Echoes of the Great Forest
Traveling to western Dak Lak in spring, you will admire the beauty of the highland region with its many pristine, fresh, and impressive features. Perhaps the most magical thing about spring in Dak Lak is the coffee blossom season. When the gentle spring rains pass, the entire plateau suddenly "changes its attire." Vast coffee plantations stretching along the hillsides simultaneously burst forth with pure white blossoms and a delicate fragrance that captivates the heart.
Every Lunar New Year, numerous festivals take place throughout the villages. Visitors can feel the rhythmic rowing of the boat race on the Krong Ana River, the solemn yet rustic charm of the Muong ethnic group's Khai Ha Festival, or the graceful beauty of the Viet Bac Folk Culture Festival, the Hang Po Festival... Each stop offers a unique experience.
Amidst the festive atmosphere, you can enjoy the culinary culture of various ethnic groups, receive calligraphy blessings, immerse yourself in lively folk games, and listen to village elders recount New Year customs.
Tourists enjoy taking souvenir photos when visiting Dray Nur waterfall.
Leaving their remote villages for the city, visitors can visit the World Coffee Museum to savor the distinctive aroma, or stop by the Khai Doan Pagoda to pray for peace amidst its majestic and ancient wooden architecture. Standing at the foot of the Victory Monument at the Six-Way Intersection, watching the bustling crowds of people celebrating the Lunar New Year, one can feel the interplay between historical heroism and the modern spirit of the city streets.
A spring trip to Dak Lak would be incomplete without immersing yourself in its wild nature. Dray Nur Waterfall – a place that enchants visitors with its pristine and captivating beauty; or sitting on a dugout canoe drifting leisurely on Lak Lake; or visiting Buon Don to admire the scenery, enjoy the local cuisine, and listen to stories about the once-famous elephant hunting and taming traditions.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Huyen (Tan An ward) shared: “I left Dak Lak to study and work in Da Nang more than 10 years ago. However, every time Tet comes around, I return to reunite with my family and experience the atmosphere and weather of my hometown. During Tet, my family usually visits places like Khai Doan Pagoda, watches boat races, and experiences the Viet Bac Folk Culture Festival. This year, I plan to take the whole family on a spring trip, starting from the western part of the province and then heading to the eastern part to swim and have fun at the beach.”
The blue sea beckons.
The first destination on a spring trip to eastern Dak Lak is always the coast. As the first rays of the new year pierce through the thin mist, the Mui Dien lighthouse (Hoa Xuan commune) stands majestically against the blue sky, a witness to time. Standing at its highest point, gazing out at the vast ocean, visitors can fully appreciate the grandeur of their homeland.
Along the central coastal road, Ganh Da Dia (Tuy An Dong commune) - a special national monument - is a must-see destination. The mysterious black rock formations stacked upon each other, like a miraculous arrangement of nature, are now even more vibrant with the white foam of the spring waves. Alongside this, Bai Xep, Ganh Ong, and Hon Yen are also bustling with tourists, capturing fresh moments at the start of the new year by the crystal-clear waters.
New Year's flag-raising ceremony at Mui Dien
Christine Le (an American tourist) excitedly shared: “What impressed me most during the spring days was not only the stunning scenery like Ganh Da Dia, but also the smiles of the people here. The people of this coastal region are very gentle and hospitable. I was also impressed with the tuna eye dish – a unique culinary experience I've never seen anywhere else. I will definitely recommend this interesting place to my friends.”
Leaving behind the sound of crashing waves, the spring journey leads visitors back to the Van Hoa plateau (Van Hoa commune) - a land often referred to as "Da Lat 2". At an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, the air here is cool, and fog blankets the red gardens and pineapple plantations, creating a strangely tranquil atmosphere.
Springtime excursions to the highlands are not only about enjoying the scenery but also about a journey back to our roots at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Church and visiting the province's resistance base from those heroic years. The combination of ecotourism and spiritual tourism, a return to our origins, is becoming a new trend, especially attracting young people and families during Tet (Lunar New Year).
It would be a shame if a spring trip lacked the distinctive flavors of local cuisine. From the rich seafood dishes of O Loan Lagoon such as blood cockles and lobsters, to the pungent mountain and forest flavors like sun-dried beef with yellow ant salt or grilled chicken with lemongrass and chili from Son Hoa and Song Hinh regions, all create a unique culinary culture that captivates visitors.
Spring is arriving with renewed vitality. Dak Lak's tourism industry is undergoing a strong transformation, where the "from the mountains to the sea" journey is not just a tourist trip, but a way for everyone to further appreciate and be proud of their homeland.
Chau Anh - Le Van
Dak Lak Online Newspaper - baodaklak.vn - Published on February 11, 2026