Discover the Highlights of the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival

The 9th Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival is set to take place from March 9 to 13, 2025, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Buon Ma Thuot Victory and the liberation of Dak Lak Province (March 10, 1975 – March 10, 2025). This five-day event offers a rich blend of coffee experiences and cultural activities, making it an ideal weekend getaway for those eager to explore Vietnam's vibrant heritage.

Written by Linh Yang (Local expert)

Updated on Mar 08, 2025

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Buon Ma Thuot, often hailed as Vietnam's coffee capital, boasts the nation's largest coffee-growing area, spanning approximately 210,000 hectares and yielding over 520,000 tons annually. Beyond its coffee legacy, Buon Ma Thuot is a cultural gem in the Central Highlands, especially during festival season.

This year's festival, themed “Buon Ma Thuot – The Destination of World Coffee,” features an array of engaging activities. Let's explore a series of activities that showcase the unique culture of Vietnam's Central Highlands!

1. Coffee and OCOP Products Exhibition Fair

Date: March 9 to March 13, 2025
Location: Provincial Cultural Center

With an estimated 400 booths designed in European, Latin American, and Ethiopian styles, visitors can explore a diverse range of coffee products and local specialties, enhancing their knowledge of global coffee cultures and brewing techniques.

*International visitors can explore and experience coffee at the Coffee Exhibition Fair*

2. Vietnam Amazing Roast Master 2025

Date: March 10 to March 13, 2025
Location: Ko Tam Community Tourism Site

The Vietnam Amazing Roast Master 2025 competition showcases the skills of top roasters as they create high-quality coffee. While international visitors cannot compete, they can enjoy the event by watching live roasting sessions, learning about different roasting techniques, and tasting freshly roasted coffee.

*Travellers are learning about different roasting techniques*

👉 What Is Vietnamese Coffee? A Blend of History and Tradition!

3. Street Festival

Date: 3:30 PM, March 10, 2025
Location: Six-Way Intersection Monument

As one of the most anticipated events, the Street Festival attracts both local and international visitors with vibrant parades, creative performances, and thousands of artists, musicians, and street art troupes from Vietnam and around the world.

*The street festival brings a lively, joyful atmosphere with rich Central Highlands culture*

The Street Festival not only offers exciting experiences but also serves as a platform to connect and promote tourism to both local and international visitors. It highlights the cultural and economic value of coffee while elevating Buon Ma Thuot’s coffee brand on a global scale.

4. Light Festival

Date: 8:00 PM, March 12, 2025
Location: March 10 Square, Buon Ma Thuot City

The Light Festival in Buon Ma Thuot is a mesmerizing spectacle, featuring dazzling light displays, colorful performances, and a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can soak in the magical scenery, enjoy cultural shows, and capture stunning photos of the illuminated city at night.

*The Light Festival attracts thousands of locals and visitors*

5. Coffee Camp

Theme: "Companionship and Sharing"
Date: March 10 to March 12, 2025
Location: CADA Plantation Historical and Cultural Site, Krong Pak District

The Coffee Camp, themed “Companion and Sharing,” offers cultural exchanges, coffee workshops, and hands-on roasting and brewing experiences with experts.

*The Coffee Camp will feature a competition on processing, roasting, and brewing specialty coffee*

Visitors can join camping activities, connect with fellow coffee lovers, and explore the history and production process of coffee at CADA Plantation, a landmark of Vietnam’s coffee industry.

6. Free Coffee Tasting

Date: March 9 to March 13, 2025
Location: Various coffee shops throughout the province

*Visitors can enjoy free cups of coffee*

Visitors can enjoy free coffee at various locations, including 10/3 Square, Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Book Street, Phan Dinh Giot Street, and numerous cafes in the city center. Additionally, they can choose cafes with spacious, green settings to relax and enjoy coffee with friends.

*A green space at a café in Buon Ma Thuot*

7. Buon Don Elephant Festival

Date: March 11 to March 12, 2025
Location: Festival Center, Krong Na Commune, Buon Don District

This is one of the key events within the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival. Here, visitors can take part in unique activities such as the Elephant Health Blessing Ceremony, an elephant decorating contest, an elephant buffet feast, and the closing rituals, including a blessing and bathing ceremony for the elephants.

👉 Discover The Elephant Festival in the Central Highlands, Vietnam!

8. Lak District Dugout Canoe Racing Festival

Date: March 10 to March 12, 2025
Location: Lak Lake National Historical and Cultural Site

At this festival, visitors can witness thrilling boat races on the scenic Lak Lake, where local rowers showcase their strength and skill. Moreover, you can cheer for the competitors, capture stunning photos of the event, and immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.

9. Tourism Journeys

Date: March 9 to March 13, 2025
Location: Various locations across the province

These programs are designed with various options, such as 2-day-1-night or 4-day-3-night tours, catering to different types of travelers. You can choose a program that suits your interests—immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere while exploring local culture, eco-tourism, and agricultural experiences.