Central Highlands

When you think about Vietnam, images of sun-drenched coastlines and iced coffee under the tropical heat likely come to mind. But the Central Highlands tell a very different story. Here, mountain passes weave through towering pine forests, and the cooler climate might just have you rethink your entire packing list. 

‍

Perched 1,500 meters above sea level, this region offers a landscape and climate unlike anywhere else in the country. It’s our favorite escape during the holiday months, and one of the few places in Vietnam where you can cozy up in front of a fireplace with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

‍

The Central Highlands are home to cities like Buon Ma Thuot, hailed as Vietnam’s coffee capital, and Kon Tum, where ethnic minorities such as the Giarai and Ro Mam keep ancient traditions alive. And then there’s Dalat, often dubbed the “City of Eternal Spring,” where hillsides are blanketed with greenhouses producing some of the country's finest strawberries.