Buon Ma Thuot & Hoan Kiem Lake: Top Things to Do for an Unforgettable Vietnam Trip

Discover Buon Ma Thuot in Vietnam – 15 Top Things to Do

If you're planning a trip to Vietnam beyond the usual beaches and lantern-lit alleys, dive into the lesser-known but vibrant Buon Ma Thuot in Vietnam. Known as Vietnam’s coffee capital and home to the Central Highlands’ rich culture, this city surprises you at every turn. From waterfalls and ethnic craft villages to wildlife and locally roasted brews, your experience here will be as diverse as it is unforgettable.

Here are 15 top things to do:

1. Enjoy a Vietnamese Coffee Tour
2. Explore coffee plantations, learn about robusta bean roasting, and absorb the aroma of freshly brewed beans.
3. Visit Dray Nur & Dray Sap Waterfalls
4. Two majestic falls surrounded by jungle views and ideal for a day of nature photography and relaxation.
5. Explore Yok Don National Park
6. One of Vietnam's largest reserves — with wild elephants, tigers, and rare gibbons (if you're lucky).
7. Learn at Ethnic Minority Villages
8. Attend traditional music shows, rice wine tastings, and weaving demos by the Ede and M'Nong tribes.
9. Witness Gong Culture Performances
10. Attend evening drumming rituals that are UNESCO-listed and deeply spiritual.
11. Discover Buon Ma Thuot’s Wildlife Rescue Center
12. The Phnom Ngua centre rehabilitates rescued sun bears and gibbons—an inspiring experience.
13. Lake Dray H’Lan Boat Ride
14. A serene paddle across a shaded lake framed by limestone cliffs.
15. Visit Buon Don Elephant Reservation
16. Ride elephants, but choose ethical camps that prioritise conservation and not shows.
17. Savor Highland Cuisine
18. Try bamboo-steamed fish, cassava dishes, and hearty coffee soups unique to this region.
19. Cycle Around the City & Coffee Villages
20. Rent a bicycle and ride past lush farms and hills for an eco-friendly exploration.
21. Shop at Local Markets
22. Browse Central Highlands produce—pepper, coffee beans, honey, and handcrafted textiles.
23. Kayak on Serepok River
24. Paddle through jungle-covered riverbanks and spot rare birds.
25. Experience Buon Ma Thuot’s Cafe Culture
26. Every cafe has its own roast—try locally flavoured latte blends made with spices and honey.
27. Take a Day Hike to Kon Klor Tea Hills
28. Cooler and greener than the city, perfect for trekking and spotting tea pickers.
29. Witness Traditional Ede Longhouses
30. Stay overnight in a communal house built on stilts and join a storytelling session around a fire.

Buon Ma Thuot blends nature, culture, and coffee, making it a rewarding destination for curious travellers on a trip to Vietnam.

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake in Vietnam – Hanoi’s Timeless Retreat

After exploring the Highlands, head north to Hanoi and get to know Hoan Kiem Lake in Vietnam, the soul of the city. A peaceful green oasis surrounded by centuries-old architecture and cultural significance, this lake offers both relaxation and insight into Vietnam’s history.

What makes Hoan Kiem Lake in Vietnam so special?

• Historical Legacy: Home to the iconic Turtle Tower and the legend of the magical sword returned to the Golden Turtle God.
• Cultural Vibe: Locals gather for tai chi at sunrise and evening strolls under red bridge lights.
• Scenic Beauty: An emerald water reflection of colonial buildings, ancient trees, and busy streets.

Must-Do Activities Around Hoan Kiem Lake

1. Sunrise Tai Chi Sessions
2. Join locals in gentle morning stretches on the lakeside sidewalks—meditative and communal.
3. Take the Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple
4. The bright red bridge and peaceful temple overlook offer moments of solitude.
5. Krispy Koi At Turtle Tower
6. Walk the lakeside and dine alfresco while snapping shots of the misty tower at dusk.
7. Ride a Vintage Cyclo
8. An iconic pedicab ride around the Old Quarter bordering the lake brings classic Hanoi nostalgia.
9. Evening Light & Music Shows
10. Local artists sometimes perform traditional string instruments right on the lake promenade.
11. Taste Street Food at Ta Hien
12. A few minutes away, this alley lives up to its “beer corner” fame—don’t miss bun cha and egg coffee.
13. Attend Lantern Festivals
14. During full moon or fest days, lanterns reflect on the calm lake waters—magic at night.
15. Stroll Through Flower Street (Hang Dao)
16. Seasonal blooms line the lakeside during the Tet festival—photogenic and vibrant.
17. Slow Walk Along Phan Dinh Phung Boulevard
18. Pink jacarandas in bloom—from late spring to early summer—create picture-perfect archives.
19. Visit the Ancient I’O Tower Entrance
20. Snap pictures by old gates and colonial facades blending with modern lakefront cafes.

Suggested Two‑City Itinerary (7–10 Days)

DaysDestinationHighlights1–3 Buon Ma Thuot & Highlands Coffee farm tour, waterfalls, ethnic village visit 4–6 Ho Chi Minh & Mekong Delta Local food tours, river cruises, city heritage 7–9 Hanoi & Hoan Kiem Lake Lakeside strolls, Old Quarter, temple visit 10Departure Last-minute shopping, street food exploration

Travel Tips

• Best Time: Buon Ma Thuot (December–March for cooler weather), Hanoi (March–April or September–October for clear skies and mild temperatures)
• What to Pack: Light rain jacket (for tropical drizzle), trekking shoes, power bank, swimwear, and scarf for temple visits
• Local Manners: Dress modestly when visiting temples in Hanoi; ask before photographing ethnic villagers

Final Thoughts

Mix the soulful aroma of Buon Ma Thuot’s coffee hills with the serene rhythm of Hoan Kiem Lake in Vietnam, and you’ve got a travel story that’s rich in culture, taste, and city-lake contrasts. Whether you’re hiking waterfalls, sipping Cambodian-style coffee, or gliding across lake bridges under lantern-lit skies, this blended itinerary defines the best of what Vietnam offers in 2025.

Ready to take the plunge?

Pack your bags, create your playlist, and let Vietnam surprise you—one cup, one lake, one memory at a time.