With awe-inspiring scenery, rich cultural diversity, and world-renowned coffee plantations, Dak Lak guarantees an unforgettable adventure. If you consider traveling to this enchanting destination, let us be your personalized trip advisor. Our Dak Lak travel guide is filled with exclusive tips and insights to ensure that your visit is nothing short of extraordinary.
Where is Dak Lak?
Dak Lak province is right in the heart of the Central Highlands. It serves as the source of the Serepok river system and is also part of the Ba river. When you’re in Dak Lak, you’ll find Gia Lai province to the north, Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa to the east, Lam Dong and Dak Nong to the south, and Cambodia to the west. Dak Lak is 517 km from Hanoi, 544 km from Da Nang, and about 360 km from Ho Chi Minh city
When is the best time to visit Dak Lak?
Dak Lak experiences two distinct seasons, with a pronounced rainy season from May to October, and a dry season from November to April of the following year. The average temperature throughout the year is around 24 degrees Celsius.
One of the most beautiful times to visit Dak Lak is towards the end of November. By this time, the rainy season has passed, and the weather becomes pleasant, with clear and cool autumn skies. The waterfalls still flow abundantly, adding to the scenic charm of the region.
The early months of the year also offer comfortable weather for exploration. Towards the end of February and the beginning of March, you can witness the blooming season of coffee flowers, while April showcases vibrant red rice flower blossoms adorning the hills and mountains. November welcomes the season of wild sunflowers).
During the summer season in the Central Highlands, there are occasional afternoon showers, but they tend to dissipate quickly. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your sightseeing activities during the morning hours to make the most of your visit.
How to go to Dak Lak?
Buon Ma Thuot, the city of Dak Lak, is considered the central hub of the Central Highlands. It can be reached by various means of transportation, including flights, cars, buses, or motorbikes, depending on your point of departure.
Traveling by plane
Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways all offer flights to Buon Ma Thuot. Round-trip ticket prices range from 800,000 to 1,000,000 VND if flying from Ho Chi Minh City, with a flight duration of approximately 60 minutes. For direct flights from Hanoi, the travel time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes, with round-trip ticket prices averaging around 2,000,000 VND.
Traveling by coach
If you prefer traveling by coach, ticket prices from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot range from 200,000 to 400,000 Vietnamese dong, while departing from Hanoi would cost around 600,000 Vietnamese dong. The journey takes approximately 8 hours from Ho Chi Minh City and slightly over a day from Hanoi.
Booking directly can sometimes be difficult because of the language barrier. If you want a more convenient option, you can book online with Bookaway.
- Book bus/flight ticket from Ho Chi Minh city to Buon Ma Thuot
- Book flight ticket from Hanoi to Buon Ma Thuot
- Book flight ticket from Da Nang to Buon Ma Thuot
Traveling by motorcycle
For those seeking the freedom to make stops along the way, traveling by car or motorcycle is an option. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you would follow National Highway 14. The road conditions are generally good, so there’s no need to worry too much. However, it’s always advisable to thoroughly check your vehicle and learn how to ride in Vietnam before embarking on the journey.
How to move around Dak Lak?
Motorcycle
Renting a motorbike in Dak Lak is a popular choice for tourists. It offers flexibility to explore at your own pace, discover scenic routes, and have an authentic experience. It is a cost-effective option and adds a sense of adventure to your journey. Just make sure to have a valid license, wear safety gear, and follow local traffic rules for a safe and enjoyable ride.
