Cultural Encounters Amid Coffee Fields

Vietnam’s Central Highlands (Tây Nguyên in Vietnamese) is a region made up of five provinces: Đắk Lắk, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Đắk Nông, and Lâm Đồng.

This region is unified by its mountainous geography in southern Vietnam and by the traditions of its diverse ethnic groups. In 2008, UNESCO recognized the “gong cultural space,” described as “belief systems composing a mystical world where the gong plays the role of a privileged language between humans, deities, and the supernatural.” Visiting the Central Highlands means discovering this unique instrument, which brings protection and prestige to each family, across communities whose beliefs are often animist or Christian.

Among these ethnic groups, you may encounter the Bahnar, who are largely Catholic. Their villages are easily recognizable thanks to their distinctive communal houses, which stand as central symbols. You may also meet the Jaraï, the largest group in the Central Highlands, known for their matrilineal tradition, where lineage is passed through the mother rather than the father.

Beyond strong cultural experiences, the Central Highlands are also home to Vietnam’s best coffee! Coffee was introduced here during French colonization (around 1870), and the region’s fertile soil proved ideal for cultivation. Today, robusta coffee from Đắk Lắk province is internationally renowned — so be careful, it can be addictive!

Don’t hesitate to contact us to include the Central Highlands in your tailor-made Vietnam journey. We will be delighted to organize a trip highlighting the region’s best addresses and unique encounters.