Vietnam Central Highlands: Mr. Rot’s Secret Dalat Tour

When the first activity while touring the Vietnam Central Highlands was eating fried critters at a ‘cricket farm’, it clearly set the tone for the day. As promised, Mr. Rot’s Secret Dalat Tour was not going to be like any other tour in Vietnam!

Our day was filled with local Vietnam life rather than sights. We met no other tourists along the way as Mr. Rot led us through small-town markets, working factories, the wide-open countryside and the humble Vietnam Highlands village where he grew up.

 

The Secret Dalat Tour

Known as the Secret Tour of Dalat, specific details of the trip are not shared in advance. We signed up for the Central Highlands Vietnam tour through our hotel – and they promised it would be more of an experience than a traditional tour. Only given a vague itinerary – Dalat waterfalls and a village – they promised a unique journey into real-life Vietnam that most tourists never see…and they were right.

 

Dalat Vietman 1-Day Tour

The Vietnam Central Highlands tour from Dalat is an all-day trip. Our morning began bright and early with a small group of 7 participants. We were a bit apprehensive but opened our minds to whatever would be presented to us. Leaving the city of Dalat behind us, we traveled on dirt roads through the mountains, past scenic hillside farms and over shaky, plank covered bridges into a world we knew existed, but never thought we’d see.

 

Dalat Trip Spoiler Alert! We are about to share the details of our Dalat countryside tour with Mr. Rot. Reading about the Dalat Day Tour will likely only confirm that this a must-do day trip! However, if you prefer that the specifics remain a secret then skip down to the end of the post for information about how to reserve your spot on the Dalat Secret Tour. If you want to know about our experience on this Dalat Day Trip, keep reading!

 

Touring Vietnam Central Highlands

There are many tours in Dalat, but none quite like the one by Mr. Rot. The Dalat one-day tour was one of the highlights of our entire trip to Vietnam. Our Dalat tour itinerary included several sights and incredible experiences; and with that, let’s Tour Central Vietnam!

 

#1 Vietnam Cricket Farm

Shortly after leaving the city behind, we stopped at a somewhat derelict building in what felt like the middle of nowhere. We were briefed that we were touring a Cricket Farm – and we uneasily shuffled inside.

Hundreds – no, thousands – of live crickets chirped from their bins. The simple farm was small and after our quick tour, we were offered a platter of fresh fried crickets…with a side of hot sauce. While not necessarily a delicacy, crickets are eaten in Vietnam as a source of protein. Not a typical breakfast I am accustomed to, I (along with only three other brave souls from our group) hesitantly sampled the insects.

Truth be told, the crickets didn’t taste all that bad – similar to airy veggie crisps….just with legs. Little did we know, it was just the start of the day’s culinary excursion.

 

#2 Local Dalat Market

We have visited dozens of markets in Vietnam, in fact, visiting the Night Market is one of our top recommended things to do in Dalat. But we were in for a treat (literally) when we visited a small-town market in the Central Highlands of Vietnam with Mr. Rot.

Before entering, Mr. Rot gave us some no-nonsense, practical advice about acceptable market protocol in Vietnam. Like, to not stand in front of a stall unless you are making a purchase; if you’re not buying, you are blocking.

He also let us in on the harsh reality that makes some Westerners squeamish: they eat all animals (even those we keep as pets in America). Not only do they eat all parts of the animals, the butchered animals are prominently displayed throughout markets.

 

Touring the Market

Items for sale in foreign markets have never failed to intrigue us. We gawk over tables piled high with colorful fruits, vegetables and fragrant flowers and are often shocked by the popularity of animal parts that we have never ingested. Feet – particularly chicken and pig feet – seemed to be in high demand at the market we visited on our tour.

Mr. Rot provided translations and backstories to some of the vendors that gave us true insight into the life of a market seller. We met a woman who was selling beef – and we learned that, every day, she gets up early, butchers one cow and brings the meat to the market to sell. Talk about farm to table freshness. We could only shake our heads at the fact that the parts were all just sitting out on a table in the heat!

 

Sampling the Vietnamese Food

Under the guidance of Mr. Rot, we were able to sample some of the ready-to-eat goods that we have before been too shy to try. We ate fresh vegetable spring rolls and a moist rice cake topped with egg yolk that we dipped into a delicious sauce.

Sweet treats are also widely popular – and we tried heaps of them! We were familiar with some items, like sugary fried dough, but a cake wrapped in banana leaves and gooey bean custard were new to us. By the time we left the market we were stuffed – and on a sugar high – and it wasn’t even 10:00am.

 

Understanding the Local Merchandise

In the merchandise section of the market, Mr. Rot educated us on a few Vietnamese customs that before had baffled us. Many items in these stores appear to be children’s toys, but in fact are part of the rituals for honoring deceased relatives.

