Dak Glong

Dak Glong (Đắk Glong) is a rural district in southeastern Đắk Nông province, Central Highlands of Vietnam. The district is mountainous and heavily forested, home to Ta Dung National Park — the largest protected area in the province. The Ma and M'Nong ethnic minorities have lived in this area for generations, maintaining their traditional forest-based livelihoods and cultural practices. The district capital lies along National Highway 28, about 30 km southeast of Gia Nghia.

The terrain is dominated by the Ta Dung mountain range, with the highest peaks in the province. The Dong Nai River forms the southern boundary, and the construction of the Dong Nai 3 hydropower dam created the vast Ta Dung Lake with its iconic flooded-forest landscape. The climate follows the Central Highlands pattern: a rainy season from April to October and a drier season from November to March.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Liên Khương Airport (DLI) near Da Lat, about 120 km southeast. Buôn Ma Thuột Airport (BMV) is about 140 km north. From either airport, taxis or buses connect to Gia Nghia, then local transport continues to Dak Glong.

By Car / Road

Dak Glong is accessible via National Highway 28, which runs southeast from Gia Nghia towards Di Linh in Lâm Đồng province. From Gia Nghia, the district centre is about 30–40 km. Buses from Gia Nghia's bus station run along this route.

Motorbike is the most practical way to explore Dak Glong. Roads to villages and Ta Dung National Park are generally paved but can be rough in places. Hiring a car with a driver from Gia Nghia is an alternative for day trips. Local xe om (motorbike taxi) services are available in the district centre.

• Ta Dung National Park — The premier attraction, with nearly 21,000 hectares of protected forest and a vast reservoir with dozens of islands. Often called "Ha Long Bay of the Central Highlands".
• Dak Plao Waterfall — A 3-metre-high waterfall flowing year-round through large rock formations and old-growth trees.
• Digne Klan Waterfall — Located in Dak Som commune, surrounded by flat rocks and wide-canopy trees suitable for camping.
• Ta Dung Peak — At 1,982 metres, the highest point in Đắk Nông province, offering panoramic views.

Boat tours on Ta Dung Lake are the main activity, winding through the flooded forest and islands. Trekking in the national park through seasonal tropical forest with opportunities to spot deer, leopards, primates, and pheasants. Birdwatching is exceptional — Tà Đùng is one of four endemic bird regions in Vietnam. Camping at Digne Klan Waterfall is popular. Climbing Tà Đùng peak is a full-day guided trek.

Dak Glong's food reflects the forested highlands: wild vegetables, stream fish, bamboo-shoot dishes, and grilled meats. Lam rice (rice steamed in bamboo tubes) is a specialty. Simple eateries in the district centre serve phở and com bình dân (everyday rice meals) for 30,000–50,000 dong.

Forest tea and locally grown coffee are the beverages of choice. Ruou can (rice wine shared from a jar) accompanies ceremonial gatherings in Ma and M'Nong villages.

• Budget: Homestays in Ma villages near Ta Dung National Park offer basic accommodation and meals for around 100,000–200,000 dong per night.
• Mid-range: Several guesthouses in the Dak Glong district centre cater to travellers heading to the national park.

Local produce includes wild forest honey and medicinal herbs collected by Ma communities. Handwoven baskets and textiles are available in the ethnic minority villages.

• Gia Nghia (30 km, 45 min) — Provincial capital with more dining and accommodation options.
• Da Lat (120 km, 3 hr) — The renowned hill-station city with French colonial charm.
• Dak R'Lap (60 km west) — District known for its basalt soil coffee plantations.
• Cat Tien National Park (100 km south) — A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with diverse wildlife.