Top 10 Things to Do in Vietnam’s Central Highlands (2026 Guide)

08/01/2026

Top 10 Things to Do in Vietnam’s Central Highlands (2026 Guide)

If you are already familiar with traditional Vietnam travel itineraries—where famous destinations are often crowded and schedules tightly packed—then Vietnam’s Central Highlands (Tay Nguyen) is the perfect choice for slowing down and immersing yourself in a land rich in indigenous culture.

Far from the noise and hustle, the Central Highlands captivates travelers with its pristine nature stretching across fertile basalt plateaus, ancient indigenous cultures preserved through generations, and a way of life that remains deeply authentic and meaningful. This region offers a travel experience completely different from the rest of Vietnam—more genuine, more sustainable, and more emotionally enriching.

In this article, Ms. Tam—a professional local tour guide with in-depth knowledge of the culture and people of the Central Highlands—shares the 10 most worthwhile experiences in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Each recommendation is carefully selected from real-life experience, with a focus on sustainable tourism, respect for local communities, and exploring the Central Highlands in the most authentic way.

This is not just a list of things to do, but a guide to fully experiencing the soul of the Central Highlands on your 2026 journey.

1. Visit an Indigenous K’Ho Ethnic Village in the Da Lat Highlands

Hidden among pine forests and lush valleys around Da Lat are traditional K’Ho villages-places that preserve the cultural soul of Lam Dong’s highlands.

Highlights include:

Visiting traditional K’Ho longhouses

Learning about polytheistic beliefs and the sacred relationship between people and nature

Tasting local cuisine such as bamboo-tube rice, grilled chicken, and rice wine

Interacting and chatting with local villagers

⇒Unlike staged cultural performances, experiences in K’Ho villages feel genuine and intimate, helping international visitors gain a deeper understanding of everyday life in the Central Highlands.

2. Conquer Langbiang Peak, Da Lat

Challenge yourself with a one-day trek to Langbiang Peak, where you can enjoy scenic trekking routes and learn about the legends behind Da Lat’s most famous mountain.

Langbiang is closely associated with a K’Ho love legend and is considered a spiritual symbol of the region. The trekking route is relatively easy, suitable for various age groups, and offers panoramic views of valleys, pine forests, and Dankia–Suoi Vang Lake. With its cool climate year-round, Langbiang is ideal for outdoor activities and perfectly combines nature, culture, and fascinating indigenous stories.

3. Visit Ga Village (Darahoa) – One of the Most Unique Villages Near Da Lat

Featuring a record-breaking nine-spurred rooster statue, tree-perched houses, and traditional brocade weaving, Ga Village (Darahoa) is becoming an intriguing destination in Lam Dong’s highlands.

The village impresses visitors with its giant rooster statue-a spiritual symbol linked to K’Ho marriage culture. Here, you can listen to fascinating folk tales, admire traditional stilt-house architecture, and fully relax in a peaceful atmosphere. This is an ideal destination for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, far from crowds and closer to authentic cultural values.

4. Elephant Riding at Ho Lak – The Largest Freshwater Lake in the Central Highlands

Currently, Ho Lak in Dak Lak is the only place in the Central Highlands (and Vietnam) where elephant riding experiences are still available. Ho Lak is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the region, surrounded by mountains and ethnic villages.

In addition to exploring Ho Lak and riding elephants, visitors can enjoy Central Highlands cultural performances such as fire dances, harvest dances, gong performances, traditional instruments like T’rung, K’long Put, lithophones, or take a dugout canoe to cruise across or around the lake.

5. Meet the M’Nong Ethnic Community – The Cultural Soul of the Central Highlands

The M’Nong are one of the oldest indigenous communities in the Central Highlands, famous for their elephant-hunting traditions, epic storytelling, and gong culture.

Memorable experiences include:

Visiting traditional M’Nong villages

Listening to epic tales by the fire

Learning about traditional crafts and brocade weaving

⇒This experience carries strong educational and humanistic value, helping international travelers better understand the deep cultural roots of the region.

6. Cultural Exchange with the E De People – A Defining Feature of the Central Highlands

One of the must-do experiences in the Central Highlands is learning about and interacting with the E De people-one of the most representative indigenous communities that shape the cultural identity of Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

The uniqueness of the E De lies not only in architecture and customs but also in how they preserve and pass down cultural values through generations. The E De are well known for their traditional longhouses, symbols of their matriarchal society where multiple generations live under one roof. In addition, the Central Highlands gong culture, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, serves as a spiritual bridge connecting people, nature, and the sacred world.

Unmissable experiences with the E De:

Visiting E De longhouses and learning about daily life, customs, and matriarchal social structure

Enjoying authentic Central Highlands coffee, hand-roasted and brewed using traditional methods

Participating in cultural exchanges with gong music and traditional dances, feeling the strong sense of community and indigenous beliefs

This is considered one of the most culturally distinctive experiences in Central Highlands Vietnam-where you do not just visit, but truly live within the cultural space, feeling its history, people, and rare authentic rhythm of life.

7. Walk Across Kon Klor Suspension Bridge & Explore Kon Klor Village by the Dak Bla River

When visiting Kon Tum, do not miss the chance to check in at Kon Klor Suspension Bridge-an iconic structure spanning the Dak Bla River amid majestic mountain scenery. The bridge features a unique suspension design with weathered cables covered in moss. Without flashy or luxurious elements, Kon Klor Bridge retains a rustic, simple beauty that reflects the soul of the highland people.

Nearby, take time to explore Kon Klor Village, home to the largest Rong House in Kon Tum, cozy traditional stilt houses along the poetic Dak Bla River, and authentic local life through brocade weaving, basketry, tasting traditional rice wine, and participating in distinctive festivals.

8. Conquer the Majestic Waterfalls of the Central Highlands

The Central Highlands is known as the land of waterfalls, where nature showcases its raw power.

Notable waterfalls include:

Dray Sap Waterfall – powerful currents with misty white spray

Dray Nur Waterfall – the “queen of waterfalls” in the Central Highlands

Thuy Tien Waterfall – peaceful and less crowded

K50 Waterfall – one of the wildest waterfalls in Vietnam, deep in the forest

⇒These experiences are especially appealing to travelers from Europe, Australia, and nature and trekking enthusiasts.

9. Discover Mang Den – A Pristine Paradise in the Central Highlands

Hidden among the primary forests of Kon Tum Province, Mang Den is often described as “Da Lat from 20 years ago,” when nature remained untouched, life moved slowly, and mass commercialization had not yet arrived. With a cool climate year-round, fresh air, and lush green landscapes, Mang Den is becoming an ideal destination for those seeking peace and healing travel experiences.

Quiet and uncrowded, Mang Den offers a sense of complete escape—where you can listen to forest winds, watch morning mist drift along pine-covered slopes, and feel the slow breathing of nature.

Unmissable experiences in Mang Den:

Visiting Dak Ke Lake and Pa Sy Waterfall, two natural highlights amid pristine mountain landscapes

Walking through pine forests, enjoying morning mist and the tranquil highland atmosphere

Relaxing, healing, and recharging while fully immersing yourself in the green nature of the Central Highlands

For both domestic and international travelers, Mang Den is not just a destination, but an emotional state—where balance, calmness, and deep connection with nature are rediscovered on a 2026 journey through Central Highlands Vietnam.

10. Enjoy Central Highlands Cuisine and Coffee

No journey through the Central Highlands is complete without experiencing:

Buon Ma Thuot coffee – the coffee capital of Vietnam

Local grilled specialties

Traditional rice wine

Central Highlands cuisine is simple yet rich in flavor, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.