He showed us ‘gifts’ that would be purchased on the anniversary of a loved one’s death, which would they would then burn as an offering to their loved ones in heaven. And, the stacks of paper money we were so used to seeing are not for Monopoly, but are littered during funeral processions in order to ‘buy’ the path to heaven.

 

#3 Dalat Silk Factory

Unlike the large silk factories that dedicate a portion of their business to tourists, the silk factory we visited was local and real. The women working barely glanced in our direction as we moved through the humid, two-room workshop. They methodically worked, simultaneously unwinding multiple silk cocoons onto small spools.

 

#4 Elephant Waterfall (The Best Dalat Waterfall!)

The next stop on our Central Highland Vietnam tour was at one of the region’s natural wonders: Elephant Waterfall. A mandatory stop on any Dalat Waterfall Tour (like this one), we were luckily the only guests at the time of our visit. We navigated the uneven, slippery path to the bottom of the falls, chasing after our guide as he easily made the decent.

After squeezing between rocks and using logs as balance beams, we stepped into a mist-filled cave next to the thundering falls. The locals refer to the falls as Volcano Waterfall…and we understand why! The moisture-rich air left us as drenched as if we had plunged into the pool, rather than standing next to it. We retraced out steps up to a lookout point where we could see the deluge of water spilling over the rocky edge.

 

#5 Vietnam Central Highlands Countryside

On the way to Mr. Rot’s village, we traversed curvy, countryside roads. We briefly stopped at a hiking trail for a chance to stretch our legs. We trekked uphill to a lookout point where the valley and farms spread out below us. The scene was not what I envisioned Vietnam would look like – and it made us wish we had scheduled more time for Dalat trekking on our trip.

 

#6 Dalat Coffee Farm

Coffee is big business in Vietnam, but it’s not easy work. Farmers battle the weather (having to fetch water by hand from rivers when it doesn’t rain enough) and workers often encounter poisonous snakes during harvest. Regardless of the efforts, the prices rise and fall based on the Brazilian coffee market.

From the roadside, Mr. Rot led us into a coffee plantation as I kept an eye out for snakes! The coffee trees densely covered the lush hillside. Small green buds clung to the branches in clusters but were not yet ready for harvest.

 

#7 Dalat Spice Farm

Just across the street was another plantation, but this one was a Spice Farm. The spice is made from the seeds of a walnut-sized fruit. When the fruit is opened, the red seeds are removed, dried and ground into powder. However, if the seeds are not dried out, they can be used for other things…like lipstick. All-natural and long-lasting, it’s not a bad color!

 

#8 A K’Ho Highland Vietnam Village

The next stop on our Vietnam Central Highlands Tour was visiting K’Ho Village; the one where Mr. Rot grew up. While some of the other stops could easily be visited on a typical Dalat motorbike tour, visitors need a local guide (like Mr. Rot) to be welcomed into K’Ho Village. And, it was the absolute highlight of our Dalat Tour.

We turned off the main road and bounced and bumped our way along the narrow path until simply constructed homes came into view. Pigs, roosters and geese roamed free, traveling in herds and squawking. We arrived at Mr. Rot’s home and met a man hand-making a birdcage.

In the backyard, where a picnic table was set up for our lunch, laundry was hanging on the line and butterflies as big as birds danced above our heads. We were introduced to our host’s sister, who had made a traditional dish of crispy tofu with noodles, complimented by a spicy soy sauce.

 

Lunchtime Entertainment

During our lunch, Mr. Rot and his friend talked to us about Vietnamese customs and culture. We learned that many Vietnamese people envy large noses, pale skin and a man’s rounded belly (which represents wealth). How they position their hands is also important, like using both hands to give someone money and never crossing fingers for good luck (which in Vietnam is equivalent to giving someone the middle finger).

Our group talked and laughed – Mr. Rot is always laughing! – at differences in our cultures and customs. Mr. Rot encouraged us to get friendly in a couple rounds of drinking games, even though there was no alcohol involved. After a few rounds, we were all laughing so hard, the neighbors probably thought we were drunk! We felt like welcomed guests in his home – and the complete strangers we started the day with were now new friends.

 

Vietnam Highland Village Tour

Mr. Rot took us on a walk through his village to introduce us to some of his neighbors. Most of the residents were born and raised here…and most never leave. The K’Ho people speak their own language – and many are not able to speak or understand traditional Vietnamese.

They call all Caucasians “Americans” (even though the other five people with us were European) and as we walked down the street Mr. Rot had to repeatedly answer the question, “What are these American’s doing here?”

