Buon Ma Thuot is the capital of the Dak Lak Province and worth visiting if you are in the area. It boasts natural beauty, a laid back and friendly atmosphere and welcoming locals.
Buon Ma Thuot is also the largest city in Vietnam’s Central Highlands and comes with a population of some 300,000, which, while small compared to Ho Chi Minh City’s seven million and Hanoi’s 3.4 million, is enough to give it a vibrant atmosphere and yet still retain a sense of tradition and local community.
Though the city is often overlooked by visitors, it’s only about 120 miles from the popular seaside resort of Nha Trang, making it a worthy deviation for anyone wanting to visit somewhere slightly quieter before heading north to Hoi An or south to Dalat.
Getting There & Away
Visitors can catch public buses to Buon Ma Thuot from Dalat (4 hours), Da Nang, Nha Trang (30 minutes) and Ho Chi Minh City or alternatively there are flights from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot Airport, which is located just over six miles outside the city.
Things to Do
Buon Ma Thuot Attractions
- Ethnic villages
-
Many of these are off limits to anyone not in possession of a permit, however, those closest to the town are open to visitors.
- Coffee plantations
-
Tours are available and visitors are given the chance to sample coffee made from locally grown beans.