Planning a Trip

Getting There

By Plane -- There are direct connections between Buon Ma Thuot and Ho Chi Minh City and Buon Ma Thuot and Danang. The airport in Buon Ma Thuot is 10km (6 1/4 miles) from the town center. The office of Vietnam Airlines is at 67 Nguyen Tat Thanh St. (tel. 050/954-442 or 050/955-055). Flight schedules vary and you should book your flights to and from here in advance (possible from any Vietnam Airlines office countrywide).

By Car/Motorbike -- Probably the best way to arrange transport to Buon Ma Thuot is to hire your own vehicle. The town is a popular stop for the many adventurous travelers who saddle-up on a motorbike with one of the highland area's Easy Riders, and there are also good options for private accommodation in a car or van -- at premium prices of about $60 (£33) per day -- from Nha Trang (try to arrange it with other travelers to split the cost, or join a larger tour).

By Bus -- Local buses to or from Nha Trang leave at 7am and cost 50,000 VND ($3.35/£1.85) for the 5-hour ride. Onward travel to Pleiku and Kontum, or south to Dalat, leaves in the early morning as well. The public bus station in Buon Ma Thuot is on Nguyen Tat Than Street (an artery that originates at the large tank and traffic circle at the city center). Between the station and hotels in town, expect to pay about 10,000 VND (65¢/£0.35) for a motorbike taxi.

Getting Around

By Car -- Contact Damsan Tourist (tel. 050/850-123) or Daklak Tourist (tel. 050/852-108) for rentals with drivers. Expect to pay about $50 (£28) per day. Ask at any hotel front desk about rentals or shared vehicles for day trips.

By Motorbike -- You'll pay about $10 (£5.55) per day for rental from your hotel. Best to go on a bike with driver and guide. Pay between $10 and $15 (£5.55-£8.35) depending on where you plan to go. To Yok Don National Park, for example, pay about $10 (£5.55) for the 1-day round-trip. For Lak Lake, some 55km (34 miles) south, expect to pay $12 (£6.65), and for a combo trip including Dray Sap Waterfall, pay a total of $15 (£8.35). For a very reliable and helpful driver, contact Mr. Tam Nguyen at tel. 0913/421-053 (huutam9999@yahoo.com).

Fast Facts

Banks & Currency Exchange -- Vietcombank has a branch at 6 Tran Hung Dao (tel. 050/857-899), and you'll find a 24-hour ATM at Vietcombank ATM, located just west of the Victory Monument in front of the Thang Loi (Victory) Hotel. The Agricultural and Rural Development Bank at 37 Phan Boi Chau (tel. 050/852-433) can cash traveler's checks as can most hotel front desks.