Joel Etienne Piere Duclos-D’Ondatz, who had travelled across multiple regions before settling in Gia Lai, said the highland province offered a sensory experience unlike anywhere he had known. The subtle scent of coffee flowers, in particular, left a lasting impression.
“Before coming to Gia Lai, I had never known the fragrance of coffee flowers,” he said. “The first time I saw and smelled them, I was genuinely astonished by their gentle and pleasant aroma”.
Coffee flowers bloom in two waves between February and late April, with March considered the peak season. During this time, hillsides are covered in white blossoms, their fragrance drifting through the cool highland air. While familiar to locals, the scent offers a novel experience for foreign visitors.
D’Ondatz described mornings spent walking along narrow paths between coffee fields, where the mingling of fresh air and floral notes created a sense of calm. He noted the fragrance’s distinct character, suggesting it could even be developed into essential oils or perfumes.
His experience extended beyond the blossoms. Sampling coffee flower honey for the first time, he highlighted its delicate sweetness and light aroma. Coming from Corsica, where his son produces honey from wild chestnut flowers, he quickly recognised the difference.
“Coffee blossom honey is wonderful. Its sweetness is delicate and not overpowering”, he said.
After nearly a decade living in Ho Chi Minh City, D’Ondatz said the contrast with Gia Lai was striking. The absence of urban congestion allowed natural scents to become more pronounced.
“In big cities, you rarely notice the scent of trees or flowers. But Gia Lai is different. Here, there are pine forests and coffee blossoms. You can sense the fragrance of nature in the air”, he said.
He also praised the region’s climate, noting that the cooler nights eliminated the need for air conditioning, a stark change from city life.
“In Ho Chi Minh City, I had to run the air conditioner almost all day because of the heat. But in Gia Lai, I sleep soundly without it. The air here is genuinely pleasant”, he said.
These simple yet distinctive qualities have convinced D’Ondatz to extend his stay, as he continues to explore and experience the highland province at a slower pace.
