CENTRAL HIGHLANDS (TÂY NGUYÊN REGION)

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS (TÂY NGUYÊN REGION)

      Located in south-central Vietnam, the Central Highlands span the provinces of Đắk Lắk, Lâm Đồng, Gia Lai, Đắk Nông, and Kon Tum. The region sits on a basaltic plateau at altitudes between 500 and 1,500 meters, making it Vietnam’s primary coffee belt. The area experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet (May–October) and dry (November–April) seasons. Average annual rainfall ranges from 1,800–2,500 mm, and temperatures stay between 18–26°C. Fertile red basaltic soils support dense coffee plantations.

     This region produces over 80% of Vietnam’s total coffee, dominated by Robusta (Coffea canephora). The main producing province, Đắk Lắk, alone contributes nearly 30–35% of national output. Farms are mostly smallholder-based, averaging 1–3 hectares, though large state and private plantations also exist. Cultivation techniques include intensive farming, with irrigation systems, fertilizers, and intercropping (often with pepper or fruit trees). 

     Robusta beans are typically dry-processed (natural), sun-dried on patios or mechanical dryers. However, a growing share of producers is adopting wet processing to improve quality for export markets.

Coffee is the backbone of the Central Highlands’ economy, employing millions and contributing over US$2 billion annually from this region alone. It supports local infrastructure, rural income, and export revenue. 

   Accounts for ~85% of Vietnam’s total coffee area (~640,000 ha)

   Annual output: 22–24 million 60-kg bags 

   Main type: Robusta (95%)