Amazing Vietnam Central Highlands from Saigon 9 Days 8 Nights

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Tour details

Tour code:SVN9D

Duration:9 days 8 nights

Starts in:Ho Chi Minh City

Ends in:Ho Chi Minh City

Places to visit:Saigon - Nam Cat Tien Park - Da Lat - Lak Lake - Buon Ma Thuot - Pleiku - Kontum - Pleiku - Saigon

Trip highlights

Explore the legendary Truong Son trail and the green cities of Tay Nguyen, where you can savor Ban Me coffee, visit ethnic minority villages, enjoy serene dugout canoe rides on Lak Lake, or experience elephant rides in Ban Don. Don't miss the flower paradise of Dalat, with thousands of colorful blooms, making your trip truly meaningful. Discover the Central Highlands' captivating blend of majestic nature and rich cultural traditions, from Gong music to traditional dances, and immerse yourself in the simple life of the indigenous people.

Itinerary Expand allCollapse all

Day 1

Saigon - Nam Cat Tien National Park

In the morning, you will hit the road towards Cat Tien National Park, located 170 kilometers northwest of Saigon.

This national park spans three provinces in Vietnam: Dong Nai, Lam Dong, and Binh Phuoc. Covering a total area of 71,920 hectares, it is divided into two sections, Cat Loc in the North and Nam Cat Tien in the south. The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, and in 2001, it was recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

The visit will begin with a Jeep ride, followed by a 1.5-hour hike to Bau Sau, where you will take a break for lunch.

Next, you will board a sampan for a boat ride on a pond, exploring the fascinating ecosystem of the park. Prepare to be surprised by the rich wildlife and flora, including crocodiles, beautiful birds, and various flowers.

Return to the hotel and spend the night at the Nam Cat Tien Park Center.

Day 2

Nam Cat Tien - Da Lat

In the morning, wake up early amidst the forest sounds. After breakfast, take a Jeep transfer into the park until we reach the junction, where we leave the main road and embark on a 3km hike to the Crocodile Lake station.

Take a brief break by the lake and engage in activities like rowing a boat on the lake while observing the biodiversity. Luckily, you might spot crocodiles and various bird species residing in the lake. Then, hike back to the main road and transfer to the park center.

Enjoy lunch in the park.

In the afternoon, bid farewell to Cat Tien Park and cross the river by boat. Depart for Da Lat. After more than 3 hours, arrive in Da Lat.

Da Lat is a beautiful city in the Vietnam Central Highlands. Located at an altitude of 1500m, both locals and tourists can enjoy pleasant coolness.

Dinner is at your leisure, and spend the night at a hotel in Da Lat.

Day 3

Da Lat - Lak Lake

After breakfast, we will head to the Da Lat train station to embark on the oldest and highest railway in Vietnam, covering a 7km journey from Da Lat to Trai Mat and back. This scenic ride takes us through the deep countryside of Da Lat, passing through pine forests, flower fields, and diverse vegetable gardens. Our first stop will be at the beautiful Linh Phuoc Pagoda.

Next, we'll visit a clay tunnel located near Tuyen Lam Lake before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we'll head towards Lak Lake, a large natural lake surrounded by picturesque M'nong ethnic villages. Near the lake, you can find the summer palace of Bao Dai, the last emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. Upon arrival at the lake, you'll check into your hotel room and have some rest.

Dinner is at your leisure, and you'll spend the night near Lak Lake.

Day 4

Lak Lake - Visit

After breakfast, enjoy an elephant ride by the lake. Following that, take a short canoe trip to the M'Lieng village, where you'll have the chance to meet the residents of the Jun and M'liêng villages. Here, houses are built on stilts and have two slopes, typical of the Tay Nguyen people.

In the afternoon, transfer to Dak Phoi to visit a coffee and pepper plantation. There's also the option to take a refreshing dip in a stream with pebbles.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel near the lake.

Day 5

Lak Lake - Buon Me Thuot

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Buon Me Thuot, a city in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, where some ethnic minorities, including the Edé and Mnôngs, still reside. This region is renowned for its coffee and pepper production and offers a pleasant climate and natural setting.

Upon arrival, visit the Buon Ma Thuot central market and the Buon Me Thuot ethnographic museum.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to the Khai Doan Pagoda, the largest pagoda in the city. Next, visit the coffee museum designed in the architectural style of the traditional longhouses of the Ede ethnic group.

