Along the historic coffee trails

Coffee was brought to Indochina in the early 19th Century by missionaries and, by the 1890s, was cultivated in plantations by the French. In the 1920s, Indochina’s economy entered a growth phase, and colonists sought fertile lands beyond populated regions. Vast colonization zones were opened in the Highlands. The center of this growth in coffee culture was Dak Lak Province. Just after World War II Hemileia vastatrix attacked Arabica coffee and one Robusta variety, canephora, proliferated due to its disease resistance and good returns.

Although coffee cultivation originated in colonial times, it was not until after reunification in 1975 that coffee production gained significant traction. Vietnam’s successful entry into highland coffee production has challenged the coffee economies of other countries. In 1987, thirty countries produced greater quantities of coffee than Vietnam; today, Vietnam is second only to Brazil in world coffee production. Vietnam held 1.2 percent of the world coffee market in 1989 and 12.4 percent ten years later. However, less attention has been directed to the impact of coffee expansion on social dynamic in Central Highlands. Come with us on unique journey learning the ethno-history of coffee expansion.

coffee-tour-dakphoi

Itinerary: Dakphoi region, 4 hours (10km driving from LAK Tented Camp), fullday if cycling

Join with us on a (cycling) trip to the land of coffee, inhabited by a mix of ethnic M’Nong Gar, Tay, Kinh, and others. The road is almost flat and generally beautiful, passing through coffee farm, cacao, cashew etc. Depending on the season, we will experience some farming task like harvesting, treating, or just admiring the marvelous coffee blossom. Coffee processing is also showcased. We travel pass the village where rattan back basket “Gui” are weaved, out of harvest time. Stop at Dakphoi black rocky source to relax and take photo.

The background history of coffee expansion in highlands will be revealed throughout the trails. A day to learn the hardship of coffee plantations, and how this seed has come in the highlands and come out to the world.