Lak Lake is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Vietnam. Vast, quiet and surrounded by rolling hills, the lake is the living place of the Mnong people, an ethnic minority of Vietnam. Located 55 km south of Buon Ma Thuot, the capital of Dak Lak province, on the road to Da Lat, Lak Lake is a fabulous day trip. This unique eco-tourist attraction remains relatively undeveloped and unknown to tourists, especially Westerners. On the shores of Lake Lak you will find several villages: Jun, Mo Lieng (the oldest and most ancestral), Le.
Five buses reach Lien Son, the closest village to Lake Lake, from Dalat (4 hours, VND 110,000) or Buon Ma Thuot (1 hour, VND 30,000). In 15 minutes walk from Lien Son you can reach the village of Jun on the shores of Lake Lak. A local bus (No 12) also leaves every hour from Buon Ma Thuot for Lien Son (1 hour, VND 24,000). It is also possible to rent scooters in one of the hotels in Buon Ma Thuot.
Trip in lak Lake - What to visit?
The village Buon Le . During your trip to Lak Lake, take an afternoon to go to this Mnong village where you can observe the traditional life of the locals. They are not used to seeing Western tourists and will welcome you in a very warm way. Take the time to take an interest in their daily tasks: making rice wine, sorting the snails collected in the lake for sale at the market, cooking a river snake. They like to share their lifestyle with us.
Buon Ma Thuot. The capital of the province of Dak Lak owes its dynamic growth to coffee production. Many travellers stop in the Vietnamese coffee capital to visit the surroundings:
Yok Don National Park - the largest biodiversity-rich protected area in Vietnam
Gia Long, Dray Nur and Dray Sap Waterfalls
The village of Ban Don - remarkable for its authentic tribal architecture
During your trip to Lak Lake, take the time to visit the Buon Ma Thuot Ethnographic Museum where you can learn about the history, culture and traditions of the mountain tribes of the province.
On the road from Buon Ma Thuot to Lak Lake, admire the ruins of a Catholic church from the French colonial era, located 30 kilometres from the city, just before crossing the Krong Ana river bridge. A few kilometers further, stop at the "H4/32" terminal and take the dirt road to Elephant Rock. This hill offers a magnificent panorama over the valley of wet rice fields.
Trip in lak Lake - Activities
Boat trips. Many homestays located on the shores of Lake Lake organize traditional boat trips for travelers. It is even better to do it at sunrise or sunset, when the light makes the surface of the water shine. The show will be an unforgettable moment of your trip to Lak Lake.
Price: VND 150,000 per person
Trek to the waterfall The Café Duc Mai agency organizes a trek to the waterfall located near Lake Lak on request of the travelers. A seven-kilometre drive precedes a challenging two-hour jungle hike. You can also swim in the falls, the best way to cool off after a trek.
Price: VND 600,000 per person
Traditional fishing. In one of the fishing villages on the lake, learn from the locals about their fishing techniques. They will be in the best position to inform you about the fauna and flora of the region. The excursions take place from 4.30pm to 6pm, on request of the travelers.
Price: VND 200,000 per person
Unfortunately, all hotels and tourist agencies in the region will offer elephant rides. Asian tourists love it. We advise you not to participate, even if the locals will tell you that their elephants are well treated.
Trip in lak Lake - Where to eat?
Café Duc Mai . Mr. Duc and his English speaking children serve travellers to Lak Lake with delicious local specialties to share. There is no menu, just ask what you want.
Price: 60,000-100,000 NDR per person
There are not many restaurants on the shores of Lak Lake, but many street food stalls, especially along the main road to Son Link.
Trip in Lak Lake - Where to stay?
Café Duc Mai . M. Duc also offers you a night in a traditional village house. Spend a night on a mattress, with only a blanket and a mosquito net.
Price: 100,000 VND for one night, for one person
Tip: enjoy the delicious breakfast prepared especially for you, especially after the traditional boat trip at sunrise!
There are different homestays in the village of Jun, just stop and ask the locals on the spot. They generally don’t speak English very well, but they understand you easily.
Price: 100,000 VND for one night per person
Motel Van Long . If you are looking for a more conventional accommodation, this one is for you. Located on the shores of Lake Lak, this is the most comfortable accommodation in the area. The rooms are large and clean, some offer a view of the lake. The hotel also offers mountain bike rental by day.
Price: 250,000 VND for one night in a standard room and 350,000 VND for one night in a VIP room overlooking the lake.