Ep 10. Vietnam: Central Highlands

Anthony Bourdain takes us on a thrilling journey through the Central Highlands of Vietnam in the tenth episode of the sixth season of No Reservations. The episode titled "Vietnam: Central Highlands" reveals the undiscovered beauty of the country's highlands, where few tourists venture.

From the bustling city of Saigon, Bourdain starts his journey to the Central Highlands, which include the provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum. The landscape changes dramatically as he travels from the busy city to the peaceful countryside.

Bourdain's adventure begins in Buon Ma Thuot, known as the coffee capital of Vietnam. Here, he takes a stroll through the local market, where he discovers exotic ingredients and meets many friendly vendors who offer him various delicacies. He then visits a coffee plantation to learn about the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans. Bourdain samples the country's finest coffee and learns how it's brewed.

Next, he heads to a nearby village to try an unusual local delicacy - rat meat. Bourdain embraces the experience with an open mind and tucks into a bowl of rat soup, which he describes as 'gamey' and 'perfumed'.

In the Central Highlands, Bourdain meets the ethnic minority communities that inhabit the region. He explores their traditional villages, partakes in their customs, and learns about their way of life. He attends a funeral ceremony and discovers how faith and ritual ceremonies play a vital role in the community's culture. Bourdain also learns how the lack of infrastructure restricts their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Bourdain then explores the stunning waterfalls of the Central Highlands, including the Dray Nur and Dray Sap falls. He hikes through lush jungle trees, encounters wild monkeys, and basks in the refreshing waterfalls' cool waters. He also visits a nearby elephant training camp, where he learns about the traditional use of elephants in the region and the customs surrounding them.

Bourdain then heads to Kon Tum to learn about Vietnam's traumatic history during the wars. He visits the Kon Tum orphanage, where he meets children affected by Agent Orange and learns about the devastating legacy of the war. He visits a bomb crater, where he contemplates the impact of war on people's lives and the necessity to ensure history doesn't repeat itself.

Finally, Bourdain wraps up his Central Highlands journey with a luxurious stay at the stunning Anantara Resort. He indulges in the top-of-the-line resort's amenities, including exquisite meals, spa treatments, and rounds of golf.

Overall, the episode "Vietnam: Central Highlands" is a thrilling and eye-opening journey through Vietnam's lesser-known regions. Bourdain immerses himself in the local culture with his usual enthusiasm and openness, discovering the beauty in Vietnam's people, customs, and landscapes. The episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking a unique adventure off the beaten path.