How to Make Tube Wine in Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak: Vietnam Eco-Tours Guide

A Cultural Journey in Vietnam’s Central Highlands

Buon Ma Thuot, the vibrant heart of Dak Lak, Vietnam, is renowned for its rich M’nong and Ede cultural heritage, coffee plantations, and the traditional art of crafting tube wine, or “Rượu Cần,” a fermented rice wine integral to local ceremonies. Located 350 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City and 190 km south of Da Nang, this Central Highlands ward, now including former Phu Yen wards like Tuy Hoa after Vietnam’s 2025 administrative merger, attracts over 500,000 visitors annually. With a temperate climate (dry season: December–April, 18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F; rainy season: May–November, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F), tube wine-making workshops, costing $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND), offer an immersive cultural experience.

Legend Travel Group, a pioneer in sustainable tourism, champions eco-friendly tours that reject practices like elephant riding, focusing on authentic cultural immersion. Our tube wine-making tours support M’nong artisans and align with Dak Lak’s “Green Highlands” initiative, ensuring sustainable practices. Book your cultural journey via the links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com

Administrative Note

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, effective from mid-2025, has unified Dak Lak, with Buon Ma Thuot as the central ward and former Phu Yen, including Tuy Hoa, as a ward under Dak Lak’s administration, simplifying navigation with ward-based maps for cultural sites.

With over 17 years as a leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, Legend Travel Group is the first local operator to ban elephant riding, offering eco-conscious tours in Dak Lak tailored for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. Our tube wine-making workshops use sustainably sourced ingredients and biodegradable materials, guided by English-speaking M’nong experts who share insights into traditional practices and conservation. Supporting local communities, we align with Dak Lak’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning your cultural adventure is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page!

Tube wine, or “Rượu Cần,” is a hallmark of M’nong and Ede culture in Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak, symbolizing hospitality and community during festivals, weddings, and ceremonies like the New Rice Ceremony. This mildly alcoholic (10–15%) fermented beverage, made from glutinous rice, sorghum, or cassava and wild forest herbs, is sipped communally through bamboo tubes from a ceramic jar, fostering unity. Unlike modern liquors, its natural fermentation process, using foraged yeast starters, reflects Dak Lak’s sustainable traditions. Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours offer hands-on workshops and tastings ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) in M’nong villages, blending cultural immersion with eco-friendly practices.

Crafting authentic tube wine, or “Rượu Cần,” is a revered M’nong tradition that emphasizes sustainable ingredients and methods. Below is a professional recipe to recreate this cultural beverage, perfect for eco-conscious travelers:

Ingredients (For a 5-Liter Jar)

• Glutinous Rice or Sorghum: 2 kg (organic, locally sourced, $1–$2/kg or 25,000–50,000 VND)

• Wild Yeast Starter: 100 g (made from forest herbs like ginger leaves, wild betel, $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND)

• Foraged Herbs: 50 g (e.g., wild ginger, forest roots, sustainably harvested)

• Filtered Water: 3 liters (boiled and cooled)

• Optional: Cassava or corn (500 g, $0.50 or 12,500 VND) for varied flavor

Equipment

• Ceramic Jar: 5–10 liters, reusable, $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND)

• Bamboo Tubes: 6–8, for serving, $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND each)

• Reusable Cloth: For straining, $1 (25,000 VND)

• Banana Leaves: For sealing, biodegradable, $0.50 (12,500 VND)

Steps

1. Prepare the Grain: Rinse glutinous rice or sorghum thoroughly and soak in water for 6–8 hours. Steam until soft (30–40 minutes), then cool to room temperature to preserve natural enzymes.

2. Mix with Yeast: Grind wild yeast starter (sourced from M’nong vendors) into a fine powder. Combine with cooled grain and foraged herbs in a clean, dry bowl.

3. Ferment: Transfer the mixture to a ceramic jar, add 2 liters of boiled, cooled water, and stir gently. Seal with banana leaves and a tight lid, then store in a cool, dark place (20–25°C) for 7–10 days.

