Lak Lake, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Central Highlands of Vietnam, has long been a dream destination for nature lovers and those passionate about exploring indigenous culture. This place captivates visitors not only with the pristine, romantic beauty of the largest natural freshwater lake in the Central Highlands but also with the unique traditional cultural values of the local M’Nông community. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) to fully explore the beauty and unforgettable experiences at Lak Lake tourist area in the article below.
Lak Lake – Captivating Untouched Beauty
Lak Lake, the “sea lake on the plateau,” is located in Lak district, Dak Lak province, about 56km south of Buon Ma Thuot city center. With a vast water surface area of nearly 6.2km², Lak Lake proudly stands as the largest natural freshwater lake in the Central Highlands and the second largest in Vietnam, after Ba Be Lake. Situated at an altitude of over 500m above sea level, the lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush primary forests, creating a magnificent and poetic natural landscape.
Lak Lake appears like a watercolor painting with rolling mountains and a calm lake surfaceLak Lake reflecting mountains and sky like a watercolor painting
Location of Lak Lake tourist area on the map (Photo: Google Maps)
The water of Lak Lake is mainly supplied by the Krông Ana River, a gentle mother river flowing through the Dak Lak plateau. Thanks to this, the lake water is clear and calm year-round, reflecting the sky and mountain shadows, creating a vivid watercolor painting. Not only does it have scenic value, Lak Lake also plays an important role in regulating the climate, providing irrigation water, and serving as a habitat for many rare flora and fauna.
Surrounding Lak Lake are traditional villages of the M’Nông people, such as Jun village, M’Liêng village, Le village, and more. These are places that preserve the unique and long-standing cultural features of the indigenous community. Visitors here not only admire the natural beauty but also have the opportunity to learn about customs, unique longhouse architecture, traditional festivals, and the daily life of the M’Nông people. The harmony between the beautiful natural scenery and the rich indigenous culture has created the special attraction of Lak Lake tourism, making this place an unmissable destination on the Central Highlands tourist map.
Poetic natural scenery of Lak Lake in the early morningLak Lake at dawn with mist and surrounding mountains
Lak Lake is like a jewel surrounded by primary forest in the heart of the Central Highlands (Photo: Thanh Nien Newspaper)
Getting to Lak Lake: Best Transportation Options for Your Trip
To reach Lak Lake tourist area, visitors have many transportation options depending on their starting point and personal preferences. Below are some detailed suggestions:
Traveling by Private Vehicle
For travelers who love proactiveness and want to freely explore the scenery along the way, a private vehicle (car or motorbike) is an ideal choice. From the center of Buon Ma Thuot city, you can easily get to Lak Lake via National Highway 27.
The distance from Buon Ma Thuot to Lak Lake is about 56km, taking about 1.5 – 2 hours to travel. Detailed route as follows:
- Starting from the center of Buon Ma Thuot: Go along Tran Quy Cap street towards the South.
- Turn onto National Highway 27: From Tran Quy Cap street, turn onto Nguyen Van Cu street, then merge onto National Highway 27.
- Pass Lac Thien Pass: Continue on National Highway 27, you will pass Lac Thien Pass. This is a quite beautiful mountain pass road with many winding curves, with green forests on both sides. However, you need to drive carefully and maintain a safe speed.
- Arrive at Lien Son town: After descending Lac Thien Pass, drive for about 10km more to reach Lien Son town, the center of Lak district.
- Find Lak Lake: From the center of Lien Son town, you can easily find the way to Lak Lake by following the signs. Lak Lake is located a few hundred meters from the town center.
Traveling by private vehicle gives you time flexibility and allows exploring many spots along the wayA car driving on a winding road in the Central Highlands
Using private vehicles for more time flexibility when visiting Lak Lake (Photo: Internet Collection)
Traveling by Green SM Electric Vehicle
If you want to experience an environmentally friendly and convenient means of transportation, Green SM electric vehicle is a worthwhile option to consider. Green SM has officially arrived in Buon Ma Thuot, providing modern, high-quality electric taxi services.
To book a Green SM car to Lak Lake, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the Green SM app on your phone from the App Store or Google Play. Step 2: Register an account and enter your destination as Lak Lake tourist area. Step 3: Choose the appropriate service:
- Green SM Taxi: Suitable for small groups or families, with 4-seater and 7-seater cars.
- Green SM Bike: Cost-effective if you are nearby and traveling alone. Step 4: Check for promotional codes (if any) to save on travel costs.
