Buzz
Here, locals also cultivate terraced fields similar to those in Northwest Vietnam.
Due to its elevation of 1200m, just slightly lower than Dalat, when reaching the pass, even under sunny skies, the air is quite chilly. Remember to bring a jacket.
A route adorned with majestic mountains and hills.
Lake Dak Ke
Mang Den doesn't boast many attractions, clustered together, making it feasible to explore in a single outing.
Crystal-clear waters fill Lake Dak Ke.
Lake Dak Ke stands as a rare attraction in Mang Den. From La Maison homestay to Lake Dak Ke is merely about 600m. Have you heard the legend of the 7 lakes and 3 waterfalls of Kon Tum? Lake Dak Ke is one of the 7 lakes from the folklore, embodying celestial deities.
Although the area around the lake is being developed for tourism, the scenery retains its wild charm. The lake's water is a pristine shade of blue, surrounded by rows of tall green trees, complemented by a few elevated wooden houses and a small bridge spanning the lake—a picturesque and serene scene.
Charming scenery of Lake Dak Ke
Locals here say that if you visit in December or January, you'll have the chance to admire cherry blossoms blooming around the lake, reflecting beautifully on the water's surface, as romantic as a Korean drama.
If you come at the right season, the trees along this lake will bloom profusely.
Suspension bridge
Perhaps the suspension bridge is one of the distinctive features of Mang Den in particular, and Kon Tum in general, because all the bridges I crossed in Mang Den are suspension bridges, not a single one made of reinforced concrete as usual.
One of the tiny suspension bridges in Mang Den
However, most of the suspension bridges in Mang Den are tiny, with clear regulations that only one motorcycle is allowed to pass at a time, and if walking, only under 10 people are allowed. Looking at the old, rusty suspension bridges is quite scary. I went with a friend but didn't dare to sit on the bike, I let my friend ride across first before walking behind. And because it's a suspension bridge, it shakes every time you pass, the first time feels really shaky, but after a few times, you get used to it. But remember to follow the bridge's regulations!
If you've crossed it several times, you won't be afraid anymore!
Pa Sy Waterfall
Returning to the legend of the 7 lakes and 3 waterfalls, Pa Sy Waterfall is one of the 3 waterfalls mentioned, and it is the largest waterfall in this region.
Entrance path to Pa Sy Waterfall
Two 'uncles and nephews' wearing matching outfits!
I arrived at Pa Sy in a late afternoon, feeling like I was wandering into a fairy forest with the cool atmosphere, the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the increasingly clear sound of the waterfall. After walking about 500m, passing through the forest, descending the rugged stone steps, Pa Sy Waterfall appeared gently and peacefully. I wouldn't use the word majestic here because unlike the waterfalls of the Central Highlands (Dray Nur, Dray Sap...), which are divided into many different branches, Pa Sy Waterfall has only one branch, surrounded by a green canopy of trees.
Pa Sy Waterfall has appeared now
The waterfall hides amidst the greenery
Looks like a fairyland from a story, doesn't it?
In my opinion, Pa Sy Waterfall is the most developed tourist spot in Mang Den, with each pathway properly constructed and clearly signposted. Moreover, the surrounding area is undergoing development to create a complete eco-tourism destination with restaurants, accommodations, photo spots, and more.
Some photo spots around the waterfall
A suspension bridge hanging among the trees
Rong houses showcasing cultural heritage
Huge and spacious, I'm telling you!
Konbring Village
An afternoon stroll around Konbring Village is what made me decide to 'brave the wilderness' across a 400 km journey from Hue to Mang Den. As soon as I spotted the village from Highway 24, nestled in a vacant space, almost entirely separated from the main road, I couldn't help but exclaim, 'Oh, how interesting, how unique!'
So peaceful!
The road leading into the village
A picturesque 'background' like in a painting
Here, houses are just accents, the rest is all pine forest, grass and trees
Take a buffalo for a walk!
Just turn right and descend down the slope, a sense of tranquility fills the air. The narrow village road takes me past stilt houses, golden rice fields, up to a high hill. This is one of four community-based cultural tourism villages in Kon Plong district, with over 90% of the population being Mơ Nam ethnic people, mainly earning a living from rice cultivation.
The tallest communal Rong house in the village
The fences are handmade by the locals
Having endured a long and arduous journey, exchanging it for an afternoon bike ride like this
Golden rice fields in full bloom
Every corner is truly charming!
For me, the most precious thing in this village is the children. Here, the little ones enjoy sitting in front of their houses, playing childhood games from ten years ago. The older ones like flying kites, and in the evening, the eldest in the village rides a bike to invite the youngest to an open space to play together. Here, children don't know what a smartphone is, they only know mountains, flowers, trees, and grass as their friends.
Two children and a dog in front of the house porch
This kid is getting ready to ride his bike and invite his friend to fly kites.
At this time, city kids probably can't even dream of having such vast space like this.
Sometimes when they see a few tourists like me, the children's eyes may appear shy and 'afraid', but they actually want to chat. So, just initiate a conversation, and they'll smile right away.
Managed to convince the kids to fly kites together.
Mang Den is just like that, cool and fresh climate, lush green pine forests, chilly breeze, and the gentle scent of wildflowers and pine leaves, but it truly captivates me. Though a bit selfish, I hope Mang Den remains simple and peaceful like this, not overly urbanized, not overly touristy, so that both me and you always have a place to retreat amidst life's chaos.
Author: Hoang Linh Ha*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blog writing program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam. This is a wonderful opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualified article, you will receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a Contributor with Mytour. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://www.Mytour/vi-vn/golocal
