Dalat to Nha Trang: Central Highlands Adventure Tour

Summary

Central Highlands journey: lakes, waterfalls & local culture

You’ll travel off-grid from Dalat’s cool hills to Nha Trang’s beaches—meeting locals, tasting real Vietnamese coffee, swimming under wild waterfalls, and unwinding in hot springs along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The air in Dalat hits different—cooler than the coast, a little piney. We started early, weaving past rows of greenhouses bursting with flowers. Our guide, Minh, knew every shortcut and stopped us at a tiny farm where we tried just-picked strawberries (they tasted sweeter than any I'd had before). The Dragon Pagoda was quiet that morning; incense drifted out as monks swept the steps. Later, we watched women in conical hats sorting coffee beans by hand. If you love Vietnamese coffee, nothing beats sipping it right there in a roadside café while locals chat over dominoes.

The road to Lak Lake felt endless but never dull—patches of jungle gave way to open rice fields. At the silk village, we saw the whole process: silkworms munching on mulberry leaves, spools spinning fast in the factory. The Elephant Waterfall roared so loud we had to shout to hear each other. By late afternoon, we rolled into Jun Village. The M’Nong families welcomed us with smiles and stories around smoky fires. Sleeping in their homestay was simple but cozy; you’ll hear frogs and crickets all night.

Next day’s highlight? Climbing Elephant Rock Mountain—just half an hour up but my legs felt it! From the top you see endless paddies and water buffalo grazing below. Riding pillion on a motorbike through Buon Me Thuot’s backroads is something I won’t forget; the wind smells like earth after rain. Dray Sap and Gia Long falls are wild and untamed—you can swim if you don’t mind cold water (I jumped in; totally worth it). That night at Eden Hotel felt like luxury after all that dust and sun.

On our last stretch toward Nha Trang, we stopped at the hill tribe museum—small but packed with old photos and tools from Ede people. The drive down Phoenix Pass is twisty; keep your camera ready for glimpses of fishing boats along the coast below. We ended at I-Resort Hot Mineral Springs—a soak here melts away every ache from the road. By 4pm we were in Nha Trang, sandy shoes and all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dalat to Lak Lake Exploration

• Visit Dragon Pagoda, Dalat farm, greenhouses, coffee and silk village, Elephant waterfall
• Enjoy Vietnamese coffee and watch rice wine making
• Visit Jun Minority Village and check-in at homestay

Day 2 — Lak Lake to Buon Me Thuot City

• Trek to top of Elephant rock mountain
• Observe rice paddy panorama on motorbike
• Visit Dray Sap, Gia Long falls, Dray Nur falls, swim in natural pool
• Return to Buon Me Thuot city for overnight

Day 3 — Buon Me Thuot to Nha Trang Journey

• Visit hill tribe museum
• Drive mountain roads, visit Ede villages
• Descend Phoenix pass to coast and fishing village
• End tour in Nha Trang

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for someone who isn’t very fit?

This trip includes trekking and some physical activity—it’s best if you’re comfortable with walking and climbing stairs or hills.

Can I join if I have back problems?

We don’t recommend this tour for travelers with spinal injuries or serious back issues due to bumpy roads and trekking sections.

Are meals included during the tour?

Meals aren’t specifically included but there are plenty of stops at local cafés and eateries along the route where you can try regional dishes.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transport options close to some points along the route if needed.

What’s included

Your ride comes with an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort between stops. You’ll also get guided visits to farms, waterfalls, villages, museums—and time to relax at I-Resort Hot Mineral Springs.