Dinner is at your leisure, and spend the night at a hotel in Buon Ma Thuot.

Day 6

Buon Me Thuot - Visit

After breakfast, head towards Yokdon National Park. Upon arrival, take a forest walk.

On the way back from the park, make a stop to visit authentic villages inhabited by the Ede and M'nong ethnic groups.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the village of Buon Don. There's also the option to witness a traditional dance performance from the Central Highlands.

In the afternoon, embark on a road transfer to visit the Dray Sap and Dray Nur waterfalls.

Dinner is at your leisure, and spend the night at a hotel in Buon Me Thuot.

Day 7

Buon Me Thuot – Pleiku

Depart for Pleiku, a scenic and delightful journey that offers breathtaking views of the rolling landscapes. Pleiku serves as the capital of Gia Lai province and is the center of the Pleiku district, covering an area of 261 km².

As you leave the city, the road takes you through a red-earth plateau, and for about twenty kilometers, you'll pass extensive rubber and coffee plantations, along with Kinh ethnic households adorned with pepper plants.

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. After lunch at your leisure in Pleiku, set off to visit the Dektu villages of the Bahnar ethnic group and the Dekrong villages of the Giarai ethnic group in the vicinity of Pleiku.

Return to Pleiku in the late afternoon.

Dinner is at your leisure, and spend the night in Pleiku.

Day 8

Pleiku – Kontum

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Kontum. Upon arrival in Kontum, check-in at the hotel, and begin the sightseeing tour, which includes visits to the small wooden cathedral, the Vin Son I orphanage, the Thua Sai seminary, and the Konklor suspension bridge.

Enjoy lunch before embarking on hiking trips into the heart of the Konktu villages, the homeland of the Bahnar ethnic group. Explore their way of life and traditional crafts such as weaving.

Later, return to Kontum by vehicle.

Dinner is at your leisure, and spend the night at the hotel in Kontum.

Day 9

Kontum - Pleiku - Flight To Saigon

In the morning, start your road transfer back to Pleiku. En route, visit the Pleikep village of the Jarai ethnic group, renowned for its cemetery adorned with funeral statuettes near the Pleiphun village. Also, explore a vast tea plantation.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Minh Thanh Pagoda before transferring to the Pleiku airport for your flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

Upon your arrival in Saigon, you will be greeted by a driver and transferred to your hotel.

End of our services.

Price includes

Accommodation in a double or twin room with daily breakfast.
Overnight cruise on board a shared good-quality boat in Halong Bay (private boat upon request).
Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
English-speaking guide during all tours.
Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary.
Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary.
Water & cool towels.
Government taxes & service charge.

Price excludes

International airfare and departure taxes.
Drinks and meals not mentioned.
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks, tips… etc.
Personal travel insurance.
Vietnam Visa (If you are not exempt from the visa).
All other services not specified in the itinerary.

Notes

Domestic flights: We quote separately and can book for you without fees.
Surcharged for Gala dinner on 24th and 31st December if any
Surcharged for Public holidays (30/4-1/5, Lunar New Year)
The timing of check-in and check-out at the hotels: Check-in at 14:00, check-out at 12:00. (Early check-in/
late check-out is upon your request).
A single supplement is required if you are traveling alone.
The triple room is possible upon your request.

Traveller reviews

5.0

5 reviews

Bourdoiseau

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 4:53 PM

5.0 Excellent

The cost of a 9-day trip Vietnam Central Highlands depends on travel style, accommodation, and activities. Here’s an estimated breakdown:💰 Total Estimated Budget:💰Mid-range travelers: $900 - $1,200 per person💰Luxury travelers: $1,800+ per person

Aziadé

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 4:53 PM

5.0 Excellent

The best time to visit depends on weather and seasonal activities:🌞 Best Time (November - April) – Dry SeasonComfortable temperatures (18°C - 25°C in Da Lat, warmer in lowlands).Best for trekking, waterfall visits, and wildlife spotting.🌧 Rainy Season (May - October)Lush landscapes but muddy roads & frequent rains.More waterfalls & green rice terraces, but some trails may be harder to access.👉 Recommendation: November to April is the best time for this itinerary, especially for hiking, wildlife tours, and cultural experiences.

