Following the National Highway No.1A, Dak Lak is 1,267 km from Hanoi- the capital of Vietnam. With such a long distance, it takes tourist at least 24 hours to arrive in Dak Lak Province. According to Tripzozo, there are three possible transports for outbound travellers to consider
Buon Ma Thuot, the vibrant capital of Dak Lak, Vietnam, is renowned for its 210,000 hectares of coffee plantations, producing over 520,000 tons annually, alongside M’nong and Ede cultural heritage and natural wonders like Lak Lake. Located approximately 1,315 km south of Hanoi, this Central Highlands ward, now including former Phu Yen wards like Tuy Hoa after Vietnam’s 2025 administrative merger, attracts over 500,000 visitors yearly. 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), Buon Ma Thuot offers immersive eco-tour experiences, with travel costs ranging from $30–$230 (750,000–5,750,000 VND).
Legend Travel Group, a pioneer in sustainable tourism, champions eco-friendly travel options that reject practices like elephant riding, using low-emission vehicles and supporting local communities. Our tours align with Dak Lak’s “Green Highlands” initiative, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Book your sustainable journey via the links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
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 travelers.
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 from Hanoi to Buon Ma Thuot. Our tours integrate low-emission transport like electric taxis or fuel-efficient buses, guided by English-speaking experts who share insights into M’nong and Ede culture, coffee heritage, and conservation. Supporting local economies, 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 trip is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page!
Traveling the 1,315 km from Hanoi to Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak, offers three primary eco-friendly transport options: flight, bus, and train with bus transfer. Since there’s no direct railway to Buon Ma Thuot, a combination of train and bus via Nha Trang is a scenic alternative. Here’s a detailed guide to plan your sustainable journey:
Overview: The quickest way to reach Buon Ma Thuot is by flying from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi to Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV, Phung Duc Airport), 10 km from the city center. The flight takes about 2 hours, followed by a 15–20-minute taxi or shuttle to Buon Ma Thuot.
Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways operate 5–7 daily direct flights.
Cost: Round-trip tickets range from $90–$230 (2,250,000–5,750,000 VND), with one-way starting at $45–$115 (1,125,000–2,875,000 VND). Vietjet offers the cheapest fares ($45 one-way during promotions).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose airlines with fuel-efficient fleets like Vietnam Airlines; book e-tickets to reduce paper waste.
Booking: Reserve 1–2 weeks in advance for deals, especially during peak seasons (March for Coffee Festival, Tet holidays). Use airline apps or Legend Travel Group for bundled flight-and-tour packages.
Airport Transfer: Taxis ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND), Xanh SM electric taxis ($7–$12 or 175,000–300,000 VND), or shuttle buses ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND) to Buon Ma Thuot center.
Total Duration: 3.5–4 hours (including airport transfers).
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Coffee Eco-Tour ($70–$100); check Vietjet promotions for budget fares.
Overview: Sleeper buses and luxury limousines cover the 1,315 km via routes like QL1A and QL14 in 28–36 hours, offering an economical, eco-friendly option with amenities like Wi-Fi, reclining beds, and onboard toilets. Most routes involve transfers in Da Nang or Pleiku.
Operators: Mai Linh Express, Phuong Trang (Futabus), Thien Trung, Anh Khoi, Hoang Quy Limousine. Buses depart from Giap Bat Bus Station (Km 6 Giai Phong, Hoang Mai, Hanoi) or Nuoc Ngam Bus Station, arriving at Buon Ma Thuot’s Southern Bus Station (Nguyen Chi Thanh/QL14).
Cost: Standard sleeper bus tickets range from $30–$40 (750,000–1,000,000 VND); luxury limousines cost $40–$45 (1,000,000–1,125,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose operators with modern, fuel-efficient fleets like Mai Linh to reduce emissions; book e-tickets.
Booking: Reserve 3–7 days in advance via operator apps, Vexere.com, or Legend Travel Group, especially during holidays. Night buses (7:00 PM–10:00 PM) save daytime travel.
Routes:
Via Da Nang: Hanoi to Da Nang (12–14 hours, $15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND), then Da Nang to Buon Ma Thuot (12–14 hours, $15–$20). Total: 28–30 hours.
Via Pleiku: Hanoi to Pleiku (18–20 hours, $20–$25 or 500,000–625,000 VND), then Pleiku to Buon Ma Thuot (4–5 hours, $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND). Total: 28–32 hours.
Amenities: Air-conditioned, reclining beds, Wi-Fi, rest stops every 2–3 hours.
