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Buon Ma Thuot: A 3-Day, 2-Night Journey into the Highlands

Day 1: Arrival & Hotel Check-in

It was past 8 p.m. when our late flight landed at Buon Ma Thuot Airport. The city at night felt calm and peaceful, a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced buzz of bigger cities. With the temperature at a pleasant 25°C, we headed straight to our hotel to rest and prepare for the days ahead.

After much consideration, our group chose Tru by Hilton Buon Ma Thuot City Centre as our base for this trip. Located right in the heart of the city, the hotel combines the reliability of an international brand with a youthful, vibrant design—perfect for business travelers like us.

Check-in was smooth, with attentive and friendly staff. The communal area on the second floor immediately caught our eye. Bright, colorful, and infused with Central Highlands spirit, it featured a large mural of Dak Lak, traditional gongs, and ethnic-inspired motifs that added a cultural touch to the modern setting.

Our rooms were thoughtfully equipped: power outlets beside the bed and desk, floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping city views, and all the essentials ready at hand. My double bed was spacious and comfortable, and the rain outside made the atmosphere even more serene.

Day 2: Coffee Culture & Local Heritage

The World Coffee Museum

No trip to Buon Ma Thuot would be complete without a visit to the World Coffee Museum, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Designed to resemble the longhouses and communal houses of the Central Highlands, the museum spans nearly two hectares. It not only displays artifacts but also tells the global story of coffee—from its Ethiopian roots to its European influence, and finally to Vietnam, the world’s leading exporter of robusta beans.

Walking through the exhibits, we marveled at antique roasting machines, brewing tools, and multimedia installations that immersed us in coffee culture. The museum attracted a mix of visitors: international tourists, local families, solo travelers, and groups of friends, all captivated by the rich history behind the world’s favorite beverage.

Lunch at Trung Nguyen Coffee Village

By midday, it was time for lunch at the Trung Nguyen Coffee Village. The complex spans 20,000 square meters and is shaded by lush greenery. Its architecture draws inspiration from traditional Vietnamese houses, with high ceilings, open spaces, and intricate wood carvings.

We cooled down with iced tea before diving into Buon Ma Thuot’s signature dish: the famous two-bowl dry pho. Each bite was flavorful and comforting, perfectly paired with the rustic charm of the setting.

Dak Lak Museum

In the afternoon, we explored the Dak Lak Museum, which showcases the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of Vietnam’s Central Highlands ethnic communities. What makes it unique is its multilingual displays in Vietnamese, English, French, and Ede, allowing visitors from all backgrounds to connect with the region’s stories.

Day 3: Waterfalls & Wilderness

After a hearty buffet breakfast at Top It Breakfast Bar—complete with dim sum, pho, fruits, salads, yogurt, and fresh bread—we were ready for an adventure.

Our destination: the legendary Dray Sap and Dray Nur waterfalls, about 30 kilometers from the city. With backpacks, sneakers, and caps, our group of seven trekked along moss-covered steps through the forest, guided by the growing roar of water.

The moment we arrived, the sight took our breath away. Torrents of water thundered down, sending mist into the air and spraying over rocks and trees. Nature here felt raw and powerful, yet serene at the same time.

From Dray Nur, we continued deeper into the forest, discovering centuries-old giant trees with roots twisting around massive rocks. Every corner was alive with the resilience of nature—ferns sprouting from stone, moss carpeting the paths, and birds calling overhead.

By late afternoon, we returned to the hotel, where the second-floor lobby offered the perfect space to unwind. Guests could choose between cozy armchairs, long communal tables, or even board games, foosball, and puzzles for lighthearted fun. For those needing quiet, private work pods with power outlets were also available. Add to that a 24/7 gym and self-service laundry, and the hotel proved ideal for today’s generation of travelers balancing work, leisure, and discovery.

A Journey Worth Remembering

In just three days, Buon Ma Thuot revealed itself as a city of contrasts—where international comforts meet local traditions, where the story of coffee unfolds on a global scale, and where untamed nature lies just beyond the city.

For travelers seeking a blend of cultural depth, natural beauty, and modern convenience, Buon Ma Thuot is more than just a stop in the Central Highlands—it’s a destination that lingers in memory long after you’ve left.