Travel Itinerary for the Central Highlands
A Journey Through the Enchanting Central Highlands of Vietnam
The Central Highlands, known as Tây Nguyên, marks the culmination of my journey around Vietnam. After several missed opportunities, I finally embarked on this highly anticipated trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Pleiku and Kon Tum
On a mid-August day, my sister expressed her craving for durian, prompting us to cover over 1000 kilometers to satisfy our desire for this delicacy in the Central Highlands. The rainy season might not be the best for tourism, but it presents an opportunity to explore the stunning waterfalls amidst the majestic mountains.
Itinerary:
- 10:50 AM – 12:25 PM: Fly to Pleiku Airport, pick up our motorcycle and head to Kon Tum (45 km away).
- 2:00 PM: Enjoy a plate of Bún Đỏ at Phan Chu Trinh, Kon Tum.
- 2:30 PM: Depart from Kon Tum for the international border gate at Bờ Y and the Indochina landmark (74 km). We paused at Đăk Tô to drop off our bags.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Phở Khô 865 Ngọc Hồi in Kon Tum, then rest in Đăk Tô.
Note: Depending on travel time, you can choose to stay in Ngọc Hồi or Đăk Tô.
Day 2: Discovering Kon Tum and Măng Đen
Itinerary:
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 7:30 AM: Depart from Đăk Tô to Kon Klor suspension bridge, Kon Klor communal house, wooden church of Kon Tum (50 km).
- 11:00 AM: Lunch at Gỏi lá Út Cưng (45 Trần Cao Vân, Kon Tum).
- 12:00 PM: Head to Măng Đen (57 km).
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at Hương homestay to relax.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Kon Bring Community Tourism Village.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner featuring spicy hotpot at Măng Đen Lữ Quán.
Day 3: The Beauty of Măng Đen
Itinerary:
- 5:30 – 6:00 AM: Cloud hunting near the central market.
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast at A Kay 7 for fish cake soup.
- 7:30 AM: Explore Măng Đen Pine Forest, Đăk Ke Lake, and the tilted suspension bridge.
- 10:00 AM: Visit Pa Sỹ waterfall.
- 12:00 PM: Enjoy grilled chicken and bamboo rice at Phố Núi.
- 2:00 PM: Rest at the homestay.
- 4:00 PM: Coffee at Café de Măng Đen.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner featuring chicken hotpot at Măng Đen’s Sam Cuisine.
Day 4: From Măng Đen to Pleiku
Itinerary:
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast at the homestay.
- 7:30 AM: Depart for Pleiku (105 km).
- 10:00 AM: Taste durians and rambutan at Bảy Tiên durian farm (Gia Lai).
- 12:00 PM: Check-in at a hotel in Pleiku, lunch, and rest.
- 2:00 PM: Visit Phú Cường waterfall (44 km).
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Pleiku Night Market.
Day 5: The Wonders of Pleiku and Buôn Ma Thuột
Itinerary:
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast at Ngọc Sơn for dry pho.
- 7:30 AM: Visit Minh Thành Pagoda.
- 9:00 AM: Discover Biển Hồ Tơ Nưng.
- 11:00 AM: Lunch at Plei Têng for grilled chicken with bamboo rice.
- 1:00 PM: Visit Biển Hồ chè and the hundred-year-old pine grove.
- 2:00 PM: Tour the Chư Đăng Ya volcano (30 km).
- 5:00 PM: Dinner and check-out.
- 6:00 PM: Return the motorcycle and take a bus to Buôn Ma Thuột (180 km).
- 10:00 PM: Overnight at The Highland House Hotel.
Day 6: Exploring Buôn Ma Thuột
Itinerary:
- 7:00 AM: Rent a motorcycle and have breakfast at An 65/6 Lê Thánh Tông.
- 8:00 AM: Visit Dray Nur waterfall (30 km).
- 11:00 AM: Lunch at the restaurant near the waterfall.
- 1:00 PM: Head to the Đá Voi Mẹ mountain (50 km), taking the scenic route through a rubber plantation.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Cà Te quán and explore the city.
Day 7: Cultural Pleasures in Buôn Ma Thuột
Itinerary:
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast featuring rice vermicelli with fermented fish.
- 7:30 AM: Visit the World Coffee Museum, Khải Đoan Pagoda, and the coffee book street.
- 10:00 AM: Journey to Buôn Đôn (50 km).
- 12:00 PM: Lunch with tilapia hotpot in Buôn Đôn.
- 3:00 PM: Coffee at Trung Nguyên Coffee Village.
- 5:00 PM: Explore the central market, buy souvenirs, dinner, and return the motorcycle.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, check out and head to Buôn Ma Thuột Airport for your journey home.
While you delve into the wonders of the Central Highlands itself, make sure to capture the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural nuances through photos. Additional images from my journey can be found below which showcase landmarks like the Kon Klor suspension bridge and the picturesque Biển Hồ.
The Indochina Landmarks in Kon Tum
The Kon Klor Suspension Bridge
Kon Tum Wooden Church
Pa Sỹ Waterfall
Conclusion: Tips for Your Trip to the Central Highlands
- Pack Light: If traveling long distances on a motorcycle, wear lightweight clothing, fill the gas tank, and travel at the speed limit. Limit travel during nighttime.
- Comfortable Footwear: Opt for sports shoes or flat footwear due to the amount of walking and hiking.
- Sun Protection: Bring sun-blocking gear—clothes, hats, glasses, gloves, and sunscreen—since the sun can be harsh even in cooler weather.
- Rain Gear: Always carry a raincoat during the rainy season.
- Insect Repellent: Consider spray or essential oils to ward off mosquitoes, especially in forested areas.
- Warm Clothing: If your itinerary includes Măng Đen or Kon Tum, prepare for chilly nights.
- Cultural Respect: Be mindful of local customs when visiting indigenous villages.
- Book Ahead: Reserve accommodations and transport in advance to enhance your travel convenience.
The Central Highlands is a captivating region with its unique beauty and cultural heritage that is definitely worth visiting.
For more travel tips about Vietnam or to learn about unique attractions around the world, visit Lonely Planet or Vietnam Tourism.
