I had an unforgettable and joyful trip to the sunny and breezy Central Highlands, conquering Chu Yang Lak Peak. With its rich and untouched ecosystem, Chu Yang Lak is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

Standing at 1,643 meters, Chu Yang Lak is a mountain peak located in Lak Landscape Forest, about 55 km from Buon Ma Thuot city. To reach the summit, you need to trek through the forest along an 18 km round trip (approximately 7 hours up and 4 hours down). Though not too long, the trek is challenging due to steep slopes—especially slippery and difficult if it rains. At night, the temperature drops considerably, so staying warm is important.

Should You Go Independently or Join a Tour?

Since Chu Yang Lak is within the Lak Landscape Forest, you must get permission from the Management Board to enter. That’s why I decided to join a tour. At first, I had a vague idea about the Central Highlands and even declined my friend’s invitation because I was too busy and didn’t have the motivation to explore a place I knew little about. But feeling overwhelmed by work, I suddenly booked a tour in the middle of the night—packing at 11 PM on a Thursday and catching the night bus to Dak Lak right after work on Friday. And let me tell you, this trip had me smiling from start to finish.

What Makes Chu Yang Lak So Special?

The Infamous Steep Slopes

One of the most memorable (and exhausting!) parts of this trek was the endless series of steep slopes—each one taller and tougher than the last. Just when you think you’ve made it, another giant incline looms ahead. Some sections were so tricky I had to crawl or cling onto trees and rocks for support. Since I was stopping to take photos constantly, I ended up being the slowest in the group.

Lush and Diverse Vegetation

Along the way, you’ll be amazed by the scenery. The trail starts with vast green landscapes, fields of Bidens pilosa (Spanish needles), and blooming coffee farms. You’ll cross icy cold streams—even at midday. The last two-thirds of the trail passes through grasslands and ancient forests with massive trees in strange shapes. The deeper you go, the more unique plant species you’ll see, including wildflowers and colorful mushrooms lining the trail.

Towering Ancient Trees & Nature’s Gateways

You’ll often walk under towering, moss-covered trees basking in the sunlight. Occasionally, fallen ancient trunks block the trail, forming stunning natural archways that feel straight out of a fantasy movie.

The Gelsemium Flower – Stunning but Deadly

The recorded elevation of Chu Yang Lak is 1,643 meters. From here, you climb over rocky outcrops to reach the summit—where a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountain range and valleys below awaits. I visited Chu Yang Lak in October, when the weather was pleasantly mild, with gentle sunlight and clear blue skies.

At the summit during this season, you’ll come across a wide variety of wildflowers in all colors. Picking a few blooms and tying them together with a blade of grass makes for a charming little bouquet—perfect for capturing some dreamy “Instagram-worthy” moments.

A Vibrant Carpet of Flowers on the Slopes of Chu Yang Lak

Amidst the towering mountain slopes, clusters of wildflowers bloom in radiant yellow, stretching out like a brilliant floral carpet suspended between the sky and the earth. Perhaps everyone who ventures into the forest can't help but fall in love with these delicate yet resilient wildflowers—so full of life, beauty, and quiet strength.

What We Ate During Our Trip to Chu Yang Lak

“There were plenty of tour guides—and plenty of food too!” Our big backpacks were packed not just with hammocks and tarps for resting, but mostly with food—tons of it.

Lunch was quite simple with steamed rice rolls and pork sausage, but dinner was an absolute feast. The guides quickly set up a makeshift kitchen and lit a campfire. Whole chickens and large slabs of ribs were skewered and grilled over the open flames.

The forest cools down quickly at night, so sitting by the fire waiting for the meat to cook was honestly one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience.

Sitting by the fire, waiting for the food to cook, was pure happiness after a long, exhausting day of trekking.

Besides grilled chicken and ribs—the main dishes—we also had sausages and meatballs roasted over the flames. A big pot of rice was cooked alongside stir-fried vegetables and braised pork with eggs. On a chilly night in the forest, sitting around the warm fire, arranging dishes together, watching the steam rise from the hot, fragrant food—there was something deeply satisfying about it all.

And of course, no forest meal is complete without a little local rice wine. Just a small sip of that fiery warmth makes everything taste even better.

By: Đỗ Ngọc Hoài Thu
This article is part of the Traveloka Golocal program.