Hoi An and the Central Highlands in 7 days

8:00 AM: Visit the village of Cam Thanh, an area covered by the Nipa palm mangrove. Embark on a round bamboo basket boat, used for generations by locals for fishing in the sea. Drift peacefully along picturesque small canals, surrounded by landscapes of mangroves, lagoons, and water coconut trees—a serene experience. Learn about the locals' crab-fishing technique and discover how to make fun tools with coconut leaves.

Lunch with local specialties at a homestay.

Afternoon: Depart for My Son, the most significant Cham archaeological site in Vietnam, located 40 km from Hoi An. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which served as the Champa Kingdom's religious and political capital from the 4th to the 13th century. Witness the impressive sanctuary towers, featuring 70 preserved structures of red brick and stone that highlight the kingdom's Hindu spiritual roots.

Walk through these Cham Towers and enjoy the opportunity to see traditional Champa dances before returning to Hoi An.

Overnight at the hotel.

Depart for Kon Tum, located in the Central Highlands, via National Route 14B, known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail. This region, inhabited by various Ethnic Minority Communities such as Jarai, Bahnar, Êdê, Mo Ngao, Brau, borders Laos and stretches along the Annamite Cordillera.

After lunch, make several stops for photo opportunities of suspension bridges and visit remnants left by the Americans during the Vietnam War, such as the Indochina crossroad, Đaktô, and the Phoenix airport.

Arrive in Kon Tum and visit the provincial capital, exploring the beautiful small wooden cathedral and the Vinh Son I orphanage.

Overnight at the hotel.

Visit Thua Sai Church to discover its original architectural style, a perfect blend of Western and traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Departure for the villages of Kon Du and Kon Bil (40 km from Kontum), home to the Sedang ethnic group. Discover their communal houses, traditions, and culture.

Visit Konk’tu or Konklor village, where the Bahnar people live. Experience their daily life and admire the unique architecture of the community houses called “nhà Rông”, featuring high roofs shaped like an axe cutting through the blue sky.

Afternoon: Departure for Pleiku. Visit Pleikep village, home to the Jaraï people—one of the most significant ethnic groups in the Central Highlands, known for preserving their traditional customs. Your guide will explain Jaraï burial customs, tomb houses with wooden funeral statues, and the communal water source that serves as the village fountain.

Visit a large tea plantation and Lake T’Nung, an ancient volcano that has been extinct for millions of years.Overnight stay in Pleiku.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure for Buon Me Thuot, passing through beautiful landscapes of red-soil hills, lush vegetation, and ethnic villages of the Edé, Bahnar, and Jaraï people. Stops along the way to visit large plantations of coffee trees, rubber trees, and pepper plants. You will learn how rubber sap is extracted. The guide will explain the different stages of coffee production: cultivation, care, harvesting, and roasting. If you are interested in civet coffee, you will have the opportunity to discover its production process and unique, fascinating aroma in Buon Me Thuot.

Visit to Phu Cuong Waterfall.

Upon arrival in Buon Me Thuot, visit the Dak Lak Ethnographic Museum, which showcases the customs and traditions of the Central Highlands' ethnic groups. You will find a remarkable collection of musical instruments and tools used to capture and domesticate wild elephants.

Finally, visit the Trung Nguyen Coffee Museum (drinks available for purchase).Overnight stay at a hotel in Buon Me Thuot.

Morning: Head towards Dray Nur Waterfalls, nestled in the heart of a tropical forest. After traveling 30 km on unconventional roads, you will reach the famous Dray Nur Waterfalls, located on a tributary of the Mekong River, the Serepok River. Cross two suspension bridges to reach Dray Sap Waterfall, also known as the "Mist Falls", named for the thick mist created by the powerful and thunderous cascades.

Continue the journey to Lak Lake, with a stop at a M’nong village to discover traditional pottery-making. After lunch at a local home, enjoy a short visit to a cacao plantation, where you can taste a unique cider-like beverage made from cacao pulp.Take a brief walk to the Giant Elephant Rock, a massive granite formation. Enjoy the stunning panoramic views and the tranquil countryside.Continue to Jun Village for a cycling tour through M’nong villages, passing by rice fields in various growth stages. Stop at a local villager's house to experience a gong performance and taste fermented rice wine served in a jar with bamboo straws.Transfer to the boat dock for a scenic boat ride across Lak Lake to Lak Tented Camp.

Excursion by Canoe: Discover the local life of fishermen on Lak Lake. Then, take a walking tour of M’lieng Village to explore the traditions and culture of the M’nong people, where you will see their traditional longhouses, designed to accommodate multiple generations.

Optional Activity: Elephant Care Experience Travel by tractor to Y Yuk La Stream (20-minute ride from Jun Village). Spend 45 minutes interacting with an elephant, including:Feeding the elephant with bananas or sugarcane Leading the elephant to the stream Helping the mahout (cornac) wash and clean the elephant Taking photos with the elephant The mahout will also share insights into elephant behavior and care. Return to Buon Ma Thuot with a direct transfer to the airport for the departure flight in the late afternoon.