Table of Contents
Buôn Ma Thuột, the coffee capital of Vietnam, has a rich history despite its relatively young age. Established by the French in 1904, it became a vital part of Đắk Lắk province.
The History
Known as the “coffee capital” of Vietnam, this city’s history is marked by significant changes. As the fight for independence from the French escalated, followed by American involvement, a migration surged into the valley. It evolved into a crucial stronghold for South Vietnam, blocking the path of the People’s Army of North Vietnam, making it a strategic point.
Located about 350 kilometers from Saigon, the Dak Lak valley fell to the Northern Army during the pivotal Battle of Buôn Ma Thuột in March 1975. On March 11th, at 11 AM, the Northern Army seized control of Buon Ma Thuot. Less than two months later, Saigon fell, marking the end of the Vietnamese civil war.
After the war, migration reshaped the valley’s demographics, with tribal groups now constituting just 15% of the population. Seeking adventure often leads to uncovering incredible stories – tales of resilience, loyalty, and a bit of luck.
The Geography
The city, now home to over 500,000 people. Once you go beyond the city limits, you’re greeted by coffee and rubber plantations.
Nestled in the Dak Lak valley, it used to be jungle-covered highlands, now mainly transformed into farmland. The city’s elevation of 1,759 feet gives it a consistent climate – average of 24 degree Celcius – great for year-round farming. The humidity, around 81.4% yearly, is typical for this kind of mountain valley.
The city is served by Buon Ma Thuot Airport, offering daily flights to major Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi, HCMC, and Danang. There are three state highways and a section of the impressive Asia Highway network.

The World Coffee Museum – The New Landmark in Buôn Ma Thuột
In the heart of the capital city, where coffee holds special value, the priority was to find good coffee. The World Coffee Museum, which opened in 2018. This museum is a significant cultural landmark dedicated to the history, culture, and art of coffee. It is part of the Trung Nguyen Legend Group’s Coffee City project, aiming to celebrate Vietnam’s rich coffee heritage and promote coffee culture globally.
Key features of the Museum:
- Architectural Design:
- The museum’s architecture is inspired by the traditional longhouses of the Ede ethnic group, indigenous to the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
- Its modern design incorporates elements that reflect the cultural and historical essence of the region.
- Exhibits and Collections:
- The museum boasts a vast collection of over 10,000 artifacts from around the world, showcasing coffee’s journey from bean to cup.
- Exhibits include ancient coffee processing tools, brewing equipment, historical documents, and various coffee-related artifacts.
- Interactive Experiences:
- Visitors can engage in interactive displays and multimedia presentations, offering an immersive experience into the world of coffee.
- The museum provides sensory experiences, allowing visitors to taste different types of coffee and understand the nuances of various brewing methods.
- Cultural and Educational Programs:
- The museum hosts cultural events, workshops, and seminars aimed at educating visitors about the significance of coffee in different cultures.
- It also focuses on the agricultural aspects of coffee production, emphasizing sustainable and ethical farming practices.
- Café and Retail Space:
- There is a café within the museum where visitors can enjoy a variety of coffee beverages made from locally sourced beans.
- The retail section offers coffee products, souvenirs, and books related to coffee culture and history.

Buôn Ma Thuột, the coffee capital with a rich history, transformed during wars and changes. From jungle to farmland, it echoes its journey from Cham decline to coffee hub.
Discover more about Vietnamese culture by starting the Vietnamese course at VLS (Vietnamese Language Studies).
[…] Ede people mostly live in the central province of Dak Lak. Their traditional clothing is remarkable. Ede women wear a boatneck shirt with full sleeves, and […]