If you’ve ever dreamed of a land where endless mountains and forests stretch as far as the eye can see, where peaceful villages hide beneath ancient tree canopies, and where the sound of gongs echoes through the vast wilderness every evening… then the Central Highlands is the answer to that dream.
The Central Highlands is not a bustling destination filled with flashy resorts. It has its own unique beauty – rustic, profound, and somewhat wild. This is a place for those passionate about exploration, who love the feeling of hitting the road, conquering winding slopes, crossing hills and mountains, and then stopping deep in the forest to take a deep breath of earth, wind, and sunshine.
And if there’s one way to truly experience the spirit of this land, nothing is better than a motorcycle journey – starting from Buôn Ma Thuột, famously known as the “coffee capital of Vietnam,” crossing the sunny, windy highlands, and finally ending in Kon Tum – a land rich with the cultural and historical marks of indigenous peoples.
Buôn Ma Thuột: The Authentic Starting Point of the Central Highlands
The journey begins in Buôn Ma Thuột—the heart of the Central Highlands—a place where modernity meets tradition, and where the vibrant city life blends seamlessly with the rich cultural heritage of local ethnic villages. Not only is it the largest city in the region, but it also perfectly embodies the spirit of the vast highlands: the red basalt hills, endless green coffee plantations stretching to the horizon, and most importantly, the lively indigenous culture visible in every stilt house, every traditional xoang dance, and the resonant gong sounds that fill the air at dusk.
On a powerful motorcycle, you’ll leave the city center and follow winding roads that weave through coffee farms, rubber plantations, and small streams, leading you to villages bursting with cultural colors:
Buôn Ako Dhong—known as the “village of the wealthy Ê Đê people”—lies right within Buôn Ma Thuột city. Here, traditional longhouses are carefully preserved, the locals are warm and welcoming, and many ancient customs are still kept alive.
Buôn Kô Tam—famous for its cool ecological environment, clear blue ponds, and numerous hands-on experiences like pounding rice, making cơm lam (bamboo-tube rice), weaving, and trying on traditional costumes.
Buôn Đôn—a place tied to the legendary elephant hunters of the forest, with rickety suspension bridges spanning the Sêrêpôk River, and especially the unforgettable experience of riding elephants through the jungle—one of Đắk Lắk’s most iconic tourist highlights.
Don’t Miss These Must-See Stops:
Dray Nur and Dray Sap Waterfalls: This famous twin waterfall set deep within the ancient forest is often called the “Twin Fairy Sisters of the Central Highlands.” The roaring sound of cascading water echoing through the wild nature, with the white foaming streams flowing like silver ribbons through the vast jungle, will make any traveler pause their ride in awe and admiration.
The Coffee World Museum: More than just a display of artifacts, this museum is a modern artistic landmark infused with Central Highlands spirit. Here, you can explore the history of coffee worldwide, learn about coffee culture, and discover the rich indigenous cultural values connected to this iconic agricultural product.
Trung Nguyên Legend Coffee Village: A refreshing green space where you can leisurely savor a cup of pure roasted coffee while listening to the rustling wind through the trees, surrounded by the subtle aroma of red basalt soil and the fresh breeze of the highlands. This is the perfect place to rest and recharge before continuing your journey.
Riding along National Highway 14: A Road Draped in Forests and Waterfalls
Leaving Buôn Ma Thuột, you continue your journey along National Highway 14 — the backbone route of the Central Highlands connecting Đắk Lắk, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum provinces. This is one of the most beautiful motorbike touring routes through the highlands, featuring gentle curves embracing rolling hills, stretches of rubber forests lining both sides, and fresh, cool highland air throughout the day.
On this road, you don’t just ride; you immerse yourself in a majestic natural landscape. Every time you stop, you look up to see the deep blue sky, reach out your hand to feel the soft sunlight filtering through the tree canopy, and glance down to smell the rich red basalt earth under your wheels.
Unmissable stops along this route include:
Hồ Lắk (Krông Ana): About 50 km south of Buôn Ma Thuột, Hồ Lắk is Vietnam’s second largest freshwater lake, resting peacefully amid vast mountains. Here, you can experience paddling a traditional wooden canoe, riding elephants around the lake (if the service is available), or simply camp and watch sunsets and sunrises dyeing the crystal-clear water golden. The space here feels detached from the noisy world, leaving only you, nature, and the whispering wind in your ears.
Ea Drăng Town (Ea H’leo District): This is a perfect resting point after hours on the bike saddle. The roadside eateries are simple and rustic but serve rich Central Highlands specialties such as:
- Bamboo-tube roasted sticky rice (Cơm lam): fragrant, sweet, and freshly cooked.
