Buzz
I am someone who embraces solitude, loves the winding roads, and cherishes the liberating sense of freedom each road unfolds. Days of meandering on the road with my motorcycle, traversing every corner of our homeland, have taught me valuable lessons. It made me realize the profound beauty and serenity of our country. Today, I want to share with you my travelogue to Kon Tum - a visit to the land scorched by the sun, yet hiding within it the marvelous beauty of nature, diverse cultures, and deep human connections.
Rubber trees changing leaves on the way to Mang Den Pass and the small children of the mountainous region.
Boarding a flight from Saigon to Pleiku on a beautiful sunny day, renting a motorbike in Pleiku city marked the beginning of my journey to Kon Tum. Located 48 km north of Gia Lai, Kon Tum is a province in the extreme Northwest of the Central Highlands, home to many ethnic communities. The culture is incredibly diverse, with not only majestic nature but also intertwined with myths, legends, and a glorious history.
National Highway 24 - resembling a scene from a Western movie in the American countryside.
According to my research, Kon Tum has its origins in the Ba Na language. Kon means village, and Tum means lake, indicating a village near a lake next to a river, which is now the Kon Kơ Nâm village in Kon Tum city.
Kon Klor Suspension Bridge
On National Highway 14B from Gia Lai, Kon Tum welcomes me with the winding Dak Bla River surrounding the city, famous for its deep red water flowing from the West, intertwined with numerous legends. Connecting the two banks of that legendary river is another famous landmark, the Kon Klor Suspension Bridge - an ancient suspension bridge, renowned as the most beautiful in the Central Highlands region.
The legendary Kon Klor suspension bridge connects the two banks of the Đăk Bla river.
A different perspective on the Kon Klor suspension bridge.
Journey to Măng Đen Pass, Đắk Ke Lake, and Pa Sỹ waterfall.
Among the many famous landmarks in Kon Tum that I came across in various books and articles, I chose Pa Sỹ waterfall as my destination. Pa Sỹ waterfall is a natural waterfall located in the Pa Sỹ eco-cultural tourism area, 57 km northeast of Kon Tum city. Riding on a sturdy motorbike, accompanied by a dear travel companion—a worn backpack and an old film camera—I followed National Highway 24, gradually delving into the Central Highlands.
The enchanting Đăk Ke Lake.
After leaving Kon Rẫy district, the scenery on both sides of the road gradually unfolded, leaving me utterly amazed. Along the road, rubber plantations with tall, straight rows of trees were in the midst of changing leaves. The bare trunks and fallen leaves covered the base of the trees, painting a poetic and strangely beautiful scene in shades of brown and red. I could hardly believe my eyes; it was like a masterpiece in oil painting.
A corner of the sky dyed in shades of brown and red.
Pausing by the roadside to capture some souvenir photos, I encountered local ethnic children returning home from school. I greeted them, and their innocent and cheerful smiles momentarily made me feel that life is truly beautiful. A brief conversation with them, a farewell as they continued their journey home, and watching their gradually fading footsteps, I wondered when we would meet again on this journey called life.
The sun-scorched forest.
I've experienced this feeling many times—a new acquaintance on the road, sharing a few stories with me, and then we part ways, each heading in a different direction. Perhaps we'll never have the chance to meet again; such is life.
The rubber plantation I unintentionally wandered into.
The panoramic view from Măng Đen Pass.
Arriving at Pa Sỹ waterfall in the scorching noon, feeling soaked in fatigue, hastily having a midday meal to soothe my hunger, then descending the stairway path, the majestic Pa Sỹ waterfall unfolded before my eyes. The pristine beauty of a powerful cascade, frothy white amidst the vast mountains and forests of the Central Highlands, made me forget all weariness. I stood there for a long time, beneath the waterfall, just to marvel at each cascade, immersing myself in nature. Pa Sỹ waterfall emanates a majestic and mystical aura, just as the legendary tales have narrated.
Pa Sỹ waterfall emerges amidst the vast mountains and forests of the Central Highlands.
Stepping on the carpet of yellow leaves in the sculpture garden feels like entering a mystical fairy tale world.
So, another journey concludes, and the land of the Central Highlands reveals its beauty in the memories that I often cherish. If given the opportunity, you should travel to Kon Tum—a region with arid, sun-drenched landscapes yet captivatingly enchanting. Go and experience the beauty of this place with all your heart.
Author: La Tuấn Kiệt
*This article is part of the Mytour Golocal program.
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program showcasing beautiful destinations across Vietnam. It's an excellent opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a Mytour Contributor. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://www.Mytour/vi-vn/golocal