 

A Look Inside a Vietnam Highland Local Home

He asked one woman if we could come into her home and visit with her; after slightly protesting that her house wasn’t clean, she obliged. Wooden slats served as walls that didn’t quite connect to the sheet metal roof. The rays of sunlight that filtered through were the only source of light. The floor was dirt. Mr. Rot asked that we not take photos.

Other women from the village stopped by and crammed into the small house. Our host translated anytime we asked a question and all seven women would emphatically respond, yelling over each other. Their passion clearly displayed in their facial expressions. It was wildly entertaining, crazier than Thanksgiving dinner after all the wine has been consumed, and I desperately wished I knew exactly what they were saying.

 

Making Fabric

All of the women in the village know how to make fabric – and they showed us the tedious process. They showed us how to extract cotton from the plant using a tool to remove the seeds (and saving them to replant). Then they use a spinner to make tread and a loom to make the fabric. Expert weavers, the loom is suspended by their feet and strapped around their backs and within hours they are able to complete intricately designed fabric needed for an entire, local-style dress.

 

Tasting Local Stew

The woman of the house offered to share her food – and insisted we try her stew stored in wooden flasks. We consented – not wanting to be rude – and sipped from the jug. We later learned it was spicy rat stew that was made a few days prior…my stomach turns every time I think about it. We thanked her profusely for sharing her food and welcoming us into her home. When it was time to leave, we learned how to say ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’ in their language and repeated it several times as we walked back in the direction of Mr. Rot’s house.

 

#9 Dalat City Dinner Restaurant

Back in the city after an incredible tour, Mr. Rot invited us to join him for dinner at one of the local Dalat restaurants. He took us to an inconspicuous place on a quiet side street, where he grabbed the reigns and ordered food for the entire table without needing a menu. Dish after dish came out of the kitchen and traditional Dalat food covered our table – including snake, frog, seafood and, yes, even dog.

 

#10 Dalat Bar and Vietnamese Style Karaoke!

After dinner, we traveled as a group to a Vietnamese karaoke and dancing bar where we met some of Mr. Rot’s friends. Not at all the obnoxious scene we imagined it would be, they take their singing seriously. They are equally serious about ballroom dancing. Couples performed perfectly practiced steps to the karaoke-sung songs.

It was odd, but incredibly entertaining. We were encouraged – but not applauded – for our on-stage performance (99 Luft Balloons and Sweet Dreams Are Made of This) – and all dancing stopped during our five minutes of fame. When we hit the dance floor, our moves did less to impress – but we followed Mr. Rot’s lead and laughed and danced until the bar closed down!

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BOOK THE SECRET DALAT TOUR NOW! This tour is available by booking direct with Mr. Rot via email at [email protected] or by phone 0913953300

 

Vietnam Central Highlands Tour Tips

Ready to plan that Vietnam Vacation and join Mr. Rot’s Secret Tour? We have a few things you’ll need to know and some important tips to make sure your trip is enjoyable!

 

Vietnam Motorbikes vs. Van

When we took our Dalat, Vietnam tour, there was an option to ride motorbikes or take a van. The first participants to sign up opted for the van – and we were glad they did! We were able to talk as we rode together from sight to sight…and I wasn’t exactly enthusiastic about spending an entire day on a motorbike. Inquire early if either method of transport is a must for you!

 

Dalat Tour Guide

In addition to Mr. Rot, we were joined by a second Dalat guide on our trip – and he was equally as fabulous! There are many tours and tour guides in Vietnam, but we have never laughed and learned more than we did with our two guides.

 

What To Bring On Your Dalat Tour

Wear comfortable clothes and proper shoes. Bring water and sunscreen or a hat – as you will spend a lot of time outdoors. Don’t forget your favorite travel camera (but be respectful and don’t take any pictures when visiting the village homes).

 

Vietnam Travel Insurance

Trip insurance may help with the unexpected (lost luggage, trip cancelation, illness while traveling). Consider traveling protected with a company like World Nomads.

 

Want more Dalat tips? Check out our guide of the Top Things To Do in Dalat, Vietnam!

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More Dalat Day Tours

Looking for other tours in Dalat? We only took the Dalat Secret Tour, but you might want to check out these excursions, too!

 

Tour Dalat

The city of Dalat itself is not to be missed. On a Dalat City Tour, visitors will learn about the history and see the top sights. Get more information about booking this Dalat private tour! 

 

Dalat Adventure Tours

City and van tours aren’t the only option in Dalat! Experience the city and region on one of these adventure trips!

 

Cycling Tour Dalat

Take an epic bike ride from Dalat to Nha Trang with a professional guide and support vehicle. Find out more!

 

Canyoning and Trekking Vietnam Central Highlands

Hike, zipline and abseil on an adrenaline-packed adventure tour through the Central Highlands. Get the details!

Book highly-rated Dalat, Vietnam tours on Viator!

 

Start planning your trip to Vietnam! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

 

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