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Advice For 2 Days In Buon Ma Thuot Dak Lak - Itinerary Review By Pompée

Friday, February 21, 2025 Experiences of customers Noah

What to do in 2 Days in Buon Ma Thuot in southern Vietnam?

Still relatively unknown on Vietnam’s tourist map, a 2 days trip to Buon Ma Thuot takes you deep into the heart of the Southern Highlands, a stunning region where you can explore the fascinating culture and history of the local ethnic communities. Surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers, and vast plains, this city nestled in wild nature promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s discover Mr. Pompée’s experience and itinerary for 2 days in Buon Ma Thuot Dak Lak below!

I. Overview of 2 days itinerary in Buon Ma Thuot
II. Travel guide to Buon Ma Thuot in Southern Vietnam
III. Detailed Buon Ma Thuot 2 days itinerary
- 1. Day 1: Khai Doan Pagoda – Dray Nur Waterfall – Elephant King's Stilt House
- 2. Day 2: Trung Nguyen Coffee Village – Lak Lake – Bao Dai Palace

I. Overview of 2 days itinerary in Buon Ma Thuot

Hello everyone! My 2 days trip to Buon Ma Thuot started from Ho Chi Minh City and was an incredible experience filled with exciting discoveries. A huge thanks to Autour Asia, my Vietnam travel agency, which accompanied me throughout this adventure.

In general, Buon Ma Thuot truly surprised me, first with its breathtaking and diverse landscapes — natural reserves, waterfalls, the magnificent Lak Lake… But what amazed me the most was the rich cultural heritage of the ethnic minorities living in Southern Vietnam.

And as a coffee lover, I was fascinated by Buon Ma Thuot’s incredible coffee culture, which is well preserved in a massive museum. An unforgettable experience for me! Now, let me share the details of my Buon Ma Thuot 2 days itinerary.

II. Travel guide to Buon Ma Thuot in Southern Vietnam

1. When to visit Buon Ma Thuot?

I traveled to Buon Ma Thuot in February. The weather in Buon Ma Thuot 2 days was slightly cool, but there was no rain, which made sightseeing very pleasant.

The best time to visit Buon Ma Thuot: is December to April, which corresponds to the dry season. From January to March, rain is rare. Nights can be a bit chilly, but daytime remains mild and comfortable. February and March are also the coffee flower blooming season and the time of the famous Elephant Racing Festival.

Coffee flower season In Buon Ma Thuot, Central Highland of Vietnam

2. How to get to Buon Ma Thuot?

I took a night bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot, a 7-hour journey. Although the sleeping space was a bit small, I spent most of the time sleeping on the bus, so the trip didn’t feel too long.

3. Where to stay in Buon Ma Thuot?

Since I was staying in Buon Ma Thuot for only 2 days, I chose a hotel in the city center for convenience. The room costs around 350,000 VND per night (approximately USD 14). It was comfortable and well-equipped. The central location made it easy for me to visit several nearby attractions without hassle.

III. Detailed Buon Ma Thuot 2 days itinerary

1. Day 1: Khai Doan Pagoda – Dray Nur Waterfall – Elephant King's Stilt House

My first day in Buon Ma Thuot 2 days began with a delicious bowl of Ban Me red rice noodle soup (bún đỏ Ban Mê in Vietnamese), a Dak Lak specialty known for its signature red broth. What I loved most about this dish was its rich and flavorful broth, perfectly complemented by crab meat and pork.

What to visit in 2 days in Buon Ma Thuot: Khai Doan Pagoda

My first visit of the day took me to Khai Doan Pagoda, a historical site dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty. A local guide shared interesting stories about Emperor Bao Dai’s mother, which made the visit even more engaging.

Next, I headed to one of Buon Ma Thuot’s must-see attractions: Dray Nur Waterfall. It is the largest waterfall in the region, offering a breathtaking and majestic landscape. I took the time to hike around the waterfall before enjoying a nice cup of coffee while admiring this natural wonder.

At noon, I had lunch at the Ban Don Village, a tourist site where I had the chance to meet adorable elephants. I even got to interact with them and feed them, which was an unforgettable moment.

Dray Nur Waterfall – A must-visit in Buon Ma Thuot

In the afternoon, I visited the traditional stilt house of Amakong which is called Elephant King's Stilt House, a legendary tribal chief of the Vietnamese highlands, known for his elephant-hunting skills. His house contains many artifacts and memorabilia showcasing his fascinating life and traditions.

That was my last visit of the day. In the evening, I returned to my hotel to rest before heading to the night market nearby. There, I discovered many handmade souvenirs, including beautiful embroidered fabrics, a specialty of the region. That marked the end of my first day in Buon Ma Thuot 2 days itinerary.

2. Day 2: Trung Nguyen Coffee Village – Lak Lake – Bao Dai Palace

For my second day in Buon Ma Thuot, I only had half a day left to explore further. After breakfast, I visited the famous Trung Nguyen Coffee Village.

What fascinated me the most was the World Coffee Museum in Buon Ma Thuot, a place with unique architecture where the aroma of freshly roasted coffee filled the air. Every step in this museum taught me more about the history of coffee in Buon Ma Thuot and its cultural significance in Vietnam. I also took this opportunity to buy locally grown coffee as a souvenir.

Besides the museum, the vast complex displays many objects and artifacts reflecting the history and traditions of ethnic minorities in Central Highlands in Vietnam.

Visit Trung Nguyen Coffee Village during a 2-day trip to Buon Ma Thuot

After this enriching visit, I headed to Lak Lake, the largest lake in Southern Vietnam’s highlands. While strolling around the lake, I made a stop at Bao Dai Palace, built on Lac Thien Hill. This majestic palace houses several artifacts and memorabilia from Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai. This was my last stop in Buon Ma Thuot 2 days before continuing my journey to another destination in Central Highlands in Vietnam.

Here’s everything you need to know about Mr. Pompée’s 2 days itinerary in Buon Ma Thuot. From breathtaking waterfalls to cultural heritage sites and the rich coffee tradition, this trip truly showcases the hidden gems of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. I hope this blog inspires you and helps you plan your adventure in discovering Vietnam! See you soon on your next travel! And don’t forget to share below if you have visited Buon Ma Thuot for other travelers!

You can refer to:

> Best time to visit Vietnam

> Vietnam Travel Guide

> South Vietnam tours

> Central Highlands 9 days

5/5 - (1002 Vote)

Carvalho

5.0 Excellent

What souvenirs to buy in Buon Ma Thuot?

When visiting Buon Ma Thuot, the coffee capital of Vietnam, locally grown coffee is a must-buy souvenir.

Choose high-quality beans or ground coffee from famous brands like Trung Nguyen.
Handmade ethnic textiles and woven bags crafted by local minorities make unique gifts. You can also find bamboo and rattan handicrafts, reflecting the region’s traditional craftsmanship.
Dried fruits, wild honey, and macadamia nuts are great edible souvenirs, showcasing the area’s natural richness.

Dulari

5.0 Excellent

How to get around Buon Ma Thuot?

Getting around Vietnam and Buon Ma Thuot is easy with several transport options.

Renting a motorbike (around 150,000 VND/day) offers the flexibility to explore waterfalls and coffee villages at your own pace.
Taxis and Grab are convenient for short trips within the city.
If you prefer comfort, hiring a private car with a driver is ideal for visiting remote areas like Lak Lake.
Walking is also a great way to discover the city center, where you can enjoy local cafés and markets.

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