Discovering the Coffee Culture of Buon Ma Thuot

Day 2: Waterfalls, Culture, and Rooftop Views

My second day in Buon Ma Thuot was a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. It's amazing how much you can pack into a single day when you're driven by curiosity and a thirst for new experiences. Today was a reminder of why I love solo travel – the freedom to change plans on a whim and fully embrace the unexpected.

My morning began with a craving for something sweet, so I headed to Chè Thảo for breakfast. It was a charming little spot, and I decided on a local favorite, a sweet and refreshing dessert soup that was the perfect way to start a day of exploring.

Fueled and ready, I set off for Đray Nur Waterfall. The drive itself was an adventure, winding through lush landscapes and coffee plantations. The air was fresh and crisp, a welcome change from the city. As I approached the waterfall, the sound of rushing water grew louder, building anticipation. When I finally arrived, I was not disappointed.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Dray Nur Waterfall, a stunning natural gem in Dak Lak, Vietnam, perfect for adventure and relaxation.
The waterfall was magnificent, a powerful cascade of water plunging into a pool below. The surrounding jungle was vibrant and green, creating a scene straight out of a movie. I spent a couple of hours exploring the area, hiking along the trails, and taking in the breathtaking views. I even ventured behind the waterfall to discover a hidden cave, a thrilling experience that made me feel like a true explorer.

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.

After the invigorating experience at Đray Nur, I was ready for a change of pace. I made my way to Kotam Community Resort, eager to learn more about the local culture. Kotam turned out to be a beautiful and peaceful retreat, showcasing the traditional architecture and customs of the Ede people.


Discover the beauty and tranquility of Kotam Community Resort in Dak Lak, a perfect escape for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
I wandered through the lush gardens, admiring the traditional wooden houses and learning about the local way of life. The resort offered a variety of activities, from traditional music performances to hands-on craft workshops. I opted for a weaving class, where I learned the basics of creating intricate textiles. It was a humbling experience, giving me a newfound appreciation for the skill and artistry of the local artisans.

Lunch was at Quán Ăn Quốc Ấn, where I sampled some authentic Vietnamese cuisine. I decided to try something new, a local specialty that the waitress recommended. It was a flavorful and satisfying meal, a perfect representation of the region's culinary heritage.


Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Quán Ăn Quốc Ấn in Buôn Ma Thuột - where tradition meets flavor.
As the sun began to set, I made my way back to Buon Ma Thuot, but the day wasn't over yet. For dinner, I decided to try Bò Nhúng Me Cà Te Quán, a restaurant known for its unique beef dish dipped in tamarind sauce. The experience was delightful, and the combination of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices was unforgettable.


Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Bò Nhúng Me Cà Te Quán in Buôn Ma Thuột - where tradition meets flavor in every bite.
To cap off the evening, I visited the Rooftop Bar for a nightcap. Perched high above the city, the bar offered panoramic views of Buon Ma Thuot. Sipping on a cocktail, I reflected on the day's adventures, feeling grateful for the opportunity to explore this beautiful corner of Vietnam.


Experience breathtaking views and vibrant nightlife at the Rooftop Bar in Buôn Ma Thuột, where every sip is accompanied by stunning cityscapes.
Tomorrow, I plan to explore Lắk Lake and the Trohbu Botanic Garden. I'm particularly excited about Lắk Lake, as I've heard it's a serene and beautiful spot, perfect for a peaceful morning. I'm also looking forward to visiting the Trohbu Botanic Garden, a place where I can immerse myself in the local flora and fauna.

As I settle into my guesthouse, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Buon Ma Thuot is slowly revealing its charm, and I'm eager to see what tomorrow brings. Maybe I'll even find a little souvenir at the Mini Shop to remind me of this adventure.

Goodnight from Buon Ma Thuot!

A Sweet Start

The morning was all about indulging in the local flavors. It's funny how a simple bowl of chè can set the tone for an entire day.

I woke up with a craving for something sweet and local. I had read about Chè Thảo, a popular spot known for its traditional Vietnamese sweet soups, and decided to give it a try. Finding it was a bit of an adventure in itself, navigating the bustling streets of Buon Ma Thuot. The journey was well worth it. The place was bustling with locals, a sure sign of its authenticity. I ordered a bowl of their signature chè, a colorful concoction of beans, jellies, and coconut milk. The first spoonful was a burst of flavors – sweet, creamy, and incredibly refreshing. It was the perfect way to kickstart my day.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to the local culture. Food has a way of doing that, of bridging gaps and creating shared experiences. I struck up a conversation with the woman next to me, who turned out to be a regular at Chè Thảo. She shared stories about her family and her love for Buon Ma Thuot, giving me a glimpse into the heart of this vibrant city.

Leaving Chè Thảo, I felt energized and ready to explore. It's amazing how a simple breakfast can transform your mood and set the tone for the day. With a smile on my face and a spring in my step, I set off to discover the natural wonders that awaited me.

The Majestic Dray Nur Waterfall

The heart of the day was undoubtedly the visit to Dray Nur Waterfall. The sheer power and beauty of the falls were awe-inspiring.

