M'Drak

M'Drak (also spelled M'Drắk) is a district in eastern Đắk Lắk Province, located about 80 km east of Buon Ma Thuot near the border with Khánh Hòa Province. The district is situated in the foothills of the Central Highlands, where the highlands descend towards the coastal plain. It is known for coffee and rubber plantations, scenic mountain passes, and the M'Drak Waterfall.

The climate follows the Central Highlands pattern: dry from November to April and rainy from May to October. The eastern location makes it slightly warmer than the central parts of the province.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV IATA), about 90 km west. A taxi takes roughly 1.5 hours. Nha Trang's Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR IATA) is about 120 km east.

By Train

By Car / Road

M'Drak is on National Route 26, which connects Buon Ma Thuot to Nha Trang. It is about 80 km east of Buon Ma Thuot and 100 km west of Nha Trang. Buses between these cities pass through the district.

The district centre is walkable. Motorbikes are the best way to reach the waterfall and surrounding plantations.

• M'Drak Waterfall — A scenic waterfall in the district, particularly impressive during the rainy season.
• Coffee and rubber plantations — The surrounding hills are planted with coffee and rubber trees.
• Mountain pass scenery — The road from M'Drak towards Nha Trang descends through a dramatic mountain pass with sweeping views of the coastal plain.

Take a motorbike ride along the scenic route from Buon Ma Thuot to Nha Trang via M'Drak. Stop for photos at the mountain pass viewpoints.

Small restaurants along National Route 26 serve phở, cơm tấm, bún, and hủ tiếu to travellers on the Buon Ma Thuot–Nha Trang route. Several roadside stops offer fresh coffee, fruit, and simple grilled dishes. The market area has food stalls serving bánh mì and xôi in the morning.

Coffee is available at local cafés. This is a coffee-growing region.

M'Drak has basic guesthouses (nhà nghỉ) along the main road, offering simple rooms from 150,000–200,000 dong for travellers needing a stop on the Buon Ma Thuot–Nha Trang route. Most visitors pass through rather than staying overnight.

The district market sells local produce including coffee beans, cashews, and seasonal fruit. Several stores along the main road cater to travellers passing through on the Buon Ma Thuot–Nha Trang journey.

• Buon Ma Thuot — 80 km west. The provincial capital with coffee culture and airport.
• Nha Trang — 100 km east. A major beach resort city with swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
• Lak Lake — 70 km southwest. Scenic lake with ethnic minority villages.