Sebastien

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 4:54 PM

5.0 Excellent

Here’s a detailed 9-day itinerary Vietnam Highlands to explore the best of the Highlands:🌿 Day 1: Saigon → Nam Cat Tien National Park (Wildlife & Trekking)Travel from Saigon to Nam Cat Tien Park (~4 hours).Afternoon jungle trek to spot gibbons, hornbills, and wildlife.Night safari tour in Crocodile Lake or the jungle.Overnight in forest bungalows or lodges.🏔 Day 2: Nam Cat Tien → Da Lat (Romantic Mountain City)Morning birdwatching or biking around the park.Travel to Da Lat (4-5 hours), check-in at a cozy hotel.Visit Xuan Huong Lake, Crazy House & Night Market.🌄 Day 3: Explore Da Lat (Waterfalls & Adventure)Visit Datanla Waterfall (ziplining optional).Explore Linh Phuoc Pagoda & coffee farms.Free evening at Da Lat Night Market.🚣‍♂️ Day 4: Da Lat → Lak Lake (Ethnic Culture & Nature)Travel to Lak Lake (~3.5 hours).Visit ethnic M’Nong villages & traditional longhouses.Canoeing or elephant-friendly village experiences (no riding).Sunset views over Lak Lake.☕ Day 5: Lak Lake → Buon Ma Thuot (Coffee & Waterfalls)Travel to Buon Ma Thuot (~1.5 hours).Visit Dray Nur & Dray Sap waterfalls.Explore a coffee plantation & taste famous Central Highlands coffee.🏞 Day 6: Buon Ma Thuot → Pleiku (Highlands Culture & Volcanoes)Travel to Pleiku (~4 hours).Visit Bien Ho (Sea Lake) & Chu Dang Ya Volcano.Explore local Gia Lai ethnic villages.⛰ Day 7: Pleiku → Kontum (Ethnic Heritage & Scenic Views)Travel to Kontum (~2 hours).Visit Wooden Church, Kon Tum Bishop House, and Kon K’Tu village.Experience local traditional dances & cuisine.🚐 Day 8: Kontum → Pleiku → SaigonReturn to Pleiku and take a flight or sleeper bus to Saigon.Free evening for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.🛫 Day 9: Saigon → Flight Back HomeMorning relaxation or visit Ben Thanh Market.Flight back home.

Marengo

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 4:55 PM

5.0 Excellent

🏞 Nam Cat Tien (1 Night – Jungle Lodge Stay)Budget: Green Bamboo LodgeMid-range: Forest Floor Lodge🏡 Da Lat (2 Nights – Mountain Retreat)Budget: Dalat Friendly Fun HostelMid-range: Ana Mandara Villas DalatLuxury: Dalat Edensee Lake Resort🌊 Lak Lake (1 Night – Lake View Stay)Budget: M’Nong HomestayMid-range: Lak Tented Camp☕ Buon Ma Thuot (1 Night – Coffee Plantation Stay)Budget: Coffee Tour ResortMid-range: Dakruco Hotel🏞 Pleiku (1 Night – Lakeside Stay)Budget: Tre Xanh HotelMid-range: Hoang Anh Gia Lai Hotel🌄 Kontum (1 Night – Ethnic Village Stay)Budget: Kon K’Tu HomestayMid-range: Indochine Hotel

Berry

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 4:56 PM

5.0 Excellent

❌ Don’t ride elephants in Lak Lake – Choose ethical wildlife experiences instead.❌ Don’t disrespect ethnic traditions – Dress modestly & ask before taking photos.❌ Don’t litter in national parks – Carry a reusable water bottle & trash bag.❌ Don’t underestimate travel times – Some roads are bumpy & slow-moving.❌ Don’t expect nightlife – The Central Highlands is about nature & culture, not parties.Final Travel Tips for Vietnam Central Highlands (9 Days)✔ Bring hiking shoes, insect repellent, and a light jacket (cooler in Da Lat).✔ Book accommodations in advance, especially in remote areas.✔ Try local specialties: Grilled chicken in Lak Lake, Banh Mi Ca Phe in Buon Ma Thuot.✔ Respect local culture – The Central Highlands of Vietnam is home to many ethnic groups.Would you like a customized itinerary or hotel recommendations based on your budget? 😊

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Amazing Vietnam Central Highlands from Saigon 9 Days 8 Nights

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Amazing Vietnam Central Highlands from Saigon 9 Days 8 Nights

Tour details

Trip highlights

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Price includes

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Notes

Traveller reviews

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Services for this trip

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