Green SM electric vehicle – a green and convenient transportation option to Lak LakeGreen SM electric taxi in Buon Ma Thuot city
Green SM has officially arrived in Buon Ma Thuot city to serve you (Photo: Green SM)
Other Transportation Options
In addition to private vehicles and Green SM electric vehicles, you can also choose buses or motorbike taxis to get to Lak Lake.
- Bus: At Buon Ma Thuot bus station, there are many bus routes to Lak district. You can take a bus to Lien Son town, then take a motorbike taxi or taxi to Lak Lake.
- Motorbike taxi: If you are traveling alone or want to save costs, a motorbike taxi is a suitable option. You can easily find motorbike taxis in the center of Buon Ma Thuot city or Lien Son town.
Unmissable Experiences at Lak Lake: Immerse Yourself in Nature and Culture
Lak Lake tourism is not just about sightseeing but also a journey to discover unique cultural beauty and experience interesting activities.
Visiting M’Nông Villages – Exploring Indigenous Culture
When coming to Lak Lake, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit traditional M’Nông villages such as Jun village, M’Liêng village, Le village, and more. Here, you will immerse yourself in the rich cultural space of the Central Highlands, admire the towering wooden stilt houses, learn about unique customs, and listen to stories about the history and traditions of the M’Nông people.
M'Nông people in traditional costumes performing gongsM'Nong people in traditional attire playing gongs and drums
M’Nông people performing traditional dances that captivate many tourists (Photo: Ethnic and Development)
You can participate in daily activities with the locals, enjoy local specialties, watch gong performances, Xoang dances, or shop for unique handicrafts such as brocade, jewelry, musical instruments, and more. The hospitality and sincerity of the M’Nông people will surely leave you with unforgettable impressions.
Riding a Dugout Canoe on the Lake – A Unique Traditional Experience
Riding a dugout canoe is an unmissable experience when coming to Lak Lake. Dugout canoes are made from hollowed-out tree trunks, a traditional means of transportation for local people on the lake. Sitting on a dugout canoe, gently gliding on the clear lake surface, you will feel the peace and tranquility of nature.
Tourists enjoy riding dugout canoes on Lak LakeTourists paddling dugout canoes on a calm lake
Tourists sitting on dugout canoes admiring the peaceful beauty of Lak Lake (Photo: VnExpress)
You can paddle the canoe yourself or hire locals to paddle for you and listen to them tell stories and legends about Lak Lake. Especially, in the early morning or at sunset, riding a dugout canoe on the lake to watch the sunrise or sunset is an extremely romantic and memorable experience.
Other Experience Activities
In addition to visiting villages and riding dugout canoes, Lak Lake tourist area also has many other interesting experience activities such as:
- Elephant riding: Experience the feeling of sitting on an elephant’s back, exploring the scenery around the lake (note to choose responsible tourism operators and ensure animal welfare).
- Cycling around the lake: Rent a bicycle and freely explore the lakeside trails, admire the scenery, and enjoy the fresh air.
- Visiting Bao Dai Palace: The palace was built during the French colonial period, located on a high hill, with beautiful views of Lak Lake.
- Exploring Lien Son market fair: If you come to Lak Lake on the weekend, you can visit Lien Son market fair to experience the atmosphere of a highland market and shop for local products.
Lak Lake Cuisine: Unforgettable Rich Flavors of the Central Highlands
Lak Lake cuisine is an indispensable part of the journey to explore this land. Coming here, you will enjoy specialty dishes with the rich flavors of the Central Highlands mountains and forests.
Bitter Eggplant Salad with Dried Anchovies – A Unique Appetizer
Bitter eggplant salad with dried anchovies is a rustic but extremely attractive appetizer of the Lak Lake people. Bitter eggplant, a typical vegetable of the Central Highlands, has a slightly bitter but sweet aftertaste, combined with crispy fried dried anchovies, a little herb, roasted peanuts, and sweet and sour fish sauce. This salad has a harmonious flavor, stimulating the taste buds, very suitable to start a meal.
Bitter eggplant salad with dried anchovies – a specialty dish of Lak LakeBitter eggplant salad with dried anchovies on a plate
Bitter eggplant salad with dried anchovies is one of the specialties at Lak Lake (Photo: Bach hoa XANH)
Bamboo Tube Grilled Pork Combined with Lam Rice – Traditional Central Highlands Flavor
Bamboo tube grilled pork and Lam rice are a perfect combination, bearing the rich flavor of the Central Highlands mountains and forests. Pork is marinated with rich spices, stuffed into young bamboo tubes, and grilled over charcoal. Lam rice is cooked in bamboo tubes, sticky, fragrant, with a characteristic aroma of bamboo. When enjoying, you will feel the sweet and tender taste of grilled pork, the sticky and fragrant taste of Lam rice, blended with the warm smoky flavor of the kitchen.
Bamboo tube grilled pork and Lam rice – a must-try dish when coming to Lak LakeBamboo tube grilled pork and Lam rice served on banana leaves
The perfect combination of bamboo tube grilled pork and Lam rice (Photo: VOV)
Tro Soup – Traditional Dish of the M’Nông People
Tro soup is a unique dish, bearing the cultural identity of the M’Nông people’s cuisine. This soup is cooked from kitchen ash water (ash of forest trees), combined with fish, shrimp, and snails caught from Lak Lake. Tro soup has a sweet, slightly bitter taste, has a cooling effect, and is very good for health. This is a traditional dish often used by the M’Nông people on holidays or to entertain distinguished guests.
Tro soup – a unique dish of the M'Nông peopleBowl of Tro soup with vegetables and fish
Tro Soup – a typical dish of the M’Nông people (Photo: Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper)
Thát Lát Fish Cake – Lak Lake Specialty
Thát Lát fish is a specialty fish of Lak Lake. Thát Lát fish cake is made from fresh, delicious fish meat, pounded until smooth, marinated with spices, and fried or grilled golden. The fish cake is chewy, delicious, flavorful, and fragrant, often served with white rice, vermicelli, or bread. This is a dish loved by many tourists when coming to Lak Lake.
Thát Lát fish cake – a delicious specialty of Lak LakeFried Thát Lát fish cake on a plate
Sliced Thát Lát fish cake with a special flavor that will make visitors remember forever (Photo: Thu Duc Travel)
Other Specialty Dishes
In addition, when coming to Lak Lake, you should also try other specialty dishes such as:
- Lang fish hotpot: Fresh Lang fish cooked in hotpot with sour bamboo shoots, mushrooms, wild vegetables, with a spicy and sour taste.
- Fish vermicelli soup (Bún cá): A flavorful fish vermicelli soup with the taste of Central Vietnam, made from fresh snakehead fish.
- Dak Lak coffee: Enjoy a delicious, rich cup of coffee right in the coffee capital of Vietnam.
Lak Lake Travel Tips: Secrets for a Perfect Trip
To have a complete and meaningful Lak Lake tour, you should note some of the following tips:
Ideal Time to Explore Lak Lake
The best time to travel to Lak Lake is during the dry season, from December to April of the following year. At this time, Dak Lak weather is dry, with little rain, sunny, very suitable for sightseeing and outdoor exploration activities. Especially in December, you also have the opportunity to admire wild sunflowers blooming goldenly all over the Central Highlands roads.
If you like cool air and want to see the lush green Lak Lake in the rainy season, you can come in the rainy season, from May to November. However, you need to follow the weather forecast before going and prepare raincoats and umbrellas.
Dry season is the best time to travel to Lak LakeLak Lake landscape under clear blue sky in dry season
December – April is the ideal time for you to explore Lak Lake (Photo: Internet Collection)
Necessary Luggage Preparation
When going on Lak Lake tour, you should prepare light luggage and fully pack necessary items such as:
- Shoes and sandals: You should bring comfortable sports shoes or sandals that are easy to move around in.
- Clothing: Choose comfortable, breathable, and sweat-absorbent clothes. If traveling in winter or evening, you should bring a light jacket.
- Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses: To protect your skin and eyes from the sun.
- Personal medications: Bring common medicines and prescription drugs (if any).
- Cash: You should bring enough cash to spend, as not everywhere in the Lak Lake area accepts card payments.
- Camera, phone: To record beautiful moments during the trip.
Prepare essential items when visiting Lak Lake tourist areaLuggage and travel essentials for a trip to Lak Lake
Prepare necessary items when visiting Lak Lake tourist area (Photo: Internet Collection)
Respect Culture and Nature
When traveling to Lak Lake, always respect the culture and customs of the local people and protect the natural environment:
- Dress politely: When visiting villages, temples, you should dress discreetly and politely.
- Ask for permission before taking photos: When you want to take photos of local people, you should ask for permission first.
- Do not litter indiscriminately: Maintain general hygiene, dispose of garbage in the right places.
- Do not make noise: Keep order, do not make noise that affects local people and other tourists.
- Respect traditional cultural values: Learn and respect the customs, habits, and festivals of the M’Nông people.
Respecting local culture when traveling to Lak LakeTourist interacting respectfully with a local woman in a village
Tourists need to respect the customs, habits and cultural values of local people when visiting Lak Lake tourist area (Photo: Internet Collection)
Choosing Suitable Accommodation
Lak Lake tourist area has many diverse accommodation options, from high-end resorts to budget-friendly homestays, suitable for many types of tourists.
- LAK Tented Camp: Unique eco-resort with luxurious lakeside tents, offering a glamping experience in the pristine nature.
- Lak Resort: Traditional resort with comfortable bungalows, close to nature, with swimming pool, restaurant, spa, etc.
- Y Sol House: Homestay imbued with Central Highlands cultural identity, managed by local people, affordable price.
- Van Long Elephant Homestay Yang Tao: Homestay close to nature, with friendly elephant tourism experience services.
You should book rooms in advance, especially during peak tourist season to ensure you have satisfactory accommodation.
Some accommodation options at Lak LakeSelection of accommodations at Lak Lake including resorts and homestays
Some prominent accommodation locations at Lak Lake (Photo: Internet Collection)
Exploring the Vicinity of Lak Lake: Expanding Your Central Highlands Journey
If you have time, you can combine Lak Lake tourism with exploring other attractive destinations in the vicinity:
Yang Tao Elephant Rock
Yang Tao Elephant Rock is a unique natural rock complex, located about 20km from Lak Lake. This place is famous for two large rocks shaped like elephants, associated with the legends of the M’Nông people.
Yang Tao Elephant Rock – an attractive destination near Lak LakeTwo large elephant-shaped rocks at Yang Tao Elephant Rock
Famous place associated with the legend of the M’Nông people (Photo: Thai An Travel)
Yang Tao Ancient Pottery Village
Yang Tao Ancient Pottery Village is a place that preserves the long-standing traditional pottery craft of the M’Nông people. Coming here, you will admire unique handmade pottery products, made from natural clay and fired using traditional techniques.
Yang Tao Ancient Pottery Village – preserving the traditional pottery craft of the M'Nông peoplePottery products displayed at Yang Tao Ancient Pottery Village
Unique handicrafts made from natural clay (Photo: Ethnic and Development Newspaper)
Jun Village, M’liêng Village
Jun Village and M’liêng Village are two traditional M’Nông villages located near Lak Lake. This is where you can learn more about the culture and life of the indigenous people.
Jun Village – a traditional village of the M'Nông peopleTraditional stilt houses in Jun Village
Simple life of people in Jun Village (Photo: Internet Collection)
Chu Yang Sin National Park
Chu Yang Sin National Park is a large nature reserve, with diverse and rich ecosystems. This is an ideal destination for those who love exploring wild nature and trekking.
Chu Yang Sin National Park – a diverse nature reserveLush green forest landscape inside Chu Yang Sin National Park
Chu Yang Sin National Park is an ideal stop for those who love exploring wild nature (Photo: Internet Collection)
Ea Rbin Lake
Ea Rbin Lake is another freshwater lake located near Lak Lake, with pristine and peaceful beauty. This is an ideal place for you to seek tranquility and relaxation.
Ea Rbin Lake – a peaceful freshwater lake amidst green forestCalm waters of Ea Rbin Lake surrounded by forest
Clear blue Ea Rbin Lake located in the middle of primary forest (Photo: Dak Lak Newspaper)
Bao Dai King’s Palace
Bao Dai King’s Palace is an ancient architectural work, located on a high hill, with beautiful views of Lak Lake. This place is associated with the history and life of the last king of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Bao Dai King's Palace – ancient architecture with beautiful viewExterior view of Bao Dai King's Palace with gardens
Bao Dai King’s Palace is a destination you cannot miss when coming to Buon Ma Thuot (Photo: Internet Collection)
Bim Bip Waterfall
Bim Bip Waterfall is a pristine, majestic waterfall, hidden in the primary forest. This is an ideal destination for those who love nature exploration and adventure.
Bim Bip Waterfall – pristine, majestic waterfallCascading water at Bim Bip Waterfall surrounded by lush greenery
Majestic natural scenery at Bim Bip Waterfall (Photo: Bazan Travel)
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Lak Lake Tourist Area
Where does Lak Lake rank in size in Vietnam?
Lak Lake is the second largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, after Ba Be Lake. However, Lak Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the Central Highlands region.
When is the best time to visit Dak Lak?
The best time to travel to Dak Lak is during the dry season, from December to April of the following year. In particular, December is the season of wild sunflowers blooming and there are many unique traditional festivals. February-March is the season of coffee flowers blooming white on the hills and there is an attractive elephant racing festival.
How far is Lak Lake from Buon Ma Thuot?
Lak Lake is about 56km south of Buon Ma Thuot city center.
Lak Lake tourism promises to bring you memorable experiences of beautiful nature and unique culture of the Central Highlands. Plan your trip and explore this emerald gem right away! Don’t forget to follow “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) to update more useful and interesting travel information!