Vietnam - Central Highlands
Vietnam Information
Population: 83.6 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Hanoi
Major language: Vietnamese
Currency: Dong
Major Religion: Buddhism
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Vietnam Holidays
Vietnam’s Central Highlands stretch from the Colonial hill-station of Dalat northwards as far as Quang Nam province to the west of Danang. It’s a fascinating region that receives a far lower number of visitors than the better known coastal region and this is very much part of what makes it such a fascinating journey.
You are likely to either start or finish your journey in Dalat whilst at the other end, where you start/finish, will very much depend on your interests and the amount of time you have.
So what do Vietnam’s Central Highlands have to offer? Well certainly stunning a mountainous landscape rich in agriculture, there’s also the various minority hill tribes (or montagnards as they were known in Colonial times) and a starkly different culture from that you will experience in the more touristic cities and towns where western influence has made its mark.
Selective Asia’s Nick, after returning from a tour of the region, said ‘Your travels will give you an insight into a far more authentic Vietnam, one that has a lot of similarities to when I first visited the country is 1992. The people are slightly more reserved without being unfriendly, you will eat in truly local restaurants, and, due to its strategic location, you can learn a great deal about Vietnam’s recent wars against both the French and Americans’.
Suggested itinerary: Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Dalat to Kontum (or v.v)
Just three hours drive from Dalat is Lak Lake, a large natural lake formed by converging rivers and streams. The region is ideal for travellers wishing to spend some time learning about the various minority hill tribes that live in the region such as the Jarai, M'nong and Edeh people. Visitors can explore various nearby villages by foot, bike or dug-out canoe. There is also elephant riding available and a variety of interesting visits such as the former hunting lodge of the last Emperor Bao Dai.
An hour further on is Buon Ma Thuot, one of the largest cities in the central highlands and the centre for coffee exportation for the surrounding region.
Depending on how long you break your journey for in Lak Lake you may decide to stop in Boun Ma Thout for a night or some prefer to push on further to either Pleiku (4 hours) or Kontum (5 hours). Of the two Kontum is by far the more interesting and you are well advised to spend at least one night in the small town. There are a number of points of interests within the town itself but the real highlights are the surrounding Banhar minority tribe’s villages and countryside.
From Kontum you have a few choices, either drop down from the highlands towards the coast at Quy Nhon or continue further north before making your way to the South China Sea at Danang.