Top 10 Most Useful Travel Tips for Măng Đen

Thanks to its natural beauty and favorable climate, Măng Đen has developed into a fully equipped tourist and resort area, providing guests with a comfortable and relaxing experience. As a result, booking accommodations such as hotels and guesthouses has become much easier. Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose the right place to stay. Here are some suggested homestays and hotels in Măng Đen:

• Bạch Dương Hotel
• Mang Den Green Hotel
• Người Măng Đen Homestay
• Ylang Home
• T’Rưng Homestay

Camping in Măng Đen: Known for its fresh air and the pristine beauty of its landscapes, Măng Đen is a popular destination for camping enthusiasts. If you're planning a camping trip, you can rent tents from local spots and enjoy the peacefulness of nature. Here are some specific details:

• Tent rental location: Trần Nhân Tông Street, Măng Đen Town, Konplong District, Kon Tum Province
• Phone: 0389 211 222

Listening to Epic Stories by the Fire: One of the most fascinating experiences for visitors is not just touring the attractions but connecting with the local people. In the evenings, around a crackling fire in a traditional Rong house, the village elders share epic tales and myths about the ‘seven lakes and three waterfalls’.

Watching the Sunrise and Sunset: Here, you’ll feel the serenity and charm of the ‘second Da Lat’ in the heart of the Central Highlands. Witnessing the sunrise or sunset amidst the towering mountains and vast pine forests is a peaceful, poetic experience.

Living Like the Locals: If you want to immerse yourself in the customs of the indigenous communities, visit the villages of Xê Đăng, Mơ Nâm, Ka Dong, and Hre to discover their rich traditions.

Crossing the Suspension Bridges: One unique feature of Măng Đen is its suspension bridges, most of which are not made of concrete and steel. These small bridges only allow single-file traffic, with clear regulations that motorbikes can only cross one at a time, and no more than 10 people are allowed to cross on foot.

Riding a Motorbike Along Măng Đen’s Roads: Located at over 1,200 meters above sea level, the roads winding through Măng Đen are surrounded by layers of mountains and towering pine forests. Riding along these roads, you’ll occasionally hear the gentle sound of streams flowing below the mountain slopes.

Đăk Ke Lake: Also known as Toong Hơ Poong Lake, Đăk Ke covers an area of 3 hectares and is one of the lakes mentioned in the legendary 'seven lakes and three waterfalls' of Măng Đen. Visitors here can enjoy the peaceful stillness of the lake, take in the cool climate, and enjoy various services that suit their preferences.

Pa Sỹ Waterfall: At an impressive altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, Pa Sỹ Waterfall is formed by the three largest streams in Măng Đen. Despite its height, the waterfall retains a calm and tranquil beauty, unlike the loud, rushing waterfalls often found in the Central Highlands.

Our Lady of Măng Đen Statue: Located about 1 km from the town center, the Our Lady Hill is a famous pilgrimage site where many visitors come to pray. Discovered in 2004, the statue has stood the test of time and remains a peaceful symbol amidst the wilderness, attracting pilgrims each year to Măng Đen.

Kon Bring Village: This cultural tourism village in Kon Plông District is known for its unique beauty, deeply rooted in the traditions of the local ethnic groups, and is famous for its impressive architecture and landscapes that attract many visitors.

When you visit Măng Đen, you'll get the chance to taste some unique local specialties found only in this mountainous region.

Bamboo Tube Rice: This is a specialty of the Central Highlands, but each area has its own distinct flavor and color. The bamboo tube rice in Kon Plong is made with glutinous rice soaked with pandan leaves, giving it a fragrant, sticky, and soft texture that is not overly chewy and never gets boring.

Grilled Chicken from Măng Đen: Named in the Guinness Vietnam for its exceptional taste, Măng Đen grilled chicken is marinated with a blend of leaves, roots, and wild honey. When grilled, it produces a delicious and aromatic flavor that is truly unique.

Free-range Chicken from Măng Đen: Visitors to Măng Đen claim that the region's mild climate enhances the flavor of the chicken, making it particularly tender and flavorful, with a sweetness that stands out compared to other areas.

Roasted Pig from Măng Đen: Raised naturally on a diet of vegetables and fruits, the roasted pig here is delicious, tender, and packed with nutrients. The seasoning used for roasting gives it a special flavor, characteristic of this region.

Rượu Cần (Traditional Wine): When visiting the Central Highlands, especially Măng Đen, don't miss the chance to try Rượu Cần. This traditional drink is a staple at village gatherings and has become a cultural symbol. Its unique taste comes from a blend of rice and crystal-clear spring water, creating a warm, spicy flavor that's unforgettable.

Unlike many other tourist destinations, Măng Đen is a relatively new location, so finding restaurants here may be a bit challenging for those planning their visit. Mytour is happy to share a list of fantastic local eateries serving delicious specialties that most tourists make sure to visit when coming to Măng Đen.