| Unit Name | Phone | Address | Manual Bike Rental Price | Scooter Rental Price |
| Gia Minh | 0903 613 343 | 315 Y Jut Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, Daklak | 60,000 VND/day | N/A |
| Anh Cuong | 0984 222 441 | 575 Le Duan Street, Ea Tam Ward, Buôn Ma Thuot City, Daklak | 100,000 VND/day | 120,000 VND/day |
| Gia Đinh | 0262 3812 148 | 1 Hùng Vương Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak | 100,000 VND/day | 120,000 VND/day |
| HP | 0911 302 302 | 92 Ho Tung Mau Street, Tan Tien, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak | 100,000 – 120,000 VND/day | N/A |
| Dam San Hotel | 0262 385 123 | 212 Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak | 100,000 VND/day | 120,000 VND/day |
| Anh Hung | 0915 106 235 – 0912 215 767 | 53/14B Le Duan Street, Tu An, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak | 100,000 – 120,000 VND/day | N/A |
| Anh Tom | 0985 088 552 | 33 Nguyen Kim Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak | 100,000 VND/day | 120,000 VND/day |
| Rental Motorbikes in Buon Ma Thuot City, – Daklak | 0944 070 044 | 593 Le Duan Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak | 100,000 VND/day | 120,000 VND/day |
| Truong Sơn | 0986 440 707 | 30 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak | 100,000 VND/day | 120,000 VND/day |
| Bac Tien | 0913 458 537 | Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak | 100,000 VND/day | 120,000 VND/day |
| Hai Yen | 0949 909 198 | 95/2 No Trang Guh Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak | 100,000 VND/day | 120,000 VND/day |
| H & T | 0915 106 235 | Alley 40 Hung Vuong, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak | 80,000 – 100,000 VND/day | 130,000 – 140,000 VND/day |
| Anh Phong | 0848 792 379 | 24 Luong The Vinh Street, Tan Tien, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak | 100,000 VND/day | 120,000 VND/day |
Taxi
If you are going in groups, a taxi would be a good choice for you. Not only it can be a cost-effective option when splitting the fare among multiple passengers but it also offer you a reliable and efficient way to reach specific destinations
- Mai Linh Taxi: 0262.3819 819
- Dak Lak Taxi: 0262.3818181
- Quyet Tien Taxi: 0262.3813813
- Vinasun Taxi: 0262.3677677
- Hoang Anh Taxi: 0262.3656565
- Ban Me Taxi: 0262.3979979
- Ban Me Xanh Taxi: 0262.6272727
- Tien Sa Dak Lak: 0262.3929292
Bus
Traveling by bus is not only convenient but also budget-friendly. You’ll find well-established bus routes that connect various attractions and towns within Dak Lak, making it easy to plan your itinerary.
What to do for the first time in Dak Lak?
Buon Don Tourist Area
Located over 50 km away from Buon Ma Thuot city, this place attracts many tourists from both within and outside the country. It’s known as the “elephant domain” of the Central Highlands, famous for its traditional elephant hunting, taming, and nurturing.
At Buon Don, you’ll hear fascinating stories about mahouts (elephant caretakers) and have the chance to explore ancient stilt houses that are over a hundred years old. Don’t miss the unique architecture of the tomb of the legendary elephant hunter, Ama Kong. You can even feed the elephants and take photos under the supervision of the caretakers.
It’s an incredible experience to get up close with these magnificent creatures and learn about their history and conservation efforts. So, make sure to include a visit to Buon Don in your itinerary and create unforgettable memories with the elephants.
Lak Lake
Lak Lake is the second-largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, just after Ba Be Lake in Ban Kan province. This beautiful lake is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and pristine forests. If you visit Lak Lake around 4:30 PM, you’ll witness a stunning sunset reflecting on the lake’s surface.
One of the highlights of this tourist attraction is the traditional dugout canoes, which are a distinctive means of transportation in the Central Highlands. That’s why the most exciting activity here is taking a dugout canoe tour around the lake, enjoying the scenic views, and even going for a swim.
Serepok River
The Serepok River flows into Cambodia before joining the mighty Mekong River and eventually returning to Vietnam. With a length of 406 kilometers, this river boasts magnificent rapids and untouched beauty, making it a captivating destination for tourists.
The Serepok River is formed by the Krong Kno and Krong Anariversr. What’s intriguing is that these two rivers run parallel to each other, but one appears deep red throughout the year while the other always remains a shimmering green.
Ancient Pottery Village
Just under 10 kilometers away from Lak Lake is the Yang Tao village, the only place in the Central Highlands that preserves the ancient pottery craft of the M’nong Rlam people. Coming here, visitors can delve into the art of traditional handmade pottery and even purchase affordable ceramic products as souvenirs.
Yang Praong Tower
Unlike the Cham towers scattered along the central coast, the Yang Praong Tower offers a unique experience nestled amidst lush forests, with babbling streams, melodious bird songs, and vibrant golden wildflower
The mentioned tourist attractions are ideal for a short trip to Dak Lak. However, if you intend to extend your stay be sure to read our article and uncover more of the hidden gems of Dak Lak.
What to eat in Dak Lak?
Venison
Venison is now considered a specialty dish and is mostly found in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Venison is said to be leaner and more tender than beef, commonly served in most mountainous restaurants in the Central Highlands. Venison can be prepared into a variety of delicious dishes that will make your mouth water just by hearing their names, such as grilled venison, venison dipped in vinegar, venison stir-fry, pan-fried venison ribs, and dried venison.
Sour Soup with Snakehead Fish
Snakehead fish is a highly renowned fish dish in Buon Ma Thuot in particular and in the Central Highlands province in general. Sour soup with snakehead fish is a delicious and tangy dish that combines the sourness with the tasty flavor of the fish. Moreover, it has a great cooling effect, making it perfect for hot summer days.
