The Tay Nguyen, a mountainous region located in the center of Vietnam, spans five provinces (Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and Lam Dong). These high plateaus, ranging from 500 to 2000 meters in altitude, offer an ideal terrain for trekking, combining natural richness and cultural diversity.
Mount Lang Biang offers accessible and rewarding treks - Photo : Internet
The must-see of Tay Nguyen
Mount Lang Biang: Da Lat's Balcony
Located 12 km north of Da Lat, in Lam Dong province, Mount Lang Biang (2167 m) offers an accessible and rewarding trek. The 6 km marked trail passes through pine forests before offering a panoramic view of Da Lat and its lakes. Duration: 3-4 hours round trip.
Ta Dung Lake: The Ha Long Bay of the Mountains
Located in Dak Nong province, 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, this artificial lake dotted with 36 green islets offers several hiking trails around its shores. The paths wind through coffee plantations and M'Nong ethnic villages. It is part of the Dak Nong Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its majestic landscapes, the Dak Nong Geopark includes impressive waterfalls like Dray Sap and Gia Long, as well as natural reserves such as Ta Dung National Park, often described as the "Ha Long Bay of the Highlands".
It also provides an ideal playground for hiking and adventure enthusiasts. As mentioned earlier, the trails around Ta Dung Lake allow you to discover diverse landscapes and engage in various activities: hiking, climbing, caving, bird watching, and more. The curious can visit the geopark interpretation center to learn more about the region's geological history.
Yok Don National Park
As the largest protected area in Vietnam (115,545 hectares) located in Dak Lak province, this park offers hikes through a dry tropical forest. The moderately challenging trails allow visitors to observe local fauna and visit the villages of the Ede and M'Nong ethnic groups.
The Ha Long Bay of the Mountains - Photo : Internet
Cultural Tours
Buon Ma Thuot Region
Known as the capital of Vietnamese coffee, Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak province) serves as a base for treks around Lak Lake. These 2-3 day hikes offer the opportunity to discover the traditional long houses of the M'Nong people and their elephant training techniques.
Gia Lai Plateau
Located 600 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, this region offers hikes between Jarai and Bahnar villages. The trails pass through coffee and pepper plantations, leading to communal houses (nhà rông) characteristic of the local architecture.
Ban Don Village
Located 40 km from Buon Ma Thuot, this historic village of elephant tamers offers hikes combining forest treks and exploration of Ede traditions.
Dak Lak Province is well known for its spectacular waterfalls - Photo : Internet
New Itineraries
Krong No Volcanoes
In Dak Nong province, this geological circuit allows exploration of lava fields and a network of volcanic caves, some of which extend for several kilometers.
Pal Sol Plateau
Recently opened to tourism, this plateau in Gia Lai province offers hikes at an altitude of 1100 meters through primary forests and traditional villages.
Krong No, off the beaten tracks - Photo : Internet
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
- Optimal season: November to May (dry season)
- Photogenic period: October-November (golden rice fields)
- To avoid: May to October (rainy season)
Essential Equipment
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Lightweight but covering clothing (sun and insect protection)
- Hat and sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Water bottle and water filters
- Local guide recommended for off-the-beaten-path trails
Ga nuong, from Don village - Photo : Internet
Local Culinary Specialties
Trekking in Tay Nguyen sharpens the appetite! Good news! This region offers an unforgettable gastronomic journey through the mountains and forests. Ancestral dishes like cơm lam, rice cooked in bamboo and seasoned with sesame salt, honey chicken with a unique flavor, and dry phở (the brothless version of the iconic soup) tell the story and richness of the region. The markets, true food temples, and restaurants, guardians of traditions, offer an authentic culinary experience. Don't miss trying the Dak Lak catfish hotpot, the uniquely shaped avocados of Dak Nong, or the Banh cuon with chicken in Lam Dong... You'll have to let us know what you think!
Tay Nguyen remains a relatively untouched destination by mass tourism, offering an authentic experience of rural and mountainous Vietnam. The diversity of routes allows each hiker to find their happiness, from marked trails to more immersive treks off the beaten path.