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9-Day Vietnam Central Highlands Tour from Ho Chi Minh City: Cat Tien, Da Lat & Lak Lake
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Overview
Journey from Ho Chi Minh City into the forests, highland towns and culturally diverse landscapes of southern and central Vietnam on this 9-Day Vietnam Central Highlands Tour. The route connects Cat Tien National Park, Da Lat, Lak Lake, Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku and Kon Tum, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City by domestic flight from Pleiku.
Trek through tropical forest to Bau Sau Crocodile Lake, experience the Da Lat–Trai Mat heritage railway and Linh Phuoc Pagoda, and explore the M’nong cultural landscape around Lak Lake. Continue through coffee and pepper-growing areas, Dray Nur and Dray Sap Waterfalls, and Yok Don National Park, then travel north to meet Ede, M’nong, Bahnar and Jrai communities through village walks, local architecture, crafts, weaving and everyday traditions.
Combining nature, cultural encounters and active sightseeing, this itinerary offers a varied yet well-paced introduction to the Vietnam Central Highlands, with selected activities adjusted responsibly to weather, local access and operating conditions.
- Cat Tien National Park: Trek approximately 10 kilometres through tropical forest to Bau Sau Crocodile Lake and experience one of the park’s notable wetland environments.
- Da Lat Heritage Route: Travel on the Da Lat–Trai Mat heritage railway when operating, visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda and explore the Clay Tunnel near Tuyen Lam Lake.
- Lak Lake & M’nong Culture: Discover lakeside villages, traditional stilt houses and local customs, with a short canoe journey available when water and weather conditions permit.
- Central Highlands Agriculture: Visit coffee and pepper-growing land near Dak Phoi and learn how these important crops contribute to the region’s agricultural economy.
- Dray Nur & Dray Sap Waterfalls: Explore accessible viewpoints before visiting Buon Ma Thuot’s Dak Lak Museum and World Coffee Museum for regional history and coffee culture.
- Yok Don & Buon Don: Walk through Yok Don’s characteristic dry forest and visit Ede and M’nong communities to experience village architecture and everyday local life.
- Bahnar Villages of Kon Tum: Explore Kon K’Tu and other community landscapes through guided walks focused on traditional architecture, weaving, customs and village life.
- Jrai Cultural Landscape: Travel through Gia Lai with a possible community and traditional cemetery visit, including distinctive carved grave-house statues, subject to access and flight timing.
Places you’ll see
Itinerary
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Leave Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and travel toward Cat Tien National Park, gradually leaving the urban landscape behind for the forested surroundings of southeastern Vietnam. Arrive in the park area around midday and enjoy lunch before checking in.
The afternoon is deliberately kept at a relaxed pace, giving you time to settle in, enjoy the natural forest setting and recover from the road journey before the more active trek planned for the following morning. Dinner is included, followed by a free evening near Cat Tien National Park.
Overnight: Cat Tien National Park area
After an early breakfast, begin a guided excursion to Bau Sau Crocodile Lake, one of the notable wetland areas within Cat Tien National Park. Travel by park vehicle to the forest trailhead, then continue on foot for approximately five kilometres each way through tropical forest. At the lake, take time to observe the wetland landscape and surrounding ecosystem.
When park operations, weather and water conditions permit, a small boat trip on Bau Sau may be available, offering the chance to look for birds, crocodiles and other wildlife; sightings cannot be guaranteed. Walk back through the forest and return to the park centre for lunch before continuing by road toward Da Lat. Arrive later in the day, check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening independently.
Activity Level: Moderate, with Some Physical Activity. Approximately 10 km of forest walking in total. Trails may be muddy or slippery after raining. Good walking shoes, lightweight outdoor clothing, insect repellent, sun protection and rain gear are recommended.
Overnight: Hotel in Da Lat
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After breakfast, travel along the Da Lat–Trai Mat heritage railway, subject to the railway's operating schedule. The route passes through the outskirts of Da Lat, with views of pine-covered landscapes, flower-growing areas and vegetable farms, before reaching Linh Phuoc Pagoda. Continue to the Clay Tunnel near Tuyen Lam Lake, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, leave Da Lat and travel deeper into the Central Highlands toward Lak Lake. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in at your accommodation near the lake and enjoy dinner in the local area.
Overnight: Hotel near Lak Lake
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After breakfast, explore Lak Lake and the surrounding M'nong cultural landscape. Take a short local canoe journey when water and weather conditions permit, then continue to the Jun and M'Lieng village areas, where your guide introduces traditional stilt houses, local customs and everyday life in communities around the lake.
