Buon Ma Thuot Heritage & Coffee Journey, Vietnam

Start the tour at the Palace of King Bao Dai. The holiday residence of the last monarch of Vietnam offers a chance to learn about the turbulent history of the last dynasty. What really stands out is the serene garden of century-old trees which serves as the green lung for the city.

At the north end of the garden stands Dak Lak Museum, home to an informative collection of historical artifacts and archaeological records testifying the diverse multiculture of the ethnic minorities who inhabited the highland of Dak Lak, whose capital city is Buon Ma Thuot, since the Stone Ages.

Next, take iconic souvenir photos at the Victory Monument. The sculptural work depicting victorious soldiers and a tank majestically stands in the very heart of the city to celebrate the end of a devastating civil war and warmly welcome all visitors to the peaceful city.

Right opposite the monument is the 20th-century Buon Ma Thuot Cathedral, built by Catholic missionaries who arrived with the French invasion one century ago, enriching further the cultural diversity of the region.

Just some steps away is the atmospheric Coffee and Book Street, one of the most popular hangouts for young people in the city who love to savor flavorful coffee beside back-to-back colorful stalls of books of all kinds displayed in creative layouts.

The next destination is the architectural gem of Sac Tu Khai Doan Pagoda. Commissioned by the last queen dowager of Vietnam (mother of King Bao Dai), the monument is a stunning blend of the elaborate royal style of the Nguyen Dynasty and the unique local architecture characterized by houses built on long stilts to prevent the entering and breaking of roaming wild animals in ancient times.

Continue to pay a visit to the World Coffee Museum, the proud symbol of “the capital of coffee”. Admire the interesting exhibitions of coffee manufacture to learn how the favorite beverage has become the economic bloodline of the city and intertwined closely with its native culture.

Finally, get a real feel of the traditional culture at Ako Dhong Village, where the native tribes try to maintain their cultural identity in the face of rapid globalization. You will have a chance to see traditional buildings alternating with modernized stilt houses which serve as quaint coffee shops or restaurants offering the local cuisine and a special kind of wine called Can. What’s more, while relaxing and savoring hearty mountainous foods, you may get to appreciate vibrant traditional performances here!