I was lucky enough, when I was staying in Buôn Ma Thuột, to be invited to celebrate Têt (the Vietnames New Year) with a Vietnamese family. This is the kind of invitation you just don't refuse, and I when I got there I was astonished by the veritable feast that lay before me, with dozens of different dishes, nems (a kind of Vietnamese role wrapped in rice paper), spring rolls, sautéed meats, salads, seafood, rice wine … and yet other things I've now forgotten. I can honestly say that in Vietnam they really know how to celebrate New Year.
But getting back to the subject of Buôn Ma Thuột, the city itself is unfortunately fairly average and – its coffee excepted – somewhat lacking in charm. In fact its main attractions are to be found in the area around it, these being Lak Lake, Yok Don National Park and the Dray Sáp Waterfalls. You can get there by hiring a motorbike or scooter, and the area has some beautiful walks to offer – those who enjoy getting off the beaten track will especially like it here.