Total Duration: 28–36 hours, including transfers.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Eco-Tour ($70–$100); arrive 15 minutes early at Giap Bat.
Overview: Since Buon Ma Thuot lacks a train station, the closest railway hub is Nha Trang (180 km away). Take the Reunification Express from Hanoi to Nha Trang (20–24 hours), then a bus to Buon Ma Thuot (4.5–5.5 hours). This 30–33-hour journey offers stunning coastal views via the Hai Van Pass.
Train Details:
Station: Hanoi Railway Station (120 Le Duan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi).
Route: Reunification Express (SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7) to Nha Trang Station. Trains depart daily at 7:30 PM, 10:00 PM, 6:00 AM, or 9:00 AM, arriving in Nha Trang 3:00–5:00 PM or 5:00–7:00 AM the next day.
Cost: Hard seat ($20 or 500,000 VND), soft seat ($25–$30 or 625,000–750,000 VND), soft sleeper ($35–$50 or 875,000–1,250,000 VND).
Classes: Soft sleeper (4-berth, air-conditioned) for overnight comfort; hard seat for budget travelers.
Bus Details:
Route: Nha Trang to Buon Ma Thuot via QL1A and QL26 (4.5–5.5 hours).
Operators: Phuong Trang, Lien Hung, Thanh Thuy.
Cost: $6–$11 (150,000–275,000 VND).
Departure: Nha Trang’s Northern Bus Station; buses run every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM–2:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Trains produce lower emissions than flights; buses with modern fleets reduce impact.
Booking: Reserve train tickets 3–7 days in advance via Vietnam Railways (ds vn.vn), Baolau.com, or Legend Travel Group. Bus tickets can be booked at Nha Trang station or online.
Total Cost: $26–$61 (650,000–1,525,000 VND, train + bus).
Total Duration: 30–33 hours, including transfers.
Tip: Book soft sleepers for comfort; included in Legend Travel Group’s Adventure Eco-Tour ($80–$120).
Dry Season (December–April): Cool, dry weather (18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F) ensures smoother roads and clear skies, ideal for bus or train travel. The Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival (March, biennial) draws 50,000+ visitors, so book 2–3 weeks in advance.
Rainy Season (May–November): Lush scenery but wet roads (150–300 mm/month) may cause delays. Fewer crowds (200–500 daily visitors) suit budget travelers. The M’nong New Rice Ceremony (October–November) offers cultural immersion.
Tip: Weekdays avoid weekend crowds; evening departures (7:00 PM–10:00 PM) maximize daytime in Buon Ma Thuot.
Booking: Reserve flights or buses 1–2 weeks ahead for peak seasons (March, Tet) via airline/bus apps or Legend Travel Group. Train tickets should be booked early for soft sleepers. Contact Giap Bat Bus Station (+84 24 3864 1467) for schedules.
Sustainability: Choose Xanh SM electric taxis or fuel-efficient buses like Mai Linh; use e-tickets and reusable water bottles to reduce waste. Support local vendors at rest stops ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Navigation: Save “Hanoi Railway Station” and “Southern Bus Station, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow QL1A or QL14 signs.
Safety: Secure luggage with locks on buses/trains; keep valuables in a money belt. Confirm transfer points to avoid confusion. Avoid touts at bus stations offering inflated fares.
Weather: Dry season needs sunscreen; rainy season requires rain gear ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) and waterproof bags ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly in Buon Ma Thuot villages (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours combine sustainable transport with immersive experiences:
Coffee Eco-Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Flight from Hanoi, Krong Pac coffee plantation tour, coffee tasting, with lunch ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Includes guide, eco-transport.
Cultural Eco-Tour ($120–$180/person, 2 days): Sleeper bus via Da Nang, Ako Dhong village, M’nong longhouse feast, Dray Nur Waterfall. Includes meals, guide.
Central Highlands Immersion ($300–$450/person, 3 days): Train and bus via Nha Trang, Lak Lake, Yok Don National Park, coffee farms, with homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Traveling from Hanoi to Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak, Vietnam, offers sustainable options like flights ($45–$115), buses ($30–$45), or train-bus combos ($26–$61), covering 1,315 km to the coffee capital. Legend Travel Group, the first to reject elephant riding, ensures eco-friendly Buon Ma Thuot Tours that immerse you in M’nong and Ede culture while preserving Dak Lak’s heritage. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to travel from Hanoi to Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak? Reserve your sustainable eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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