Vietnam’s Central Highlands

4,8/5

(249 reviews)

Destination

Overview

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.

Why Go There?

Recommended Activities

Visit Dalat and its surroundings

Taste Bun Rieu in Buon Ma Thuot

Explore the Dray Sap and Dray Nur waterfalls

Taste and buy robusta coffee

Fiche circuit

14 days

Nature and Discovery Journey – Northern Vietnam and Central Highlands

Nature and Discovery in Vietnam in 12 Days: Lan Ha Bay by Junk, Ninh Binh, Pu Luong Reserve, the Highlands, and Whale Island for an Authentic Experience

Client testimonials

They share their experiences

Helina – cruise tour

“Mathieu was truly wonderful. A big thank you for all the flawless arrangements! We had an amazing cruise with so many beautiful memories 🥰 – the crew was incredibly friendly, and all the activities were very well organized.”

Christelle – Vietnam tour

“An effective agency and more … We discovered Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Min through Hue and Hoi An thanks to the excellent services. To choose the tour I had excellent exchanges with the agency throughout the preparation of the trip so that it fits what we wanted. We had three different guides. All friendly and speaking English very well. The drivers were professional (and you have to be to get around Vietnam),very attentive and punctual.”

Gregorio – cruise tour

“Such a great experience! They organised a transfer from our homestay in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, directly to Cat Ba. We did the Lan Ha Bay cruise, spending 2 days and 1 night around. This bay is beautiful and quiet, indeed we didn’t meet too many boats so we appreciated the panorama 100%. Our boat was beautiful and we shared the cruise with another couple, so it is the best choice if you are looking for a peaceful experience”

Rama – Parfum d’Automne cruise tour

“EXTRAORDINARY Agency I called on them for a cruise on September 23rd in the evening to ask for a place for a cruise on the 24th (my birthday) not only did they take care of my return from sapa to Hanoi that same evening, on the 24th on the boat all the crew knew about my birthday, they wished me, also made me a surprise cake in the evening. The stay on the boat was so amazing that I added an extra night , without being a ray of sun, he smiles all the time and pampers us throughout the cruise.”

Arthur – Four Season Cruise Tour

“The agency took great care of us, answering all our questions and showing real flexibility. We went on a cruise in Lan Ha Bay aboard the Quatre Saisons junk. The boat was comfortable and clean, the food was delicious, and the scenery absolutely stunning. We didn’t come across many other boats along our route, which made the experience even more special. The activities were well organized and done in small groups, which we really appreciated.”

Gael – Northern Vietnam tour

“Exceptional service and magnificent organized tours ! We’re Swiss and took advantage of Parfum d’Automne’s offers to visit Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay, next to Halong Bay, and the Pu Luong region in the northwest mountains of Vietnam. It was fantastic! We met a lot of great locals, not least thanks to the guides and tours organized by the agency.”

4,8/5 (249 avis)

4,6/5 (142 avis)

Travel Tips & Inspiration

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