Following lunch, travel toward the Dak Phoi area to visit coffee and pepper-growing land and learn more about crops closely associated with the agricultural economy of the Central Highlands. If time, weather and local conditions are suitable, the journey may also include a short stop near a natural stream.
Return to your accommodation near Lak Lake for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Activity level: Easy to moderate, with village walking and local road travel.
Overnight: Hotel near Lak Lake
Leave Lak Lake after breakfast and travel toward Dray Nur and Dray Sap Waterfalls, where the Srepok river system creates some of the best-known natural scenery in Dak Lak. Spend time walking around the accessible viewing areas before continuing to Buon Ma Thuot for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the Dak Lak Museum for an introduction to the region's history, environment and ethnic communities, followed by the World Coffee Museum, which highlights the important place of coffee culture in Buon Ma Thuot and the wider Central Highlands. Check in at your hotel afterward, with the rest of the evening free for independent exploration.
Activity Level: Moderate, with Regular Walking. Paths around the waterfalls may be uneven or slippery, particularly after rain.
Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot
After breakfast, travel west from Buon Ma Thuot for a day combining the natural environment of Yok Don National Park with the cultural landscapes of Buon Don. Join your guide for a forest walk in Yok Don, experiencing the park's characteristic dry forest environment before continuing into the wider Buon Don area.
Visits to local Ede and M'nong communities introduce village life, traditional architecture and the relationship between local people and their surrounding landscape. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing the cultural experience during the afternoon.
A traditional Central Highlands performance may be arranged when locally available and confirmed, but it is not guaranteed as part of the standard itinerary. Return to Buon Ma Thuot later in the day.
Activity level: Easy to moderate forest and village walking. Comfortable closed walking shoes, sun protection and rain protection are recommended.
Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot
After breakfast, travel north from Buon Ma Thuot to Pleiku through the Central Highlands, passing red-earth farmland, coffee plantations, rubber-growing areas and rural communities along the way. Arrive around midday, enjoy lunch and check in before heading out again with your guide.
During the afternoon, visit selected Bahnar and Jrai community areas around Pleiku. The experience focuses on communal architecture, traditional crafts, village landscapes and everyday local life rather than staged sightseeing. The exact villages visited may vary according to local access and community arrangements.
Return to Pleiku in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening independently.
Overnight: Hotel in Pleiku
After breakfast, leave Pleiku and travel to Kon Tum, continuing through the northern Central Highlands. Begin with visits to the city's historic wooden church and former missionary seminary area, then continue to Kon Klor Suspension Bridge before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a guided walk through Kon K'Tu Bahnar Village near the Dak Bla River. The visit focuses on Bahnar village architecture, local customs, weaving and community life, providing a closer look at the cultural landscape surrounding Kon Tum.
Return to your hotel later in the afternoon, with the evening free for your own arrangements.
Activity Level: Moderate, with a Mix of Walking and Sightseeing
Overnight: Hotel in Kon Tum
After breakfast, leave Kon Tum and travel back toward Pleiku through the Jrai cultural landscape of Gia Lai Province. Depending on local access and the confirmed flight schedule, stop at a Jrai community and traditional cemetery area to learn about local funerary traditions and the distinctive carved wooden statues associated with traditional grave houses.
If timing allows, make a short stop around tea-growing landscapes before continuing toward Pleiku. A visit to Minh Thanh Pagoda may also be included when the confirmed flight schedule permits. These final stops remain flexible to ensure sufficient time for the airport transfer.
Continue to Pleiku Airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel, where the tour concludes.
Lunch: At your own expense, depending on the confirmed flight schedule
End of services: Ho Chi Minh City
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point
End point
Dates & Availability
Important Information
Expand All- International airfares and any applicable airport taxes
- Pleiku–Ho Chi Minh City domestic airfare, if quoted separately from the tour price
- Meals or drinks not specifically outlined in the daily program
- Vietnam entry visas where required, depending on your nationality
- Personal spending, including laundry, calls, or refreshments outside the itinerary
- Travel insurance, which we recommend arranging prior to departure
- Any optional activities, services or experiences not specified in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers (suggested: USD 3–5 per person per day)
If you need help arranging anything beyond the program, our team will be happy to assist.
- Keep your luggage light and stay comfortable. We recommend bringing:
- Lightweight and breathable outfits for warm conditions
- Proper walking shoes for comfort and support
- Sun protection essentials: sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle
- Personal care essentials and required medications
Optional: snacks, a camera, and a small daypack for daily excursions.
Don’t worry — we’ll guide you with more details before your trip.