Red Vermicelli
Red vermicelli is a specialty of this highland city. The name of the dish originates from a bowl of vermicelli with the characteristic red color of the broth. This dish combines various ingredients, such as crab bricks, quail eggs, and various vegetables. You can enjoy this popular dish at a street food stall located at the corner of Le Duan – Phan Dinh Giit Street.
Coffee
Dak Lak is renowned for its exceptional coffee production. The region’s coffee plantations yield high-quality beans that are favored by coffee connoisseurs around the world. Don’t forget to indulge in coffee at the place known as the capital of this beverage.
Stem liquor (Rượu Cần)
Dak Lak is also renowned for its unique alcoholic beverage called stem liquor. This is a traditional drink that has been enjoyed by the local ethnic communities for generations.
When visiting Dak Lak, you can experience the local culture by trying stem liquor at traditional festivals or by visiting local villages where this traditional beverage is produced. It offers a chance to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and flavors of the region.
Here are our recommended local delicacies to savor during a brief trip to Dak Lak. However, if you find yourself with additional time, we encourage you to peruse our latest blog post for an extensive selection of delectable dishes awaiting your exploration 10 Delicious Dak Lak Local Foods to Enjoy
Hotels in Dak Lak
If you have selected a single destination, it is advisable to seek motels or hotels in close proximity to that location. However, if you have a desire to explore more of Dak Lak, here are some accommodations situated near the city center that provide excellent quality at reasonable prices. It is recommended to make your accommodation bookings approximately 2-3 weeks in advance to secure room availability and avoid peak season rates.
- Muong Thanh Luxury Buon Ma Thuot Hotel 5*: 81 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Tan An Ward, Buon Ma Thuot
- Dakruco Hotel 4*: 30 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Buon Ma Thuot
- Thanh Mai Hotel 3*: 170 Ngo Quyen, Tan An Ward, Buon Ma Thuot
- Bazan Xanh Hotel 2*: 2/5 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Tan Loi Ward, Buon Ma Thuot
How long should you stay in Dak Lak?
For an optimal Dak Lak travel experience, we suggest planning a weekend getaway of 3 days and 2 nights. However, if you have extra time or happen to visit during the vibrant festival season, extending your stay to 4-5 days will allow for a more immersive exploration of the region. This extended duration enables you to discover a wider range of captivating attractions, actively participate in local activities, and, of course, indulge in the delectable offerings of the local cuisine.
On average, a 3-day, 2-night tour in Dak Lak typically incurs an estimated cost of 1,400,000 VND per person. This budget covers various essential expenses such as food, transportation, and sightseeing, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable journey.
ATM and Money Exchange in Dak Lak
Dak Lak is a bustling city with a wide network of ATMs conveniently located along the main roads. Major banks such as Agribank, Vietcombank, and Sacombank are also present in the area. When it comes to payment methods, you’ll find various options accepted here, and some tourist sites even offer card payment facilities. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to carry some cash, particularly for small purchases at local stalls or when venturing into remote areas.
If you need to exchange currency, you can find reliable exchange services at selected resorts and hotels in Dak Lak. However, it’s recommended to exchange your money in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City before your trip to Dak Lak for added security and peace of mind. By doing so, you’ll be well-prepared for any situation that may arise during your visit.
Local Emergency Contact for Tourists in Dak Lak
- Emergency Rescue: Dial 112
- Police: 113
- Fire Department: 114
- Ambulance and Medical support: 115
- Remember to save your hotel/homestays phone number in case of emergency
Other notes to ensure a wonderful trip beside of this Dak Lak travel guide
- If visiting during the dry season, it’s important to bring lightweight and breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the warm weather. Also, don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun’s rays with sunscreen.
- For trips during the rainy season, it’s advisable to pack a light jacket or raincoat
- As you’ll be doing a lot of traveling, including possible forest crossings, it’s recommended to wear comfortable and sturdy sports shoes
- It’s advisable to carry high-calorie snacks to keep you fueled and maintain your energy levels during your explorations
- Remember to have a tube of insect repellent or spray in your backpack, as Dak Lak’s attractions are often surrounded by mountains, rivers, streams, and forests and there may be many insects and mosquitoes
- Better have Viettel SIM Card to ensure a reliable means of communication throughout your trip and stay connected even in remote areas. Read more at Complete guide to pick Vietnam SIM Card for travelers
- Dak Lak is well-known for its stunning landscapes and mouth-watering cuisine. However, it’s important to be cautious when trying unfamiliar foods to avoid getting an upset stomach. It’s advisable to bring some extra stomach ache medicine and thoroughly check the reviews of the dishes.
- The locals in Dak Lak are extremely friendly and trustworthy, so there’s no need to worry about being deceived.
