt houses, dugout canoes and cultural heritage, the village offers insight into Central Highlands traditions. It is a popular base for exploring Lak Lake and experiencing local architecture, crafts, gong music and community-based tourism.
Khai Doan Pagoda (Chua Sac Tu Khai Doan) is the largest Buddhist pagoda in Dak Lak Province, located in central Buon Ma Thuot City. Built in 1951, it was the last pagoda commissioned under the Nguyen Dynasty. Notable for its architecture blending Hue imperial style with Central Highlands long-house elements, it features wooden structures, curved tile roofs, and extensive grounds with gardens and statues.
Ko Tam Ecotourism Area is a cultural and nature-based attraction located in Ea Tu Commune, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province in Vietnam's Central Highlands. Spread over several hectares, it combines landscaped gardens, lakes, and traditional Ede longhouses to showcase local ethnic culture. The site is notable for its preserved stilt houses, botanical collections, and community-based tourism activities offering insight into Central Highlands heritage near the city center.
Krong Kmar Waterfall is a natural waterfall located in Krong Kmar town, Krong Bong District, about 60 km southeast of Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak Province. Situated at the foot of Chu Yang Sin Mountain, the highest peak in the Central Highlands, the waterfall is fed by the Krong Kmar River. It is known for its forested setting, rocky cascades and relatively undeveloped natural environment within the Chu Yang Sin area.
Lak Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Dak Lak Province and the second largest natural lake in Vietnam, located in Lien Son Township, Lak District, about 56 km south of Buon Ma Thuot. Surrounded by low hills and forests, it covers about 6.2 sq km and is notable for its scenic landscape, traditional M'Nong villages, dugout canoes, and the former Bao Dai Palace overlooking the water.
Mang Lang Church is a historic Catholic church located in An Thach Commune, Tuy An District, about 35 km north of Tuy Hoa in Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province). Built in 1892 in Gothic style, it is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam. It is notable for its faded grey facade, wooden interior, and as the place preserving the first book printed in romanized Vietnamese by Alexandre de Rhodes in 1651.
Mui Dien Lighthouse is a historic coastal lighthouse on Cape Dai Lanh in Hoa Tam Commune, Dong Hoa Town, about 35 km southeast of Tuy Hoa in Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province). Built in 1890 on a hill about 110 meters above sea level, it marks the easternmost point of mainland Vietnam. Notable for its French colonial architecture, sunrise views over the East Sea, and panoramic vistas of Bai Mon Beach and Vung Ro Bay.
Nghinh Phong Tower is a contemporary landmark at Nguyen Huu Tho Square on the coast of Tuy Hoa City, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province). Inaugurated in November 2021, the twin-tower structure is inspired by the basalt columns of Ghenh Da Dia and the legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co. Standing 35 and 30 meters tall with 50 stacked stone blocks, it has become an iconic symbol of the region and winner of the 2023 Asian Townscape Award.
Nhan Tower is a 12th-century Cham Hindu temple tower atop Nhan Mountain in Tuy Hoa, Dak Lak Province, overlooking the Da Rang River and Tuy Hoa city. Built of fired bricks in classic Cham architectural style, the 23.5-meter tower is dedicated to Shiva and is among the best-preserved Cham towers in central Vietnam. Recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Relic in 1988, it is the cultural symbol of Tuy Hoa and offers panoramic city and river views.
O Loan Lagoon is a large brackish lagoon in Tuy An District, about 22 km north of Tuy Hoa city in Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province). Covering about 1,570 hectares, it is formed where the Cai River meets the sea and is enclosed by low hills. Notable for calm waters, aquaculture rafts and scenic sunsets, it is recognized as a National Scenic Landscape of Vietnam and is famous for seafood such as oysters and blood cockles.
Sacred Heart Cathedral, also known as Ban Me Thuot Cathedral, is the Roman Catholic cathedral of the Diocese of Ban Me Thuot located in central Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province. Built between 1958 and 1959, it serves as the religious center for Catholics in the Central Highlands. The cathedral is notable for its modern architecture blended with Central Highlands longhouse elements and its prominent location on Phan Chu Trinh Street.
Thuy Tien Waterfall is a three-tier cascade waterfall located in Ea Puk Commune, Krong Nang District, Dak Lak Province, about 56 km northeast of Buon Ma Thuot city. Set within forest and agricultural land, it features three successive falls with clear pools at each level. The site is known for its natural scenery, relatively undeveloped surroundings and association with a local Ede legend, attracting visitors seeking nature sightseeing and photography in the Central Highlands.
Trung Nguyen Coffee Village is a coffee-themed cultural attraction in Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak Province, known as the coffee capital of Vietnam. Developed by Trung Nguyen Legend Group, the village showcases the history, cultivation and culture of Vietnamese coffee, particularly Central Highlands robusta. Set on landscaped grounds with traditional houses, coffee gardens, a museum and tasting areas, it serves as an educational and leisure destination celebrating Vietnam's coffee heritage.
Tuy Hoa Beach is a long sandy urban beach stretching along the eastern edge of Tuy Hoa city in Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province) on Vietnam's south-central coast. Facing the East Sea, it is known for its wide shoreline, fine sand, and views of Nhan Mountain and Chop Chai Mountain. The beach forms the city's main coastal recreation area and is adjacent to the city centre and coastal park.
Van Hoa Plateau is a highland area at about 400 meters elevation in Son Hoa District, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province), about 40 km northwest of Tuy Hoa city. Known for its cool climate, red basalt soil and agricultural landscapes, the plateau features flower farms, fruit gardens and rural scenery. It is a popular day-trip destination for sightseeing, photography and experiencing highland farming life.
Vung Ro Bay is a sheltered natural bay on the south-central coast of Vietnam in Hoa Xuan Nam Commune, Dong Hoa, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province). Enclosed by Deo Ca Pass, Hon Ba mountains and Hon Nua Island, it features clear turquoise water, small sandy beaches and fishing villages. Notable for its scenic mountain-fringed seascape and as a former secret supply port on the Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea, it is now a National Historic Relic site.
The World Coffee Museum is a specialty museum in Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, the coffee capital of Vietnam. Located on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street in Tan Loi Ward, it is part of the Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee City project and opened in November 2018. The museum houses more than 10,000 coffee-related artifacts from the Jens Burg collection, showcasing global coffee history and culture through distinctive architecture inspired by Central Highlands longhouses and modern exhibition design.
Yang Prong Tower is a 13th-century Cham brick tower located in Ea Rok Commune, Ea Sup District, about 100 km northwest of Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak Province. It is the only Cham tower in Vietnam's Central Highlands and is recognized as a national historical-cultural relic. Built to worship Shiva, the tower features classic Cham architecture with a square base and tapering roof, set in a forested area near the Ea H'Leo River.
Yok Don National Park is Vietnam's largest national park, spanning about 115,545 hectares across Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces near the Cambodian border, about 40 km northwest of Buon Ma Thuot. Established in 1991-1992, it protects the country's largest remaining dry deciduous dipterocarp forest along the Srepok River. It is notable for its biodiversity, including Asian elephants, gaur, and diverse birdlife, and for its distinctive seasonal forest landscape.