Payment
- A 30% deposit is needed to guarantee your booking.
- The remaining balance is due at least 10 days before departure.
- Once your booking is confirmed, the deposit becomes non-refundable as hotels, guides and local services may be reserved in advance.
Cancellations
- In the event of cancellations, the following conditions will apply:
- More than 10 days before departure: 30% of total tour price
- 6–10 days before departure: 50% of the total tour price
- 3–5 days before departure: 75% of total tour price
- Within 3 days before departure or no-show: 100% of total tour price
- Cancellation deadlines are calculated based on working days in Vietnam, excluding weekends and public holidays. Please contact our team if your cancellation request falls close to a deadline.
Refunds
- Any applicable refunds will be processed after deducting relevant fees and banking charges.
- The time it takes to receive your refund may vary based on your payment provider.
- Hotel rooms are typically available from 14:00 and should be vacated by 12:00
- Early check-in or late check-out is available upon request (subject to availability and surcharge)
- Single supplement applies for solo travelers booking a private Vietnam tour
- Triple room option is available upon request
- The itinerary may be adjusted due to flight schedules, weather conditions, or operational factors
- Peak season surcharge: Additional charges may apply for Christmas Eve (24 December) and New Year’s Eve (31 December) Gala dinners
- Public holiday surcharge: Applicable during major holidays such as Vietnamese public holidays (Reunification Day 30/4 – Labour Day 1/5, Lunar New Year/Tet)
- Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Vietnam
- Visa requirements vary according to nationality and remain the responsibility of each traveler
- In unexpected situations, adjustments may be made with your comfort and safety in mind.
- Children under 2 years old: Free of charge (sharing bed with parents; limited services included)
- Children from 2 up to 12 years (exclusive):
- 90% of the adult tour price (sharing bed with parents)
- 100% of the adult tour price (extra bed provided)
- Children aged 12 years and above: Charged at 100% of the adult tour price
- A child’s age is calculated based on the date of travel
- Only one child per room is allowed to share a bed with parents (subject to hotel policy)
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about this tour
What Does The 9-Day Vietnam Central Highlands Tour Cover?
This 9-day journey travels from Ho Chi Minh City through Cat Tien National Park, Da Lat, Lak Lake, Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku and Kon Tum. The itinerary combines tropical forest trekking, waterfalls, highland agriculture, museums and cultural visits with M’nong, Ede, Bahnar and Jrai communities before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Where Is the Tour Starting and Ending Point?
The tour begins in Ho Chi Minh City with a morning road journey to Cat Tien National Park. On Day 9, you travel from Kon Tum toward Pleiku and continue to Pleiku Airport for a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After arrival, a driver transfers you to your hotel, where the tour concludes.
How Active Is This Vietnam Central Highlands Tour?
The itinerary combines sightseeing with regular walking, village visits and forest activities. The most demanding section is the approximately 10-kilometre Bau Sau trek in Cat Tien National Park. Other days range from easy to moderate walking, including waterfall paths, Yok Don forest trails and guided village walks around Lak Lake, Pleiku and Kon Tum.
Still deciding if this tour is right for you?
This customizable tour can be tailored to your travel style, dates, and preferences.
Tell us what you’re looking for — we’ll create a personalized trip just for you.
Customer Reviews
Review details
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MSMs.Bryan Wilson | Austria
Apr 23, 2026A Smooth and Memorable Journey Through Vietnam’s Central Highlands
My wife and I had a fantastic nine-day journey with Auasia Travel through Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Tansy did an excellent job planning everything for us, and the whole trip ran smoothly from beginning to end. We never felt that there was anything we needed to worry about, which made it easy to simply enjoy the experience.Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, our ..More -
MRMr.Michael Madrazo | Iceland
Apr 16, 2026A Very Well-Organized Central Highlands Journey
Our nine-day Vietnam Central Highlands tour with Auasia Travel was extremely well organized from start to finish. Everything along the journey felt carefully arranged, which meant we could relax and concentrate on enjoying each destination rather than worrying about the logistics.Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, we travelled to Cat Tien National Park before continuing ..More -
MRMr.Steven Brenssell | Ireland
Apr 08, 2026A Seamless Nine-Day Journey Through Vietnam’s Central Highlands
My wife and I had a wonderful nine-day Vietnam Central Highlands tour with Auasia Travel. Kate was our travel consultant, and from the planning stage through to the end of the trip, she was knowledgeable, organized and always helpful whenever we needed assistance.Our journey started from Ho Chi Minh City and continued to Cat Tien National Park, where we experienced the ..More
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