- Grilled chicken with chili salt: cooked over glowing charcoal, served with the unique golden ant salt or green chili lime salt for an unforgettable flavor.
- Bép leaf soup: a traditional Ê Đê dish, refreshing and easy to enjoy.
Stopping here for a rustic lunch with the locals lets you deeply feel the friendliness, closeness, and generosity of the Central Highlands people.
If you have time, take a slight detour onto smaller side roads to explore lush pepper gardens, coffee plantations blooming with white flowers (if visiting around February to March), or visit highland markets to buy wild honey, black pepper, or traditional rice wine (rượu cần) as souvenirs.
Pleiku: Journey Through Mist and Legend
After winding roads cutting through dense forests, when the sunlight begins to fade and a thin veil of mist blankets the path, you will arrive in Pleiku — the misty highland city, quiet yet poetic. Pleiku isn’t bustling or noisy, but it carries a mysterious and lyrical beauty that makes any traveler want to linger a little longer, breathe in the fresh cool air deeply, and let their soul settle.
This city is a perfect intersection of pristine nature and the long-standing culture of the Central Highlands people, especially the space dedicated to gong culture — an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO.
Unmissable experiences in Pleiku include:
- T’Nưng Lake (Biển Hồ): Located just about 7 km from the city center, T’Nưng Lake is known as the “eyes of Pleiku” — one of the most beautiful natural lakes in Vietnam. Its water remains clear and calm throughout the year, reflecting the sky and clouds on its glassy surface, surrounded by quiet rows of ancient pine trees. Standing by the lake at dawn, you will feel as if touching the deepest layer of peace.
- Minh Thành Pagoda: A spiritual and cultural site with intricate East Asian architecture blending Japanese, Chinese, and ancient Vietnamese styles. The pagoda’s grounds are spacious, green, and tranquil — the perfect place to find peace amidst your dusty journey. On misty days, the pagoda appears like a vivid ink painting nestled in the mountain town.
Pleiku Cuisine — A Must-Try:
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Gia Lai dry pho (Phở khô Gia Lai): The mountain city’s signature dish, served in two separate bowls — one with tender, chewy dry noodles, the other with rich, flavorful broth, accompanied by fresh herbs and sweet-spicy black sauce.
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Bún mắm nêm: A bold and captivating dish for those who love authentic, rustic flavors.
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Sun-dried beef with golden ant salt (Bò một nắng chấm muối kiến vàng): A unique specialty combining the sweetness of sun-dried beef with the tangy and salty flavor of forest ant salt — an unforgettable taste experience.
Pleiku is not only a place to rest but also a place to connect deeply with the soul of the Central Highlands — a land both powerful and serene, like the sound of gongs echoing through the vast forest.
Kon Tum: The Land That Connects History and Identity
As your wheels leave the mountainous town of Pleiku, the final leg of the Central Highlands journey leads you to Kon Tum — a land both wild and serene, rich with layers of cultural and historical heritage. This is not only the last stop but also the place where you can most deeply feel the preserved identity of the Central Highlands blending harmoniously with majestic nature.
Along the tree-lined roads, you’ll easily spot the towering communal houses (nhà rông), bright smiles of Ba Na girls along village paths, and the distant echo of gongs calling travelers to linger a little longer…
Must-visit places in Kon Tum:
- Kon Tum Wooden Church: Built in 1913 entirely from ironwood, this church is a harmonious blend of Western Gothic architecture and the stilt-house style of the Ba Na people. Inside, the space is both solemn and rustic, allowing you to truly sense the close connection between Christianity and the indigenous culture of the Central Highlands.
- Kon Klor Suspension Bridge: The largest suspension bridge in the Central Highlands, connecting the two banks of the Đăk Bla River. From the middle of the bridge, you can gaze out over swaying reed fields, the gently winding river, and silhouettes of local farmers tending their fields — a cinematic scene straight from a film.
- Kon Tum Prison: A historic site marking the relentless struggle of revolutionary fighters during the French colonial era. It stands not only as a witness to history but also as a reminder of the resilient spirit of the Central Highlands people.
Don’t miss exploring:
Ethnic villages such as Kon K’tu, Kon Jơ Dri, and Kon H’ra, home to the Ba Na, Xơ Đăng, and Rơ Măm peoples. Here you can:
- Visit traditional communal houses — cultural symbols of the community.
- Experience gong performances, xoang dances, and new rice harvest festivals.
