The Central Highlands of Vietnam, with its mysterious and untouched regions, is often overlooked by popular tourist trails. This area boasts extensive forests and majestic mountains, serving as a home to ethnic minorities who have preserved their traditions and unique identity.
During March and April, tourists are treated to a captivating sight: the pristine white coffee flowers in full bloom across the highlands and hills. This natural spectacle transforms the region into an even more alluring destination.
 |
| The ethereal beauty of white coffee flowers. Photo: Helena Coffee |
Due to variations in climate, the timing of coffee flower blooms differs slightly across provinces. Typically, there are two blooming seasons, lasting from February to the end of April on the solar calendar.
The white blossoms only last for about 7 to 10 days, after which they shed their petals and give way to small, pretty fruits that cling to the branches. The month of March is considered the peak of this floral display.
 |
| The fleeting beauty of the coffee flower blooms. Photo: Helena Coffee |
Coffee trees hold a significant position in the agricultural and forestry economy of Dak Lak, with over 200,000 hectares dedicated to their cultivation. This accounts for approximately 35% of the coffee-growing area in the Central Highlands.
When coffee flowers are in their full splendor, they resemble large daisies with round, clustered blooms that stand out against the fresh green foliage. The fragrance of these flowers is sweet and alluring, with a mild, pure, and refreshing aroma that provides a sense of relaxation.
As the blooms begin to fade, a fascinating sight unfolds. Each enormous flower is revealed to be composed of countless tiny, delicate blossoms gathered together. These blossoms will eventually form dense clusters of coffee berries.
 |
| The white coffee flowers create a snowy landscape. Photo: Lao Dong |
Buon Ma Thuot, the capital of Dak Lak province and the largest city in the Central Highlands, takes on a new level of beauty during the coffee flower season. Coffee flowers can be found throughout the city, especially in the suburbs, where vast plantations of primarily Robusta coffee thrive.
Buon Ma Thuot sits at an elevation of 530 meters above sea level and is often referred to as the coffee capital of Vietnam due to the abundance of coffee plantations and the presence of well-known coffee brands in the region.
 |
| The delicate beauty of coffee blossoms. Photo: Lao Dong |
For coffee enthusiasts, a must-visit destination is the Trung Nguyen Coffee Village. Spanning 20,000 square meters in Tan Loi Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City, this village resembles a cultural museum complex showcasing the agricultural life of the Central Highlands’ ethnic groups. It currently exhibits over 10 ancient houses and more than 2,000 artifacts, including traditional tools and cultural items.
Within the Trung Nguyen Coffee Village, a dedicated tasting area awaits coffee aficionados. Designed with care, this area consists of three traditional houses named Cherry, Arabica, and Robusta, each built in the architectural style of Hue. Here, visitors can indulge in a variety of Trung Nguyen coffee blends, such as Weasel, Legendee, Creative, G7, and Passiona. These coffees are crafted from premium beans, expertly roasted, ground, and brewed to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
 |
| The lush coffee trees of Dak Lak. Photo: Helena Coffee |
The ideal time to visit the Central Highlands is during the cool season, from November to January, when temperatures range from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. This period offers pleasant weather and a lush landscape, making it perfect for exploring the region’s natural wonders.
Kon Tum’s culture, tourism week features various activities
Kon Tum province will organise a culture and tourism week from December 14 to 17 with the participation of over 700 artists from Central Highlands localities, along with central Quang Nam and Quang Ngai and southern An Giang provinces.
Ako Dhong: village in the city
Only two kilometres north of Buon Ma Thuot city, Ako Dhong holds the hidden beauty of a traditional village of the E De ethnic group.
Trung Nguyen Coffee Village
To get to where the story of Vietnamese coffee began, and to trace the nation’s spectacular rise as a major world coffee exporter, a visit to Trung Nguyen Coffee Village is a must.
Sepulchre Statues in the Central Highlands
Located in the cultural space of the Gongs in the Central Highlands, which was recognized as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, sepulchre statues are evaluated as unique masterpieces of the art and spiritual culture of the ethnic groups in the area.
Kon Tum Provincial Culture Week features many activities
NDO – The Kon Tum provincial Culture Tourism Week opened on December 14 in Kon Tum City, featuring many cultural activities of ethnic groups who live in the Central Highlands, such as gong dances, traditional costumes and cuisine.