4. Check and Mature: After 3–4 days, check for a sweet, slightly alcoholic aroma (10–15% alcohol content). Add the remaining 1 liter of water to adjust strength. Ferment for 3–5 more days for balanced flavor, or up to 30 days for a stronger brew.

5. Serve: Insert bamboo tubes into the jar, add warm water (40–50°C) to release flavors, and sip communally. Pair with M’nong dishes like “cơm lam” (bamboo rice, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

6. Eco-Friendly Note: Use sustainably foraged herbs and reusable jars; compost banana leaves to minimize waste.

7. Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) for ingredients at Buon Ma Thuot markets (e.g., Phan Dinh Giot).

8. Tip: Join Legend Travel Group’s tube wine-making workshop ($8–$12 or 200,000–300,000 VND) in Ako Dhong or Jun village for expert guidance, included in the Cultural Eco-Tour ($70–$100).

These eco-friendly activities, costing $5–$20, immerse you in Dak Lak’s cultural traditions:

1. Tube Wine-Making Workshop in Ako Dhong Village

Learn to craft Rượu Cần with Ede artisans at 10:00 AM, costing $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND), using sustainable ingredients.

• Cost: $8–$12; village entry $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses foraged herbs; biodegradable materials.

• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Eco-Tour ($70–$100); bring a reusable jar.

2. Tube Wine Tasting in M’nong Longhouses

Sip Rượu Cần in Jun village longhouses near Lak Lake, best at 6:00 PM, costing $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), with gong music.

• Cost: $5–$10; homestay add-on $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND).

• Hours: Check-in 2:00 PM; check-out 12:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Supports M’nong families; uses solar-powered homes.

• Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Village Eco-Tour ($60–$90); respect ceremonial customs.

3. New Rice Ceremony with Tube Wine

Join the M’nong New Rice Ceremony in Krong No ward (October–November), costing $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND), best at 6:00 PM.

• Cost: $10–$15; guided tour $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).

• Hours: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Limited visitors to preserve sanctity; biodegradable utensils.

• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Eco-Tour ($70–$100); seek photo permissions.

4. Coffee and Tube Wine Pairing

Pair Rượu Cần with robusta coffee at Trung Nguyen Coffee Village, best at 3:00 PM, costing $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).

• Cost: $5–$8; entry free.

• Hours: Daily, 2:00 PM–8:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Organic coffee; biodegradable cups.

• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Coffee & Cultural Eco-Tour ($70–$100); book early.

5. Festival Tasting at Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival

Sample tube wine during the Coffee Festival (March, biennial) at 10/3 Square, costing $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND), best at 5:00 PM.

• Cost: $1–$3; festival entry $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Hours: March 9–13, 4:00 PM–10:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses shared jars; supports local artisans.

• Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Festival Eco-Tour ($80–$120); arrive early for crowds.

The dry season (December–April) is ideal for tube wine experiences, with cool, dry weather (18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F) perfect for village workshops and festivals like the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival (March, biennial), drawing 50,000+ visitors. The rainy season (May–November) enhances the New Rice Ceremony (October–November) with lush scenery, ideal for intimate tastings (200–500 daily visitors). Weekdays are less crowded than weekends (2,000–5,000 visitors), with afternoons (3:00–6:00 PM) optimal for workshops and evenings (6:00–9:00 PM) for ceremonial tastings. Book 1–2 weeks in advance for festivals.

Buon Ma Thuot is accessible via eco-friendly transport:

• By Air: Fly to Buon Ma Thuot Airport (Phung Duc) from Hanoi (1.5 hours, $30–$70 or 750,000–1,750,000 VND one-way) or Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour, $20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND). Taxi to city center: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND, 10 km).

• By Bus: From Ho Chi Minh City’s Mien Dong Station (6–7 hours, $10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND) or Hanoi (24 hours, $20–$30 or 500,000–750,000 VND). Operators: Mai Linh, Quyet Tien.