- Stay at homestays, enjoy cơm lam (bamboo-tube rice), drink rượu cần (traditional rice wine), and chat with locals — discovering that the Central Highlands is not just a destination, but a vibrant cultural journey.
Central Highlands Specialties: Taste Once, Remember for Life
The Central Highlands not only captivate visitors with their majestic mountain landscapes, endless coffee plantations, and simple villages, but also enchant with a rich, rustic cuisine closely intertwined with local life and culture.
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Central Highlands Coffee – The Essence in Every Drop
If you visit the Central Highlands without tasting pure coffee, it’s as if you haven’t truly arrived. Đắk Lắk’s Robusta coffee is famous for its strong flavor and a slightly bitter aftertaste, perfect for sipping on chilly early mornings. For locals, coffee is not just a drink but an essential part of daily life, social interaction, and culture. Don’t forget to bring home some whole bean or ground coffee as gifts for family and friends.
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Grilled Chicken with Bamboo-Tube Rice – The Flavor of the Countryside
A traditional dish of the Ê Đê and Gia Rai people, this meal combines fragrant grilled chicken with crispy skin and sticky bamboo-tube rice cooked inside green bamboo tubes. Especially, “muối é” – a salt made from wild seeds and leaves – is the secret that gives this dish its unforgettable, rich flavor. Just one taste and you’ll forever remember the feeling of eating while surrounded by vast mountain scenery.
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Sun-Dried Beef with Yellow Ant Salt – The Unforgettable Taste of the Highlands
This specialty from Krông Pa (Gia Lai) is a must-try for every traveler. Beef is sun-dried and then grilled over glowing coals, served with yellow ant salt – a sour and spicy salt made from forest ants. The intense aroma and strong flavor blending beef and wild salt create a dish both exotic and quintessentially Central Highlands.
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Soup with Bep and Cassava Leaves Cooked with Dried Fish – Simple and Light
Simple yet very appetizing, this soup is usually cooked with forest leaves such as bep or cassava leaves combined with savory dried fish. The natural sweet taste of the broth blends perfectly with the dried fish’s flavor, creating a rustic yet unforgettable dish. You’ll often find this dish in local eateries along Central Highlands routes.
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Rice Wine (Rượu Cần) – The Soul of the Gong Festival
Rượu cần is not just a drink but a symbol of community spirit and bonding during the unique gong festivals. Made from leaf yeast, fermented in earthen jars, and drunk through bamboo straws, this rice wine has a strong, fragrant flavor and brings warmth and joy to every gathering. Joining a party with rượu cần gives you a deeper understanding of the Central Highlands’ cultural identity.
Suggestions for a Motorbike Trip in the Central Highlands
Ideal Time to Travel
If you want to fully enjoy your journey through the Central Highlands, choose the period from November to March of the following year. This is the dry season with cool and pleasant weather, perfect for long-distance riding while avoiding harsh sun and the damp rain that can make travel difficult.
Gear Preparation
For a safe and comfortable ride, a touring or adventure motorbike is the optimal choice. Don’t forget to equip yourself with full protective gear such as a windproof jacket, gloves, windshield, and specialized riding boots. Additionally, bringing a basic bike repair kit will be very useful for handling minor issues on the road.
Accommodation Options
The Central Highlands now offers a wide variety of homestays and farmstays, ranging from traditional, rustic mountain styles to modern and comfortable lodgings. In stopover towns like Buôn Ma Thuột, Pleiku, or Kon Tum, you can easily find cozy, friendly places to rest and recharge after a long day of riding.
James Hanoi Motorbikes – Your Trusted Companion on Every Route
Whether you start from the bustling capital Hanoi, vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, or want to pick up a bike right in the majestic Central Highlands, James Hanoi Motorbikes is always ready to accompany you with flexible, fast, and convenient delivery services. We offer a diverse range of motorbikes suited for all needs: from powerful touring bikes, off-road dirt bikes, to specialized adventure motorcycles for exploration routes.
All bikes are regularly maintained and thoroughly checked before each trip, ensuring maximum safety and smooth operation throughout your journey. Our experienced technicians are always available to support you anytime, from bike selection advice and usage instructions to quick troubleshooting.
Additionally, we assist with all necessary paperwork and procedures, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about administrative issues.
- Address: Number 449 – Hong Ha street | Phuc Tan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Hotline: +84 915 010 817
- Email: jameshanoimotorbikes@gmail.com
- Website: jamesmotorbikes.com
Let James Hanoi Motorbikes turn your Central Highlands trip into not just a ride, but a memorable, inspiring journey full of freedom and adventure.
