Explore Kon Tum: Unveiling 8 Enchanting Destinations

Located approximately 50km from Pleiku, the only way to reach Kon Tum is by road. Perhaps that's why Kon Tum, despite boasting numerous scenic spots, still maintains its wild and mysterious charm. Let's discover the 'bewitching' beauty of Kon Tum with Mytour.

Embark on a Journey through 8 Captivating Spots in Kon Tum

1. Wooden Church

Nestled amidst the lush green highland forests, the centuries-old wooden church is a pride of the Kon Tum region. You can visit the Kon Tum wooden church at any time of the year. During the flowering season, the roads leading to the church are adorned with the pink and white hues of blossoming flowers, enhancing the beauty of Kon Tum.

Constructed entirely from a distinctive local wood known as 'cà chít,' the building's walls are made of a mixture of earth and straw, without using concrete, steel, or even lime plaster for painting. While the wooden columns and beams inside the church may not be intricately carved, the bold and graceful patterns convey the cultural essence of the indigenous people of the Central Highlands.

2. Dak Bla River

The Dak Bla River holds a symbolic place in the hearts of Kon Tum residents, representing the lifeline of Kon Tum both historically and geographically.

As you wander through the mountain town of Kon Tum, you'll be captivated by the sight of the Dak Bla River, resembling a soft ribbon gracefully winding around and embracing the petite city of Kon Tum. The expansive waters of the Dak Bla River showcase unique wooden boats, akin to forest leaves drifting serenely on the surface.

3. Kon Klor Suspension Bridge

The Kon Klor Suspension Bridge, situated in the Kon Klor village of Kon Tum city, Kon Tum province, stands out as the most splendid iron suspension bridge in the Central Highlands region. Connecting both banks of the Dak Bla River, the surroundings of Kon Klor are adorned with mountains covered in lush green pineapples. The Kon Klor Bridge has synchronized the two riverbanks, bringing people closer together and putting an end to the era of traditional wooden ferries that traversed the river for many years.

Here, you can visit the Bah Nar – Kon Klor ethnic village, share a glass of traditional cane wine with the locals, and then venture across the suspension bridge to reach a fertile land. This area boasts banana and coffee plantations, along with various fruit-bearing trees. Following the winding 6km road will lead you to the Kon K’tu village, where the Bah Nar ethnic group preserves their traditional lifestyle and the pristine natural landscape.

4. Măng Đen Pine Forest

Situated at an altitude of over 1,000m above sea level, within the tropical moist climate belt, Măng Đen enjoys a cool climate year-round, with an average temperature ranging from 18 to 20ºC. Hence, it is dubbed the 'second Da Lat' of the Central Highlands.

This area boasts diverse and abundant resources, with primary forests covering over 80% of the natural forest area. It serves as a habitat for numerous species of fauna listed in Vietnam's and the world's Red Books, such as red pine, pơ mu, trầm gió, and valuable medicinal herbs like hồng đẳng sâm, ngũ vị tử, cốt toái bổ, lá kim cương, and forest honey. Additionally, there are approximately 4,000 hectares of pine forest, ideal for camping and picnicking.

5. Pa Sỹ Waterfall

The ecological tourist area of Pa Sỹ Waterfall is located in the Kon Tu Rằng village of the Rơ Mâm people, Măng Cành commune, Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province. It is 6km northwest of the Kon Plong district center. This ecological tourist area presents a pristine beauty with original pine forests and a system of waterfalls and lakes. The climate here is pure and cool throughout the year.

At the heart of the tourist area is Pa Sỹ Waterfall, situated at an altitude of approximately 1,500m above sea level. The waterfall is formed by the convergence of the three largest streams in Măng Đen, known as Pau Suh in the Rơ Mâm language, meaning three streams merging into one. Over time, the name of the waterfall shifted to Pa Sỹ.

6. Dong Duong Intersection

When you reach Bo Y and head towards Dong Duong Intersection, a renowned destination in Kon Tum, the most enjoyable way to explore is on a motorbike. The feeling of freedom and the opportunity to discover the charms of this sunny and windy Central Highland region firsthand are unparalleled.

Stepping into the border area, climbing the stone milestone measuring 2m in height and weighing nearly 900kg at an elevation of 1,086m, you encounter one of the two border markers representing the tri-border area of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The triangular-shaped marker faces the territory of each respective country, adorned with their national emblems.

Having conquered the summit, touching the border, you can marvel at the lush and vibrant scenery of the Dong Duong Intersection from a panoramic viewpoint. The sense of achievement, combined with the unique three-faced milestone, is always an exciting experience for many travelers.

7. Ngoc Linh Mountain

Referred to as the 'roof' of the South, the Ngoc Linh mountain range is the highest in Southern Vietnam, situated on the Truong Son range, a part of the Southern Truong Son. The Ngoc Linh range spans an elevation from about 300m to 2,600m, harboring diverse and characteristic climatic features of the tropical region.

Notably, within the Ngoc Linh range, there is a renowned Vietnamese ginseng species named Ngoc Linh ginseng, concentrated in the mountainous districts of Ngoc Linh in Kon Tum and Quang Nam, at elevations ranging from 1,500m to 2,100m.

8. Chư Mom Ray National Park

Chư Mom Ray National Park was established on the basis of the Chư Mom Ray Nature Reserve, covering an area of over 56,000 hectares. This national park boasts the highest biodiversity in the national park system and is the only national park in Vietnam bordering both Laos and Cambodia.

Visiting Chư Mom Ray provides an opportunity to explore the rich natural resources and visit some fascinating tourist landmarks such as the Truong Son Road, H 67 site – the heroic base of the Central Highlands forces with Sạc Ly hill, Phuong Hoang Airport, Bo Y International Border Gate, Yaly hydroelectric plant, and more. It also allows you to learn more about the customs and traditions of the local ethnic communities.

By Nhu Y (compiled)

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour