Lak Lake: A natural and cultural gem of the Central Highlands
Lak Lake is the second-largest freshwater lake in Vietnam, covering around 500 hectares and sitting at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level. Located in Dak Lak Province, about 50 kilometers south of Buon Ma Thuot, the lake plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and the lives of the ethnic communities that surround it.
The M’nong people, one of Vietnam’s indigenous ethnic groups, have lived in this region for centuries, maintaining their traditional longhouses, fishing practices, and close connection to elephants. While there are no grand historical events tied to the lake, its significance lies in its deep-rooted cultural heritage and its role as a natural lifeline for the local communities.
Today, Lak Lake remains an off-the-beaten-path destination, offering a peaceful alternative to Vietnam’s more touristy spots. Visitors can experience the authentic rural charm of the Central Highlands, where wooden longhouses, misty mornings over the water, and a slower pace of life make it an ideal retreat for those seeking nature and culture.
Highlights & things to do at Lak Lake
Lak Lake isn’t just a scenic destination—it’s a place where nature, culture, and adventure come together. Whether you want to soak in the peaceful surroundings, explore the traditions of the M’nong people, or get active on the water, there are plenty of ways to experience the best of the area. To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together a list of the top highlights and activities, ensuring you make the most of your time at Lak Lake.
1. Relax and enjoy scenic views
Lak Lake is a peaceful escape where you can simply sit back and take in the stunning scenery. Whether you find a quiet spot by the water, enjoy a coffee at a lakeside café, or relax at an eco-lodge with panoramic views, the lake’s calm atmosphere makes it a perfect place to unwind.
For those who want to explore further, there are scenic roads that follow parts of the lake, offering beautiful views of the water, rice fields, and distant mountains. You can ride a motorbike or hire a car with a driver to explore these areas, combining the drive with some of the highlights and activities listed below.
2. Explore ethnic minority culture
Besides enjoying the lake, you will also find many minorities of the Mnong ethnic group here. Many of these people used to live on the lake, but nowadays they live in houses on stilts in villages around the lake. Most Mnong villages can be found on the southern shores. Here you will find men in wooden boats fishing with nets and baskets and women and children collecting knee-deep in the water crayfish, crabs, small fish and snails.
A visit to the village provides a unique insight into their culture, which has barely changed over the years. The two most famous villages are Buon Jun village and Buon Le village, near Lien Son town. They also organize a number of activities, including music gong performances. For Mnong rituals, music is an essential part, with gongs being the most important musical instruments, believed to have supernatural power that can deliver messages to the superior God, Yang.
There are also elephant rides, but these are not recommended, as both elephant rides and elephant taming for tourism are very bad for the animals. Some of these elephants have been put back into the wild and can now be spotted in an ethical elephant tour further north in Dak Lak province in Yok Don National park. The central highlands, especially Dak Lak, were very well known in the past for the use of elephants.
For a truly local and authentic experience it is recommended to stay in a homestay, in a traditional house on stilts. Both villages, Buon Le and Boun Jun village, have options for homestays.
3. Boat trip & kayaking
The best way to explore the lake on your own is by traditional dugout canoe. These are canoes made by the local Mnong minorities and used for fishing. There are a number of places around the lake where you can rent these. Sitting on a canoe that glides gently and slowly on the lake is also an unforgettable experience. Especially watching the sunset gradually fall will make you feel very peaceful. In addition, boat trips are also offered with motor boats and normal kayaks.
4. Cycling around Lak Lake
Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside around Lak Lake, offering a mix of peaceful lake views, rolling hills, and local villages. The roads in the area are mostly quiet, making it easy to ride past coffee plantations, rice fields, and lotus ponds while enjoying the fresh air.
One of the most scenic cycling routes takes you from the lakeside towards Yang Tao village, passing farmland, traditional longhouses, and small ethnic hamlets. Along the way, you might see farmers leading their buffaloes, locals crafting pottery or weaving baskets, and even hear the sounds of gongs from a community house. Some routes even offer the option to return by boat, giving you a different perspective of the landscape.
Bicycles can be rented in a few places, with Lak Tented Camp being one of the most convenient options as they provide free bikes for guests.
5. Trekking and Nature Walks
While trekking options around Lak Lake are not widely developed, there are a few rewarding trails that take you through the forests, waterfalls, and traditional villages of the region.
One of the best nature hikes starts at the foothills of Yang Tao and leads to Bim Bip Waterfall. The trail follows a river upstream, transitioning from farmland into dense jungle, where you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of nature. After about 45 minutes of hiking, you’ll reach the waterfall, where you can cool off in its clear pools. While there are guided tours available, it is also possible to visit the area independently.
For those more interested in cultural walks, there are village-to-village treks, where you can explore M’Lieng and other M’nong communities along the western shore of the lake. These walks take you through rice fields, banana plantations, and coffee farms, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the M’nong people. Along the way, you may be invited into a family’s home to learn more about their traditions before continuing your journey on foot or by boat.
6. Explore the area
You may have seen Lak Lake in a day, but luckily there is plenty to see and do in the area. Around the lake you will find many hills, smaller lakes, waterfalls, rivers and forests that invite you for walks or to explore by motorbike.
When you come from Buon Ma Thuot you can stop on the way at Elephant Rock Mountain, where you have a beautiful viewpoint of the area. A lot further in the province you will find a number of impressive waterfalls: Trinh Nu, Gia Long and Dray Sap. But a drive through the countryside is also impressive with plantations, forests and villages of local minorities.
How to get to Lak Lake
Lak Lake is located in Dak Lak Province, in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. The nearest major city and transportation hub is Buon Ma Thuot, which is the best starting point for reaching the lake. While you can visit Lak Lake as a standalone trip, it is often best combined with a broader journey through the Central Highlands. Below, we’ll explain the different ways to get there.
Getting to Buon Ma Thuot
Buon Ma Thuot is the gateway to Lak Lake and is well-connected by air and road:
- By plane – The easiest way to reach Buon Ma Thuot is by flying. Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV) has daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, making it the quickest option for most travelers.
- By bus – Long-distance buses connect Buon Ma Thuot with major cities:
- From Ho Chi Minh City: 6 to 8 hours by sleeper bus.
- From Da Nang: 13+ hours, a long journey best suited for budget travelers.
- From Nha Trang: Less than 5 hours, making it one of the shorter bus routes.
- From Dalat: Over 6 hours, passing through scenic mountain roads.
Getting from Buon Ma Thuot to Lak Lake
Once in Buon Ma Thuot, Lak Lake is approximately 50 km south and can be reached in the following ways:
- By motorbike or car – Take Highway 27 south from Buon Ma Thuot. The road is easy to follow using Google Maps, and the drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass rural villages, coffee farms, and scenic landscapes.
- By local bus – Bus number 12 runs between Buon Ma Thuot and Lak District, dropping you off at the Lak District Post Office. From there, it’s a 1.5 km motorbike taxi ride to reach the lake.
Once you reach Lien Son town, continue a few hundred meters past Bao Dai’s former villa, and soon, you’ll see the calm blue waters of Lak Lake.
Sightseeing through the Central Highlands
Lak Lake is even more rewarding when combined with a broader Central Highlands journey. From coffee plantations in Dak Lak to waterfalls near Dalat, the jungles of Gia Lai, and the ethnic villages of Kon Tum, this region offers diverse landscapes and cultures. There are several ways to explore the area:
1. Riding a Motorbike
For experienced and licensed riders, traveling by motorbike is an adventurous and flexible way to explore the Central Highlands. The roads are scenic, with mountain passes, remote villages, and beautiful landscapes along the way. However, riding in Vietnam requires confidence and experience, as road conditions vary, and traffic can be unpredictable.
2. Easy Rider Motorbike Tour
For those who want the thrill of a motorbike trip without riding themselves, Easy Rider tours are a great option. You ride on the back of a motorbike with a highly experienced driver, who also serves as your guide. These tours range from day trips to extended multi-day journeys, with popular routes including:
- Dalat to Lak Lake
- Buon Ma Thuot to Kon Tum
- A full Central Highlands route from Dalat to Hoi An
3. Private Car with Driver
For the most comfortable and convenient experience, hiring a car with a driver allows you to travel at your own pace. This is ideal for families, groups, or those who prefer a relaxed journey through the Central Highlands. A car also allows you to visit remote villages, waterfalls, and coffee farms without the challenge of navigating on your own.
Best time to visit
There are distinctly two different seasons: the rainy season (May – October) and the dry season (November – April). The best time to visit Lak Lake is in the period from September to December, because this is the season of high lake water and lush green trees make the natural landscape more beautiful. During rainy season, the lake is a lot bigger.
In addition, if you go in May, you will be able to have a wonderful scenery in Lak lake with white lotus flowers blooming.
Accommodation at Lak Lake
In Lien Son town, there are motels and homestays for tourists who want to stay overnight. In addition, around Lak Lake, there are many beautiful resorts to choose from. Some prominent names such as Lak Resort, Lak Tented Camp have quite good service, direct view overlooking the beautiful lake.
Is Lak Lake Worth a Visit?
Yes, Lak Lake is worth visiting, but only as part of a broader trip rather than a standalone destination. While the lake offers a peaceful atmosphere, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences, it may not justify a long journey from places like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City on its own, as Vietnam has other more spectacular nature destinations.
However, if you’re already exploring Dak Lak or planning a Central Highlands trip, Lak Lake makes for a great stop. Spending one or two nights here allows you to experience the tranquil setting, enjoy activities like cycling, trekking, or a boat ride, and get a glimpse into the M’nong ethnic culture. Combined with visits to coffee farms, waterfalls, and the untouched nature of the highlands, Lak Lake becomes a memorable and worthwhile addition to your journey.