• By Private Car: Drive from Ho Chi Minh City via QL14 (6 hours, $80–$120 or 2,000,000–3,000,000 VND round-trip for 4 people). Book via Legend Travel Group.

• Navigation Tip: Save “Ako Dhong Village, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow QL14 signs. Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use Xanh SM electric taxis or group buses to reduce emissions.

• Safety: Confirm taxi fares; avoid night travel on rural roads.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable experience:

• Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for villages; raincoat ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) for rainy season; modest attire (cover shoulders/knees) for ceremonies.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Cultural Gear: Small backpack, notebook for recipe notes, reusable cup for tastings.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Snacks for workshops; cash for vendors (no cards in villages).
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for tastings ($1–$5), workshops ($8–$12), or souvenirs ($3–$10); secure valuables.

Costs for Tube Wine Experiences in Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak

Activity Fees

• Wine-Making Workshop: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND).

• Longhouse Tasting: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• New Rice Ceremony: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

• Coffee Pairing: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).

• Festival Tasting: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Local Snacks (e.g., Cơm Lam): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Drinks (Coffee, Water): $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND).

• Souvenirs (e.g., Mini Wine Jars): $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Ho Chi Minh City)

• Flight + Taxi: $70–$160 (1,750,000–4,000,000 VND).

• Bus: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

• Private Car: $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).

• Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$25 (bus, tastings, snacks).

• Mid-range: $40–$70 (taxi, workshop, meals).

• Luxury: $100–$150 (flight, homestay, premium tour).
  Tip: Budget for activities ($5–$15), transport ($10–$160), and souvenirs ($3–$10); carry cash (no cards in villages).

• Timing: Plan for March (Coffee Festival) or October–November (New Rice Ceremony); December–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (500–1,000 vs. 2,000–5,000 on weekends). Book early for festivals.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group tours 1–2 weeks ahead for March or 48 hours for off-peak. Confirm workshop schedules with guides.

• Sustainability: Support M’nong artisans for wine ($1–$5) or crafts ($3–$10); use biodegradable cups. Respect forest herb sources.

• Navigation: Save “Jun Village, Lak Lake, Dak Lak” in offline maps; ask locals for directions. Avoid night travel on rural roads.

• Safety: Secure valuables during festivals; sip wine moderately (10–15% alcohol). Follow guides’ instructions at ceremonies.

• Weather: Dry season for village visits; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$7) and waterproof bags ($5–$10). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); seek permission for photos during ceremonies. Say “xin chào” to locals.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.

Our eco-friendly tours highlight tube wine and Buon Ma Thuot’s cultural heritage:

• Cultural Eco-Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Visit Ako Dhong village, tube wine workshop, coffee tasting, with lunch ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Includes guide, eco-transport.

• Dak Lak Adventure ($120–$180/person, 2 days): Longhouse wine tasting, Lak Lake, Dray Nur Waterfall, M’nong homestay. Includes meals, guide.

• Central Highlands Immersion ($300–$450/person, 3 days): Tube wine workshops, Yok Don, Krong Pak farms, with homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

Learning to make Rượu Cần, a traditional tube wine, in Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak Province, costing $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) for workshops, is a cultural journey into M’nong traditions, blending fermented sticky rice, herbs, and communal sipping in longhouses. Located 350 km from Ho Chi Minh City, this experience, offered in Don Village or at Buon Ma Thuot’s cultural markets, showcases Dak Lak’s heritage with sustainable practices like organic ingredients and eco-friendly fermentation. Legend Travel Group, the first to reject elephant riding, ensures sustainable Dak Lak Tours, providing an immersive Dak Lak Travel experience with visits to Yok Don National Park and Dray Nur Waterfall. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to craft Rượu Cần in Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Rượu Cần Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, localvietnam.com, vietnamcoracle.com, originvietnam.com