Buon Ma Thuot Heritage & Coffee Journey

Explore the charming highland city of Buon Ma Thuot, the “capital of coffee” in Vietnam, which boasts not only majestic natural landscapes of ancient forests and magnificent waterfalls, but also impressive historical and architectural landmarks, including the Palace of King Bao Dai - the holiday residence of the last monarch of Vietnam, the 100-year-old Sac Tu Khai Doan Pagoda seamlessly combining Buddhism and native architectural styles, as well as the rich cultural legacy of the native ethnic tribes which is well preserved by the exhibitions of Stone Ages records and historical artifacts in Dak Lak Museum and the ancient Ako Dhong Village.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   20 min

   Start the tour at the Palace of King Bao Dai. The holiday residence of the last monarch of Vietnam offers a chance to learn about the turbulent history of the last dynasty. What really stands out is the serene garden of century-old trees which serves as the green lung for the city.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   25 min

   At the north end of the garden stands Dak Lak Museum, home to an informative collection of historical artifacts and archaeological records testifying the diverse multiculture of the ethnic minorities who inhabited the highland of Dak Lak, whose capital city is Buon Ma Thuot, since the Stone Ages.

3. 3

   Victory Monument Buon Ma Thuot

   15 min

   Next, take iconic souvenir photos at the Victory Monument. The sculptural work depicting victorious soldiers and a tank majestically stands in the very heart of the city to celebrate the end of a devastating civil war and warmly welcome all visitors to the peaceful city.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   15 min

   Right opposite the monument is the 20th-century Buon Ma Thuot Cathedral, built by Catholic missionaries who arrived with the French invasion one century ago, enriching further the cultural diversity of the region.

5. 5

   Duong Sach Ca Phe Buon Ma Thuot

   25 min

   Just some steps away is the atmospheric Coffee and Book Street, one of the most popular hangouts for young people in the city who love to savor flavorful coffee beside back-to-back colorful stalls of books of all kinds displayed in creative layouts.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   20 min

   The next destination is the architectural gem of Sac Tu Khai Doan Pagoda. Commissioned by the last queen dowager of Vietnam (mother of King Bao Dai), the monument is a stunning blend of the elaborate royal style of the Nguyen Dynasty and the unique local architecture characterized by houses built on long stilts to prevent the entering and breaking of roaming wild animals in ancient times.

7. 7

   The World Coffee Museum

   30 min

   Continue to pay a visit to the World Coffee Museum, the proud symbol of “the capital of coffee”. Admire the interesting exhibitions of coffee manufacture to learn how the favorite beverage has become the economic bloodline of the city and intertwined closely with its native culture.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   40 min

   Finally, get a real feel of the traditional culture at Ako Dhong Village, where the native tribes try to maintain their cultural identity in the face of rapid globalization. You will have a chance to see traditional buildings alternating with modernized stilt houses which serve as quaint coffee shops or restaurants offering the local cuisine and a special kind of wine called Can. What’s more, while relaxing and savoring hearty mountainous foods, you may get to appreciate vibrant traditional performances here!

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.