Buon Ma Thuot

Written by Lorraine Aust, Minh Nguyen
15/08/2025
A solitary woman with a blue umbrella walks across rocky terrain surrounded by nature in Vietnam.
Nguyen Ngoc Tien, Pexels

Buon Ma Thuot, situated in Vietnam's Central Highlands, is widely recognized as the country's coffee capital, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in rich coffee culture and explore vast plantations. Beyond coffee, the destination captivates with its majestic waterfalls, serene lakes, and lush natural landscapes, offering a tranquil escape and opportunities for outdoor activities. The city also provides a deep dive into the unique traditions of its diverse ethnic minority groups.

While not a typical party destination, Buon Ma Thuot offers relaxed settings for social interaction. You can find opportunities to connect with others at local coffee shops like SOUL Roastery or within the unique ambiance of Trung Nguyen Coffee Village. The city's book street transforms into a laid-back evening spot with coffee shops and occasional performances, providing a casual place to socialize.

Top 5 Things to do in Buon Ma Thuot

Buon Ma Thuot offers a blend of immersive experiences, from exploring the heart of Vietnam's coffee culture to venturing into majestic natural landscapes and engaging with the unique traditions of ethnic minority groups.

1. Explore the World Coffee Museum

Stepping into the World Coffee Museum provides a deep dive into the global and local history of coffee. The unique architecture is a blend of modern design and traditional Ede longhouse elements, making it visually striking. Inside, visitors can wander through extensive exhibits showcasing coffee artifacts from around the world, learning about cultivation techniques, processing methods, and diverse brewing traditions. It is a compelling experience for any coffee enthusiast or cultural explorer, offering both educational insights and aesthetic pleasure. Sampling coffee within the museum's serene ambiance is a highlight.

Cost: Adult admission is approximately 150,000 VND. Special shows or immersive experiences, such as the 'Coffee Zen show' or 'Experience the 03 Coffee Civilizations show', cost extra, ranging from 599,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND.

Transport: The museum is conveniently located approximately 4.2 kilometers from Buon Ma Thuot city center. A taxi ride typically costs around 50,000 - 70,000 VND. Alternatively, a motorbike can be rented for about 150,000 VND per day, offering flexibility to explore nearby attractions.

2. Discover Dray Nur and Dray Sap Waterfalls

Visiting the Dray Nur and Dray Sap Waterfalls offers a refreshing escape into nature. These impressive cascades, often referred to as 'Husband and Wife Falls', are connected by a suspension bridge, allowing for an adventurous walk between them. Dray Nur, with its 40-meter curtain of water, crashes into an emerald pool, creating a magnificent misty scene. The surrounding rainforest environment is ideal for light trekking, picnicking, and capturing breathtaking photographs. Visitors can also explore a cave behind Dray Nur waterfall, adding a unique dimension to the experience.

Cost: The entrance fee for Dray Nur Waterfall is around 50,000 VND per adult , while Dray Sap Waterfall costs 80,000 VND per adult. A combined ticket might be available. Parking for motorbikes is typically 10,000 VND.

Transport: The waterfalls are located about 25-39 kilometers south of Buon Ma Thuot city center. A taxi ride can cost approximately 300,000 VND one-way. For a more independent journey, renting a motorbike for about 150,000 VND per day is a popular choice, allowing you to enjoy the scenic ride through coffee plantations. Public bus route number 13 from Nga Sau Xe Tang (Tank Roundabout) in Buon Ma Thuot city center goes to the entrance of the tourist area.

3. Immerse in Ede Culture at Ako Dhong Village

A visit to Ako Dhong Village offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Ede ethnic minority people. Located close to the city, this village is renowned for its well-preserved traditional longhouses with distinctive bamboo walls and floors. Wandering through the village provides an opportunity to observe local customs, admire unique handicrafts, and learn about the community's spiritual items and musical instruments. It is a peaceful experience that connects visitors with the rich cultural heritage of the Central Highlands.

Cost: Entrance to Ako Dhong Village is generally free. Costs would be incurred for purchasing handicrafts or engaging in specific cultural activities if offered by locals.

Transport: Ako Dhong Village is situated approximately 2 kilometers from Buon Ma Thuot city center, making it easily accessible. It is within walking distance or a short taxi ride, costing around 20,000 - 30,000 VND.

4. Experience a Coffee Farm Tour

To truly appreciate Buon Ma Thuot's identity as the coffee capital, embarking on a coffee farm tour is essential. These tours offer a comprehensive 'bean-to-cup' journey, where visitors can learn about the cultivation of Robusta and Arabica coffee beans, understand the differences between organic and conventional farming, and witness the various processing stages. Depending on the season (October to December for harvesting), there may be opportunities for hands-on participation in coffee care or harvesting. The experience culminates in a tasting session, savoring freshly brewed specialty coffee, which provides a deeper connection to the region's most famous product.

Cost: Organized coffee farm tours vary in price. A half-day tour with pickup can cost around $59 USD (approximately 1,400,000 VND). Full-day tours might be around $86 USD (approximately 2,100,000 VND), often including lunch and transportation. Self-serving would involve transport costs to a farm and any purchases made there.

Transport: Many coffee farms are located just outside the city center, typically within 10-15 kilometers. Tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off. For independent travel, a taxi or rented motorbike (around 150,000 VND per day) would be suitable for reaching the farms.

5. Visit Lak Lake for Ethical Elephant Interactions

Lak Lake, the second-largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, offers a serene environment to relax and engage with local M'nong culture. Visitors can take a traditional dugout canoe trip on the lake, enjoying the peaceful scenery and observing daily life. Importantly, this area now focuses on ethical elephant experiences. Instead of riding, visitors can partake in activities like observing elephants in their natural habitat, feeding them, bathing them, and learning about their care from mahouts. This provides a compassionate way to interact with these magnificent animals while supporting their welfare and the local community's sustainable tourism efforts.

Cost: Costs for boat rides on Lak Lake vary, but ethical elephant interaction programs often cost around 800,000 VND as part of a one-day tour from Buon Ma Thuot, which may include transport and other activities. Individual boat ride prices would be less. Elephant riding has been discontinued or replaced by observation/feeding activities.

Transport: Lak Lake is approximately 52-56 kilometers south of Buon Ma Thuot, located in Lien Son town. It can be reached by motorbike, which provides flexibility, or by taxi. Tour packages often include transportation.

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