Story: Hai Van – Kim Lan
Photos: Hai Van, Van Yen, courtesy of TIPC Lam Dong

Nestled among misty hills and pine forests at over 1,500 meters above sea level, Lam Dong attracts travelers not only with its year-round cool climate but also with a refined specialty: Arabica coffee. Recognized since 2017 as one of the four signature products under the brand “Da Lat – The Miraculous Crystallization from Good Land,” Arabica coffee carries a registered certification mark alongside Da Lat’s famed vegetables and flowers, granted by the National Office of Intellectual Property.

Abundant coffee hills in Lam Dong

Unlike the bold, nutty flavor of Robusta—familiar in Vietnam’s classic iced milk coffee—Lam Dong’s Arabica beans reveal subtler notes that evoke the tranquil dawn of the Lam Vien Plateau. From sprawling plantations in Cau Dat, Tram Hanh, and Lac Duong to small plots tucked into valleys, Arabica is hailed as the “specialty coffee wave of Lam Dong” for both its quality and tourism potential.

The Story of Climate and Altitude

Arabica beans are considered "specialty coffee wave of Lam Dong" in Vietnam

Lam Dong is one of Vietnam’s most ideal regions for Arabica cultivation. This delicate variety thrives on meticulous care, cool temperatures, porous basalt soil, and altitudes above 1,200 meters. Here, coffee cherries ripen slowly, developing a rich bouquet of flavors. When fully ripe, they turn a vivid red, ready to be handpicked at dawn—glowing like gems in the mist that shrouds the verdant hills. Abundant lakes and mountains enrich this terroir, giving Lam Dong Arabica a distinct identity that lingers in memory.

Lam Dong’s climate and soil suit Arabica cultivation

Depending on roast and brew, Lam Dong Arabica reveals a spectrum of flavors. A hand-brewed cup offers crystalline clarity, with notes of ripe fruit, dried flowers, and the earthy scent of a forest after rain. Espresso lovers will find fruitiness with a delicate finish. Traditionally, Arabica is medium-roasted and blended with Robusta, producing a golden crema and refined aroma. Even in iced milk coffee, when dark-roasted or blended, Arabica retains its fruity sweetness while balancing the richness of condensed milk.

Vietnamese iced milk coffee with Arabica and Robusta blend

There are countless ways to savor Arabica, yet the most vivid experience comes from journeying to the Lam Vien Highlands—breathing crisp mountain air while immersed in majestic landscapes.

A Coffee Journey for Curious Explorers

Foreign visitors harvesting Arabica cherries in Lam Dong

For coffee lovers, nature enthusiasts, or simply those seeking new experiences, a morning stroll through Cau Dat farms or a visit to a small roastery in the Lam Vien Plateau is unforgettable. Many farms now open their gates, offering engaging tours that trace the journey from ripe cherries to the final cup.

Farmers sorting Arabica beans at the farm

A morning in the fields with local farmers reveals a quiet wonder: mist still clings to pine branches as they handpick cherries with patience, sorting them on the spot with practiced care.

Tourists intrigued by the harvest process

Lam Dong Arabica may not please every palate, but it touches slowly with an elegance defined by bright, fruit-like acidity, gentle sweetness, and a lingering depth.

Visitors enjoying coffee on Lam Dong farms

In the open air, sipping Arabica while listening to the rustle of leaves and the stories of seasoned farmers brings a soulful experience no city café can match.

From Highlands to Coffee Tables

Coffee blossoms in Lam Dong bloom between February and April each year

With its authentic and distinctive flavors, Lam Dong Arabica has traveled far beyond Vietnam, gracing specialty coffee shops in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. Yet only by being here—touching the soil, seeing the trees, and listening to growers—can one truly grasp the “soul” of these highland beans.

Travel in Da Lat is not only about strawberries, flowers, or cool breezes. For the curious, exploring Arabica coffee opens another window into the culture, cuisine, and people of the region.

Arabica coffee enterprises certified under “Da Lat – The Miraculous Crystallization from Good Land”:

1. Tam Trinh Coffee Import-Export Co., Ltd. – A1, Quang Trung 1, Nam Ban, Lam Dong

2. Thai Chau Pure Coffee Co., Ltd. – 10 Tran Dai Nghia, Lam Vien Ward, Da Lat

3. Song Vu Organic Agricultural Cooperative – Truong Son Hamlet, Xuan Truong Ward, Da Lat

4. VOCO Import-Export Trading Co., Ltd. – Da Dum Dasar, Lac Duong, Lam Dong

5. Daisy International Co., Ltd. – Tu Poh Hamlet, Lac Duong, Lam Dong

6. ANT BEE Tea & Coffee Co., Ltd. – Lien Khuong Expressway, Hiep Thanh, Lam Dong

7. Han Vinh Coffee Co., Ltd. – Dong Anh 2, Nam Ban, Lam Dong