10 Days in the Central Highlands: Trekking and Ethnic Culture

Day 1 — Arriving in Pleiku

Most travelers bypass the Central Highlands (중부 고원 / 中部高原 / 中部高原), but this is where you find the quiet, dusty reality of the region. Fly directly into Pleiku. Spend your first afternoon at Bien Ho, a volcanic lake that feels more like a mirror than a destination. Eat dinner at a local spot serving "com lam" (bamboo-tube rice) and grilled chicken. It is a simple, hearty start.

Day 2 — The Jarai Villages

Head south toward the outskirts of Pleiku. The Jarai people are known for their intricate funerary architecture. Visit a local village to see the "nha mo" (tomb houses) adorned with wooden carvings. These are not tourist sites; they are sacred spaces. Keep your distance, be quiet, and always ask permission before taking photos. Expect to pay around 200,000 VND for a local guide who can explain the animist traditions here.

Day 3 — Trekking the Kon Ka Kinh Range

This is a full day of hiking in the Kon Ka Kinh National Park. The terrain is dense, humid, and steep. You will need a permit and a park ranger guide, which you can arrange through the management office in Pleiku for about 500,000 VND per person. The goal is to reach the higher ridges where the air thins and the forest canopy opens up. Pack at least 3 liters of water; the humidity is unforgiving.

Day 4 — Transition to Kon Tum

Take a local bus or private car north to Kon Tum (approx. 50km). The landscape shifts from plateau to rolling hills. Stop at the Kon K'tu village. This is a "rong" house (communal stilt house) village sitting right on the banks of the Dak Bla River. The architecture here is distinct—sharp, towering roofs that define the skyline of the highlands.

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels

Day 5 — The Bahnar Experience

Spend the day learning about the Bahnar culture. The village of Kon K'tu is accessible, but the real experience is walking the dirt paths between smaller, less-visited hamlets. You will likely be offered a drink of "ruou can" (fermented rice wine from a jar). It is a communal ritual; accept the straw, take a sip, and show respect for the host.

Day 6 — Into the Deep Highlands

Travel further into the Dak Glei district. This area is rugged and sparsely populated. The road winds through coffee plantations and pepper farms. This is the heart of the Central Highlands' agricultural output. Stay in a local guesthouse in the town center; expect basic amenities—cold showers and thin mattresses. This is not a luxury trip.

Day 7 — Trekking the Borderlands

Today is for the serious hiker. The trails near the border regions offer views of the Annamite Range. You are trekking through territory where the Sedang people live. The trails are often muddy and unmarked. You must hire a local guide from the village; they know the paths that disappear during the rainy season. Expect to pay 400,000 VND for a full-day guide.

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels

Day 8 — The Culture of the Loom

Return to Kon Tum, but stop at the village of Kon Jo Ri. This is a hub for traditional weaving. The women here use backstrap looms to create heavy, patterned fabrics. If you buy a scarf or a bag, pay the asking price—it represents days of labor. It is a tangible way to support the preservation of these crafts.

Day 9 — Coffee and Reflection

Before heading back to the airport, spend a morning in a Kon Tum coffee shop. Order a "ca phe sua da" and watch the town wake up. The highlands produce some of the best beans in the country, yet most of it is exported. Finding a high-quality local roast is a treat. Reflect on the past week—the red dust, the communal houses, and the quiet pace of life.

Day 10 — Departure

Take the morning bus or car back to Pleiku for your flight out. If you have time, grab a final bowl of "banh canh"—a thick noodle soup popular in the highlands—before heading to the terminal.

Practical notes

Bring sturdy, waterproof hiking boots; the red basalt soil turns to slick clay with the slightest rain. Always carry a small gift like tea or sugar for village elders if you are invited into a home, and never enter a communal house without an invitation from a local guide.