Ratanakiri and its capital of Banlung are located in the northeast corner of Cambodia, bordering Laos and Vietnam. Years of logging have slowly chipped away at what was once a province filled with lush pristine dense jungles but the remnants of those activities are still worth the visit.
“Welcome to the Wild East!” If Mondulkiri would be given an English slogan it would be that because it’s the best way to describe it. This province is a nature lover’s paradise as it is devoid of most modern development, leaving it an untouched destination that has preserved its flora and fauna quite well. Its literal translation means “meeting of the hills” and is the most sparsely populated area of Cambodia, perfect for travelers who like exploring an unknown frontier.
It doesn’t get more off-the-beaten-track than Pleiku, the Gia Lai province’s capital which is strategically located at the junction of two of Vietnam’s major highways routes 14 and 19 and is a great jump-off point for anyone looking to explore Vietnam’s verdant central highlands. With its lush green beauty, it’s hard to think that just a few decades ago this site was heavily bombed as part of the “Operation Rolling Thunder” but with help of the USSR, Pleiku was rebuilt into what it is now.
Located in the lush green central highlands of Vietnam is the capital of Daklak Province, Buon Ma Thuot a slowly developing tourist destination that has established itself as a gateway to the surrounding awe-inspiring landscapes of the region. For coffee enthusiasts, this destination will make you palpitate heavily as this is where the majority of Vietnam’s coffee engine is fueled with its rich, red soil perfect for cultivating coffee beans.
A remote region in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Kon Tum is a destination for travelers seeking solace and it is not unusual to plan a trip there and not see any tourist, foreign and local but should not discourage anyone from not going especially if you’re into a relaxing ambiance, set on a river and populated with friendly locals.
Originally the playground of the French who built villas in the clear mountain air to escape the heat and humidity of what was then Saigon is the beautiful hill town city of Da Lat. Many people call it “Le Petit Paris” and even features a small replica of the Eiffel Tower and is a cross between Vietnam and the French Alps because of its surrounding beauty – pine-covered hills, lakes, and higher peaks which makes for some fantastic scenery quite unlike any other in the country.
DAYS
