The largest city in Vietnam’s Central Highlands typically gets overlooked by visitors, and that’s a shame. Buon Ma Thuot offers things the country’s biggest cities cannot, such as waterfalls and coffee. This cascade-rich town is Vietnam’s coffee capital, and the best things to do in Buon Ma Thuot tend to revolve around those two claims to fame. From slowly sipping a local ca phe to getting spritzed by Dray Nur Waterfall, Buon Ma Thuot is all about drinking in adventure.
The best time to visit Buon Ma Thuot is from November through April, during Vietnam’s dry season. That’s when you’ll most likely have pleasant weather, making it easy to explore the city's natural attractions and coffee plantations. Most visitors want to avoid the rainy season from May to October, when heavy—albeit often brief—rains can hinder travel plans and outdoor excursions.
For some visitors, renting a motorbike from a local shop is the best way to get around Buon Ma Thuot—it’s fun to travel in the open air and you can explore at your own pace. Taxis and rideshare services like Grab are widely available and typically affordable. For taxis, use a reputable company like Mai Linh. Beyond those options, biking and exploring on foot can be pleasant as well.
Have you ever heard of civet coffee? Made from coffee cherries that have been partially digested by the Asian palm civet (picture a ferret-skunk hybrid), civet coffee can be experienced in Buon Ma Thuot—at least for those with a firm stomach. Considered a regional delicacy, try it on a tour to get the full picture behind this oddly specific specialty.
