Hoi An to Buon Ma Thuot: A Scenic Road Trip Guide

Hoi An's ancient town was a major port in the 16th century, and today the drive east to Buon Ma Thuot crosses a dramatic boundary: from the UNESCO-listed coast to Vietnam's central highlands.

The route runs 630 km along National Route 1A to Quang Ngai, then west on National Route 24 and 14C through majestic passes. Plan about 14 hours of pure driving, but you'll likely spend at least two days to savor the landscapes.

Before you go, consider how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your journey.

On the passes, overtaking requires caution; use turnouts to let faster vehicles pass. Wear seatbelts at all times; child seats are recommended but rarely available for rent.

Children will enjoy stretching at the Dak Bla Eco-Tourism area near Kon Tum, with its cable car and giant Buddha statue. For a quiet break, rely on the frequent nhà nghỉ (guesthouses) in towns, averaging 300,000 VND/night.

Plan to drive no more than 3 hours at a stretch; rest at shops serving hot tea or coffee. The Central Highlands' cool air can lull you, so take caffeine breaks or pull over.

Many roadside eateries welcome pets, but inside national parks leashes are mandatory. Gas stations often have grass patches for dog walks.

If you get tired, pull into a scenic lookout – the Mang Yang Pass viewpoint is a safe place with a small cafe. Remember, the journey is about the experience, not just the destination.

As you climb, the heat of Hoi An (avg. 29°C) gives way to cooler, misty air around Kon Tum (avg. 22°C). The route crosses the Ngoc Linh mountain range, home to high-altitude cloud forests.

Each district has its own taste: Quang Ngai is famous for Quang noodles, while Kon Tum offers fiery ốc bươu (snail dishes). Buy ripe durian or avocado from roadside stalls for a picnic.

Along the highway, see weaving villages of the Ba Na people, where textiles are sold for 50,000-200,000 VND. These goods support local households, so bargaining is respectful.

In Buon Ma Thuot, the World Coffee Museum details the region's 100-year coffee history. The city is the heart of Vietnam's royal coffee, with nearby estates like Trung Nguyen Legend.

For hidden gems, take a short detour to the Dray Nur waterfalls, a series of dramatic basalt and black-violet lava cascades, perfect for a photo stop.

Fuel your car at stations in Tam Ky, Quang Ngai, or Kon Tum, as petrol options thin out between towns. Expect diesel prices around 24,000 VND/liter, but always carry cash for rural pumps.

The QL1A is well-paved but busy with trucks; secondary roads (QL24, QL14C) are narrower, with some unpaved stretches. Cell coverage drops in the highlands, so download offline maps.

Road tolls apply only on QL1A (approx. 200,000 VND total) before you head west. Avoid night driving due to unlit curves and livestock.

• Consider a detour to Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, a 4th-century Cham temple complex, 45 km from Hoi An.
• Kon Tum's wooden Catholic church, built in 1913, is a quick stop.
• The Dak Bla River offers white-water rafting near Kon Tum.