THE CENTRAL HIGHLAND
Telephone code: ( 84-50 )
Area: 45,946 km2
Population: 2,460,600
The Central Highlands cover the southern part of the Truong Son
Mountain Range. The region, which is home to many ethno-linguistic
minority groups: Gia Lai, EDe, Ba Na, Xe Dang, Ra Glai, M'nong is
renowned for it cool climate, beautiful mountain scenery and
innumerable streams, lakes and waterfalls. |

D'raysap Waterfall |
Buon Don (Daclak Province)
Buon Don is well known as the native land of elephant hunters and
trainers throughout Southeast Asia. Visitors to Buon Don will
still have a chance to ride the Elephants.
D'raysap Waterfall (Daclak Province)
D'raysap Waterfall means the fall of mist in E De language. The
powerful flow of water falling creates foam and mist as it touches
the water below. The echo of the falling water can be heard from a
long distance all year round.
Ba Na Village (Kontum Province)
You will see the beautiful wooden stilt houses here, the staircase
leading to a house is made of a tree trunk, each of the step is
meticulously chiseled, reflecting the carving skills of Ba Na men.
Ba Na ethnic group are famous nationally for their hunting skills.
Ba Na People always keep a fire going in the middle of their
house; family members and friends sit around the fire to have
drink, eat and talk.
Lac Lake (Daclak Province)
On the lakeside is a magnificent palace owned by Emperor Bao Dai.
Standing on the balcony of the second floor, you will get a
panoramic view of the valley and the lake below. The remains the
Royal Boat that was boarded for short cruises by the owner of the
palace whenever Bao Dai stayed in the palace.
Rong House
The Rong House is an activity centre, adjacent to a wooden church
built on stilts. The Rong House is the scene of important local
events like meeting, weddings, festivals, prayer sessions and so
on.
DALAT (LAMDONG)
Located on the highest West Highlands of the Central Vietnam
and 70% is covered by mountain and forests, Dalat is one of
the youngest cities in the nation. It was founded by a French
doctor, Alexander Yersin in 1893. Today it is the main city of
Lam Dong province. Dalat is known as the City of Love and Le
Petit Paris. Climatologists call Dalat "The City of eternal
spring" thanks to its average temperature that never falls
under 10oC in winter and never exceeds 20oC in summer. |
Da Nhim Lake |
Because of this favorable climate,
Dalat is a flower garden all year. With beautiful views,
waterfalls, lakes, pine forests, flower gardens and French-built
villas. Its economy is based primarily on tourism.
Bao Dai's Summer Palace
Built in the French colonial style for the last king of the Nguyen
dynasty, it is 4km from the city centre. A display of photographs
shows the royal family enjoying themselves at the palace.
Prenn Falls
Plunges in to a misty valley, the foot of the fall is a small
valley covered with flowers and pine trees.
Xuan Huong Lake
Is a beautiful lake located in the centre of Dalat. It is a
poetic site, attracting visitors and lovers.
Valley of Love
So named by King Bao Dai, it is covered by towering pine trees. In
1972, Da Thien Lake was added in the valley and thanks to this
enhancement, the valley has become more poetic and more seductive
for visitors.
Cat Tien National Park
240km from Saigon, it is a primitive forest with an area 36,000
ha. The forest has a diverse and rich ecosystem, it is home to
valuable giant trees such as red wood tree and bang lang. It is
also the habitat of some quiet large specimens of local fauna,
including elephants, bisons, the Java rhinoceros, the gaur -
recently discovered species of wild ox - bears and leopards.
Dankia Lake
Situated at the foot of Lang Biang Mountain. Lak village, with its
ethnic minorities of the West Highlands, kept its traditional
customs. It is an ideal site for ethnological tourism.
Da Nhim Lake - Ngoan Muc Pass
40 km to the east of Dalat, it will make the visitors feel small
in the splendid nature and it is an area of stunning natural
beauty despite the presence of Phanrang - Da Nhim hydro -
electric plant.
Pong Gua waterfalls
50km from Dalat City, argued to be one of the most beautiful
waterfalls in the whole of Indochina.
Dambri Waterfalls
In Bao Loc District, the highest waterfall in the region.
Linh Son Pagoda
Situated on a hill 700m from the centre of Dalat, it was built in
1938. In the middle altar, there is a 1250kg Sakyamuni Buddha
bronze statue molded in 1952.
Dalat Cathedral
It was built between 1931 and 1942 for use by French residents and
holidaymakers. The cross on the spire is 47m above the ground.
Inside, the stained-glass windows bring a hint medieval Europe to
Dalat.
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