The journey to Dray Nur Waterfall was an adventure in itself. I rented a motorbike, a popular mode of transportation here, and set off into the countryside. The road wound through coffee plantations and small villages, offering glimpses of rural life in the Central Highlands. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of coffee blossoms and fresh earth. I couldn't resist stopping a few times to capture the scenery with my camera, each snapshot a postcard-worthy moment.

As I neared the waterfall, the sound of rushing water grew louder, building anticipation. Finally, I arrived at the entrance, paid the small fee, and began the short trek to the falls. The path led through a dense forest, the sunlight filtering through the canopy in dappled patterns. The air was thick with humidity, and the sound of birds chirping filled the air.

And then, there it was – Dray Nur Waterfall, a magnificent cascade of water plunging into an emerald pool below. The sight was breathtaking. The sheer power of the falls was mesmerizing, the water thundering down with a force that seemed to shake the ground. I stood there for a long moment, simply taking it all in, feeling a sense of awe and wonder.

I spent the next few hours exploring the area, hiking along the trails that offered different perspectives of the falls. I even ventured behind the waterfall, carefully navigating the slippery rocks to discover a hidden cave. The experience was exhilarating, a bit like stepping into another world. Inside the cave, the air was cool and damp, and the sound of the waterfall was amplified, creating a symphony of nature's power.

Swimming in the cool waters of Dray Nur is allowed during the dry season. I decided to take a dip, the refreshing water washing away the heat and fatigue. It was invigorating. I felt connected to nature, a small part of something vast and powerful.

Leaving Dray Nur, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness such beauty. It was a reminder of the power and majesty of nature, something that often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Cultural Immersion at Kotam Community Resort

After the adrenaline rush of the waterfall, I sought a more tranquil experience at Kotam Community Resort. The resort offered a fascinating glimpse into the culture of the Ede people.

Kotam Community Resort was a complete contrast to the wildness of Dray Nur. As I entered the resort, I was immediately struck by its serene atmosphere. The landscaping was impeccable, with lush gardens, tranquil lakes, and traditional wooden architecture that reflected the spirit of the region.

I spent the afternoon wandering through the resort, exploring its various attractions. I visited the traditional Ede houses, learning about their unique construction and the customs of the people who lived in them. I watched a demonstration of traditional weaving, marveling at the skill and artistry of the local artisans. I even tried my hand at playing a traditional musical instrument, producing a cacophony of sounds that drew laughter from the onlookers.

The highlight of my visit was the cultural performance, a vibrant display of traditional music, dance, and storytelling. The performers were passionate and engaging, sharing the stories and legends of the Ede people. I felt transported to another time, immersed in a culture that was both ancient and vibrant.

Kotam Community Resort was more than just a tourist attraction; it was a celebration of culture and community. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving traditions and sharing them with the world.

A Culinary Adventure

No trip is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Today's culinary adventures took me from the comforting sweetness of chè to the tangy flavors of Bò Nhúng Me.

Lunch at Quán Ăn Quốc Ấn was a delightful experience. The restaurant was bustling with locals, a sure sign of its authenticity. I ordered a local specialty, a dish of grilled pork with rice noodles and fresh herbs. The flavors were complex and satisfying, a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy. I savored each bite, feeling a sense of connection to the local culture.

Dinner at Bò Nhúng Me Cà Te Quán was an entirely different experience. The restaurant was known for its signature dish, Bò Nhúng Me, which translates to beef dipped in tamarind sauce. The dish consisted of thinly sliced beef, a pot of simmering tamarind sauce, and a platter of fresh herbs and vegetables. The idea was to dip the beef into the sauce until cooked, then wrap it in the herbs and vegetables and enjoy. The flavors were tangy, spicy, and incredibly addictive. I couldn't get enough.

Both meals were a testament to the diversity and richness of Vietnamese cuisine. They were a reminder that food is more than just sustenance; it's a way to experience culture and connect with people.

Rooftop Reflections

As the day drew to a close, I found myself at the Rooftop Bar, sipping a cocktail and reflecting on the day's adventures.

The Rooftop Bar was a welcome oasis after a long day of exploring. Perched high above the city, it offered panoramic views of Buon Ma Thuot. The air was cool and the atmosphere was relaxed, perfect for unwinding and reflecting on the day's experiences.

As I sipped my cocktail, I thought about all that I had seen and done. I had witnessed the power and beauty of Dray Nur Waterfall, immersed myself in the culture of the Ede people at Kotam Community Resort, and indulged in the delicious flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. It had been a day of adventure, discovery, and connection.

I felt grateful for the opportunity to travel, to explore new places and experience new cultures. Travel is more than just a vacation; it's an education, a journey of self-discovery. It broadens your horizons, challenges your assumptions, and connects you to the world in a way that nothing else can.

As I finished my drink and prepared to leave, I felt a sense of contentment. Buon Ma Thuot was proving to be a fascinating and rewarding destination. I was eager to see what tomorrow would bring.