Visit Central Highlands, Vietnam

Explore Vietnam’s Central Highlands: A Cool Escape in the Heart of the Country

The Central Highlands of Vietnam offer a refreshing temperate climate, providing a welcome break from the heat and humidity of the southern or coastal areas.

Though the region has a relatively small population, its strategic location, bordering Laos and Cambodia, has made it a key area throughout history. During the Vietnam War, battles took place around towns like Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku, and Kon Tum.

Landscape and Scenery

The Central Highlands is home to various ethnic minority groups, collectively known as the Montagnards. It’s renowned for its cool climate, mist-covered mountains, tranquil lakes, and stunning waterfalls. Friendly locals and the area’s natural beauty make it an enticing destination. Despite its appeal, the region has remained largely untouched and only recently opened to international visitors.

Where are the Central Highlands of Vietnam?

The Central Highlands (Tây Nguyên) are a high plateau running along Vietnam’s borders with Laos and Cambodia, made up of the provinces of Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong. At several hundred to 1,500 metres above sea level, the region is noticeably cooler than the coast and is the heartland of Vietnam’s coffee country.

Highlights of the Central Highlands

• Da Lat – the pine-clad hill station of French colonial villas, flower farms, lakes and waterfalls.
• Buon Ma Thuot – Vietnam’s coffee capital, surrounded by plantations, and the gateway to Yok Don National Park.
• Kon Tum and Pleiku – traditional communal rong houses, wooden churches and villages of the Ba Na and Gia Rai peoples.
• Gong culture – the Space of Gong Culture of the Central Highlands is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Waterfalls and lakes – Dray Nur, Dray Sap and Lak Lake, where you can stay in a longhouse village.

Best time to visit the Central Highlands

The dry season, from roughly November to April, is the best time for travel, with clear skies and easy road conditions. From May to October afternoon rains are common, although Da Lat remains pleasant all year round.

Exploring the Central Highlands on a private tour

The highlands sit neatly between the coast and the south, so they work well as an overland link between Hoi An or Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. Our specialists can add them to any of our Vietnam luxury tours, with a private driver-guide throughout.