Central Highlands

The Central Highlands (Tay Nguyen) is Vietnam's elevated interior plateau, a world apart from the coastal lowlands both in climate and culture. Rising from 500 to over 2,000 meters, this region of rolling hills, volcanic red soil, pine forests, and cascading waterfalls was once the domain of dozens of ethnic minority groups -- the Ede, Jarai, Bahnar, and Koho -- whose stilt houses and gong culture are recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The French established Da Lat as a highland retreat in the early 1900s, and the city retains its colonial charm with Art Deco villas, flower gardens, and year-round spring-like temperatures that earned it the nickname 'City of Eternal Spring.' The region is also the heartland of Vietnam's coffee industry -- the country is the world's second-largest coffee producer after Brazil -- and the fertile volcanic soil supports vast plantations of robusta and arabica beans, along with tea, silk, vegetables, and flowers that supply much of the nation. A thriving adventure tourism scene has emerged around Da Lat, with canyoning, mountain biking, trail running, and off-road tours through remote ethnic minority villages.

Da Lat's compact center is walkable, but the hilly terrain and spread-out attractions make motorbike rental the most popular option ($5-8 per day). Grab operates in Da Lat for both motorbike and car rides. For waterfall and countryside tours, hiring a local guide with a jeep or joining organized tours is recommended. The winding mountain roads offer spectacular scenery but can be challenging for inexperienced riders, especially in wet conditions.