• Gió Măng Đen
• Ẩm Thực 82 - Grilled Chicken with Bamboo Tube Rice
• Quân Sương Quán
• Chicken Hotpot with E Leaf - Nậu Tui
• Grilled Restaurant Mộng Mer Măng Đen

1-Day, 1-Night Măng Đen Tour

• Drive from Buôn Mê Thuột to Kon Plong – Măng Đen, about 2 hours
• Check into your pre-booked room
• Attractions: Picnic at Đăk Ke Lake, cloud watching on the way to Ê Ban Farm, visit the wooden sculpture garden on the way to Pa Sỹ Waterfall, explore around Măng Đen
• Meals: Bamboo rice with grilled chicken, Spicy hotpot, Evening coffee
• The next morning: Return journey home

2-Day, 1-Night Măng Đen Adventure: From Đà Nẵng to Măng Đen

Day 1:

• Departure from Đà Nẵng at 5:30 AM, passing through Quảng Ngãi
• First stop: Kon Pring Community Tourism Village, Măng Đen Square – Đại Ngàn
• Arrive in Măng Đen by noon, enjoy grilled chicken and bamboo rice at Cô Sinh’s restaurant
• Head to Đăk Ke Lake for peach blossom viewing
• Visit Khánh Lâm Pagoda – a majestic and serene pagoda nestled in Măng Đen Eco-tourism Area
• Next, head to Pa Sỹ Waterfall. A 20k VND entry fee is required for the waterfall area
• Take 15 minutes for photos before heading to Kon Tum city for check-in and rest

Day 2:

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast and visit the Wooden Church
• Visit the Kon Klor Suspension Bridge, Kon Klor Rong House, and the Bishop’s Residence
• Take a city tour, relax, have lunch, and prepare for the journey back to Đà Nẵng
• End of tour

Măng Đen has completely transformed the way tourists view Kon Tum. What was once considered a dry, dull part of Tây Nguyên is now an exciting and vibrant destination for adventure and relaxation. Thanks to the craftsmanship of locals, Măng Đen has become one of the top attractions in the region.

While exploring Măng Đen, visitors can engage in mountain climbing, but it’s necessary to register with local authorities and complete the required paperwork beforehand. Since the area is a national protected forest, certain formalities must be followed. You can also visit Khánh Lâm Pagoda, a monumental site with ancient architecture, where you can light incense for peace and good luck. The surroundings of Măng Đen offer plenty of picturesque spots, making it easy for visitors to capture stunning photos from various angles and settings.

Măng Đen is a mountain town in Kon Tum Province, located 1,200 meters above sea level. The temperate climate, cool year-round, resembles that of Da Lat, earning it the nickname 'the second Da Lat' of the Central Highlands. Although not as well-known as other tourist destinations, Măng Đen is steadily becoming a highlight on Kon Tum's travel map.

With its terrain made up of rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, Măng Đen is wrapped in a natural beauty that is both rugged and alluring. The area also boasts ancient, sacred architectural structures like temples and pagodas. A fun tip for visitors is to capture stunning photos at one of the iconic longhouses, a symbol of the Central Highlands culture.

Thanks to its impressive altitude of over 1,200 meters, Măng Đen enjoys a climate similar to that of Da Lat, with a cool and pleasant atmosphere year-round. The average temperature is around 26°C, dipping to as low as 5°C in winter. With this climate, Măng Đen is a great destination to visit at any time of the year, each season showcasing its own unique charm.

Ideal times to visit Măng Đen:

• From December to January, visitors can witness the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom, creating a picturesque scene that rivals Japan's. However, it can be quite cold during this time, with occasional light rain.
• If you visit in February, you'll be greeted by the sight of Mimosa and Ban flowers blooming, filling the forest with color. From March to June, the purple Sim flowers blanket the roads.
• For those wanting to see the golden rice fields in harvest, with the fragrant aroma of ripening rice, June and July are the best months.
• August is the season for impressive wild raspberry and mulberry flowers.
• Finally, from November to December, visitors can enjoy the cool winter air of Northern Vietnam and witness the stunning wild sunflowers blooming.

To reach Măng Đen, you must first travel to Kon Tum, and depending on your starting point, you can choose the most suitable transportation method.

Getting to Kon Tum:

• By motorcycle: For adventurous travelers who enjoy exploring nature and landscapes, traveling by motorcycle to Kon Tum is the best option. From Ho Chi Minh City, take the QL14 route through Bình Phước, Đắk Nông, Buôn Ma Thuột, and finally to Kon Tum. If you're coming from Hanoi, you can follow the Hồ Chí Minh Trail to reach Măng Đen.
• By airplane: If you're short on time, flying is the fastest and most convenient option. From either Nội Bài or Tân Sơn Nhất airports, you can reach Pleiku Airport in just 30–45 minutes. From there, it’s a 40 km ride to the city center of Kon Tum.
• By bus: Another option is to take a bus, which is cheaper than flying, though the travel time is about 14 hours if coming from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang.

Traveling from Kon Tum to Măng Đen:

• By bus: There’s only one bus route operating between Kon Tum and Măng Đen, which makes it easy to find your way to the area. The bus is a reliable and safe option.
• By motorcycle: For those who are more daring and enjoy a challenge, riding a motorcycle to Măng Đen is also an option. The journey is about 50 km, winding through steep and dangerous mountain roads, so make sure you're confident in your riding skills and physically prepared for the trip.