elr

hi,
I've included around 2 days in the central highland (not Dalat) for our trip. We would fly from Hanoi to Pleiku, and visit minority villages around the area. If we don't do this, we can add an extra day to HCMC (only have one currently) and one extra day to Phu Quoc (about 2.5 days there).

The central highlands we're going to be my off-the-beaten-path thing, but since we'll be spending 3 days in the Mekong Delta, I may have way more remote villages than I bargained for.

I appreciate any suggestions.

ciao, Ellen

glorialf

I spent five days in the Central Highlands in 1995 and it was the most interesting part of my trip. I would definitely go there. One day in HCMC is more than enough and 2 1/2 in Phu Quoc is fine. I found the central highlands more interesting than the Mekong Delta.

elr

Thanks for this reply. I'm working with an agency doing an individual tour, and the places included are Phun, Ja Rai, Jolong, and Konkotu.

Anyway experience with these places?

best, Ellen

Chatterly

I live in Buon Me Thuot, DakLak Province, Central Highlands.

Toamteco Tours run a bus up there (Tomateco Pro Tours, 201 De Tham Street
District 1 - near Ben Thanh Market - Ho Chi Minh City/SaiGon. Tel: +84-(0)-8-836-0205).

OR

Grab a LOCAL bus from Ho Chi Minh City/SaiGon (Mien Dong Bus Station).

The journey is about 6 hours.

When you arrive in BMT (Buon Me Thuot) there is a traffic circle/roundabout with a tank on it. In the car park of the hotel there is the office of DakLak Tourism - they will put you in touch with all the things to see and do.

ONE POINT: Do NOT stay at that hotel - or any hotel within 2 blocks of the tank (the town is the road running to the east of the tank)(HCMC is south of the tank) as the Roman Catholic church bell starts at 04.30H, followed by Ha Noi exercise over loudspeakers at 05.00H and Ha Noi Hannah at 05.30H with the news!

Enjoy your trip - we love the peace!

Chatterly

More info on the area, and VietNam, at:

< http://www.wompom.ca/vietnam/vnprovinc601.htm >

and

< http://www.wompom.ca/vietnam/index2.htm >

elr

hi, I'll actually be flying from Hanoi to Pleiku, and don't think I'll even be in BMT, tho I've read tons about the coffee and elephants.

My tour person (for time ever working with an agency, it's even hard to admit--based in Hanoi--and really helpful getting me exactly what I wanted for private tour) organized homestays in that area, which I think will be great.

Thanks for the responses.