Buon Ma Thuot may not be as well known as other places in Vietnam such as Hanoi, but it is worth seeing. It is the provincial capital of Dak Lak or Dac Lac Province and approximately kilometres from Saigon, deep in the Central Highlands of the country. Despite being one of the biggest towns in the Central Highlands, Buon Ma Thuot is only visited by a few tourists because it is off the beaten track.
However, this town can serve as a starting point for those who want to see the attractions in the area. Buon Ma Thuot is a small but busy place. With a population of about ,, it is home to ethnic minorities like the Jarai and Rhade peoples.
The place is historically relevant because it was the site of the last major confrontation between the North Vietnamese and South Vietnamese armies back in March These days, however, Buon Ma Thuot is better known for its coffee. Buon Ma Thuot does not have attractions on offer.
What it does offer, however, is easy access to the attractions in its immediate area. This is the reason why Buon Ma Thuot is considered a good base for excursions and outdoor trips. In the immediate area of Buon Ma Thuot, beautiful waterfalls are one of the best attractions.
Gia Long and Dray Nur are impressive but if you have to visit just one waterfall, it should be Dray Sap, which can be found in a stunning rainforest. Another must-visit attraction is the Yok Don National Park which is considered the largest nature reserve in Vietnam and here visitors can find rare animals and birds, as well as endangered species. However, ethnic tribes such as the Ede and M'nong live here as well and they are known to domesticate wild elephants.
