Air

Vietnam Airlines flies to Buon Ma Thuot five times a week from Saigon and three times a week from Danang aboard ATR-72 aircraft.

Car/Minibus

Looking at a map, it appears Dalat and Buon Ma Thout can be combined easily in a single itinerary. Truth is, the only decent road connecting Saigon with Buon Ma Thuot (Highway 14) bypasses Dalat far to the west and although only 200 km separate the two cities, the journey via dismal Highway 27 lasts some six hours over some of the worst road conditions in Vietnam. Ignore local tour agencies and guides in Saigon who say the road has been paved and improved. There has been little change since we went on an expedition deep into the Central Highlands along Highway 27 in 1996 and again in March 2000. Between Lak and Dalat (150 km), only about 22 km of Highway 27 are paved. During the rainy season the rest of the route is about as accessible as a Colorado river wash. Directly from Saigon, Buon Ma Thuot can be reached in a little under seven hours via Highways 13 and 14. If you plan on going to Buon Ma Thuot via Dalat (via Highways 20 and 27), count on 11 hours total (5 to Dalat and 6 to Buon Ma Thout). Contact WorldAdventures.com to book transportation.