Duc Trong

Đức Trọng is a rural district in south-central Lâm Đồng province, located 30 km south of Da Lat. It is strategically positioned where National Route 20 (Da Lat–Ho Chi Minh City) and National Route 27 (Da Lat–Buon Ma Thuot) intersect. The district capital is Liên Nghĩa town, and the district covers 902 km² with a population of about 161,000.

Đức Trọng is home to Lien Khuong Airport, Da Lat's main airport, making it the primary gateway to the Central Highlands. The district features rolling hills, coffee plantations, and the spectacular Pongour Waterfall (Thác Bảy Tầng), one of the widest and most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. The climate is mild year-round, with average temperatures of 19–23°C. The dry season from November to April is the best time for travel.

By Plane

Lien Khuong Airport (DLI IATA) is located within Đức Trọng district, 30 km south of Da Lat city centre. Daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Hue connect via Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Airport shuttles and taxis are readily available.

By Car / Road

Đức Trọng is on National Highway 20, the main road between Ho Chi Minh City (300 km, 6 hr) and Da Lat (30 km, 30 min). Buses from both cities pass through Liên Nghĩa town. National Route 27 connects to Buon Ma Thuot (200 km north).

Liên Nghĩa town is small and walkable. Taxis and xe om are available for trips to Pongour Falls and surrounding plantations. Buses to Da Lat run every 30 minutes from the town centre.

• Pongour Waterfall (Thác Bảy Tầng) — Known as the "First Waterfall of the South" (Nam thiên đệ nhất thác). A wide, seven-tiered cascade surrounded by forest. Best visited in the wet season (June–October) for maximum flow. 10,000 dong.

• Liên Nghĩa town — The district capital with a central market and mountain views.

• Coffee plantations — Extensive arabica and robusta plantations on the district's slopes.

• Ta Nang – Phan Dung trailhead — One of Vietnam's most famous multi-day trekking routes begins in Đức Trọng.

• Trekking — The Ta Nang – Phan Dung trail (3 days, 55 km) starts in Đức Trọng and crosses into Bình Thuận province.

• Waterfall visits — Pongour Falls is a must-see, with swimming possible in the dry season.

• Coffee tours — Visit a local coffee farm and see the production process.

• Cycling — The rural roads through plantations offer gentle cycling terrain.

• Pongour Falls area — Several food stalls and small restaurants serving grilled meats and noodles.
• Liên Nghĩa town — Phở, bánh mì, cơm tấm, and seafood options at local eateries.
• Highland hotpot — A warming meal for the cool highland evenings.

Đức Trọng's coffee is among the best in Vietnam, grown at around 1,000 m elevation. The central market has excellent coffee stalls. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Guesthouses in Liên Nghĩa (from 150,000 dong).
• Mid-range: Hotels near the airport and Pongour Falls (from 300,000 dong).

Coffee beans (especially arabica) are the district's best buy. Local markets sell fresh fruit, vegetables, and artichoke tea.

• Da Lat (30 km north, 30 min) — The Central Highlands' premier destination.
• Di Linh (40 km south) — Tea plantations and mountain scenery.
• Bao Loc (100 km south, 2 hr) — Tea capital of Vietnam.
• Buon Ma Thuot (200 km north, 4 hr) — Đắk Lắk's coffee-centric capital.