Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Kon Tum That Will Enchant You

Chu Mom Ray National Park is a must-visit destination when you travel to Kon Tum. Located in the districts of Ngoc Hoi and Sa Thay, this park is home to a wide range of rare wildlife species, making it a perfect spot for exploration. Notably, it is home to Vietnam's largest grassland, offering a vast and open landscape that will captivate you instantly. With its expansive area and diverse flora, this national park is an essential stop on any trip to Kon Tum.

According to the latest statistics from the management board, Chu Mom Ray National Park is home to 144 animal species listed in Vietnam's Red Book. In addition to carnivorous animals like bison, tigers, leopards, and gibbons, the higher altitudes are inhabited by animals such as eagles and antelopes. A particularly remarkable feature is the 9,000-hectare grassland, the largest of its kind in Vietnam. As you explore the park, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a prehistoric world filled with dense trees, babbling brooks, and abundant wildlife.

Address: Located in the Sa Thay and Ngoc Hoi districts, about 30 km northwest of Kon Tum Town.

Kon Klor Suspension Bridge is located in the village of Kon Klor, Kon Tum City, Kon Tum Province, and it connects the two banks of the legendary Đăk Bla River. From the bridge, visitors can gaze across the vast fields of rice, corn, and sugarcane, surrounded by picturesque rural landscapes. Beneath the bridge flows the gentle and continuous river. This bridge is a popular spot for locals in the afternoon, seeking a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the breeze.

The bridge is sturdy, with a wide span that allows both pedestrians and vehicles to cross safely. In the evening, when the city lights up, standing here provides a sense of tranquility and expansiveness. The bridge has been around for many years, deeply embedded in the memories of generations. Simple yet memorable, the bridge is an unforgettable image for those who have grown up far from home.

Address: Kon Klor Village, Kon Tum City, Kon Tum

Wooden Church is a unique architectural masterpiece in Kon Tum that cannot be found elsewhere. The church is designed in the Romanesque style and harmoniously blends with the traditional stilt house architecture of the Ba Na people. This fusion preserves the religious and cultural essence of the Central Highlands in every detail, from the materials to the intricate carvings and decorative motifs. The Wooden Church complex includes the main church, an exhibition hall for ethnic and religious products, a communal house, and a guesthouse. It also houses woodworking and weaving workshops, a sewing center, and an orphanage.

Now over 100 years old, the church has withstood the test of time and remains strong and steadfast. You can visit at any time, but the most beautiful and captivating period is when the flowers bloom. Along the entrance path, the white blossoms create a dreamy and picturesque scene. The Wooden Church is a sacred symbol and a source of pride for the people of Kon Tum. Don't miss the chance to visit it!

Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Thong Nhat, Kon Tum City, Kon Tum

Kon Tum is known for its mysterious beauty of the mountainous landscapes, with Ngoc Linh Mountain being a must-visit destination in this region. This mountain is the second highest peak in Vietnam, following only Fansipan. Ngoc Linh Mountain is often referred to as the 'roof of the Central Highlands,' majestic yet poetic in its splendor. Reaching the summit allows you to take in a breathtaking panoramic view, almost as if you’ve stepped into a grand, mystical painting of the Central Highlands.

The peak rises 2,592 meters above sea level, making it a sought-after goal for many explorers. Covered in dense forests, with babbling streams and rugged, steep trails shaded by towering trees, the climb can be tough. As you ascend, the temperature drops, and if you don’t time your descent right, you could risk slipping or facing danger. However, joining a group of fellow hikers makes it a less daunting challenge.

Ngoc Linh Mountain is a true pride of Kon Tum. If you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with the ultimate sense of achievement and an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding natural beauty. Many travelers return to climb it multiple times, seeking to relive the victorious feeling. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Location: Bordering Nam Tra My (Quang Nam), Tu Mo Rong, Dak Glei, Kon Tum

Kon Tum Museum is located next to the Dak Bla River. It is a place that preserves a wide collection of artifacts, documents, and images reflecting the glorious past of the people of Kon Tum and the Central Highlands. If you are passionate about exploring and learning about the history and culture of Vietnam, this museum is a perfect destination. During your visit, you'll have the chance to learn about local customs, traditions, cultural practices, and the history of various ethnic communities. From ancient cooking tools to traditional jewelry and pottery, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the region’s rich heritage.

At the Kon Tum Museum, you’ll hear stories about the heroic struggles of the people during both the French and American wars. These contributions are significant and must never be forgotten by future generations. The moving narratives shared by the passionate guides will surely stir deep emotions in any listener.

As you pass through the nature section of the museum, you'll encounter stunning replicas of Kon Tum's landscapes. From waterfalls and hills to vibrant vegetation, everything is brought to life in great detail. Seeing these models up close will give you a true sense of the diverse and awe-inspiring wildlife of the Central Highlands.

Location: Nguyen Hue Street, Quyet Thang Ward, Kon Tum

In 1932, Bac Ai Pagoda was built on a hill that was once a wild, dense forest in Kon Tum Town. The primary materials used in its construction were bamboo, rattan, and earth walls, with the roof covered in scale tiles. The pagoda was once officially granted the title of 'Sac Tu Bac Ai Tu' by King Bao Dai, and two couplets presented by the king were inscribed in gold leaf and placed on the two columns in front of the pagoda’s main hall.

Though Kon Tum is home to numerous historical sites and natural attractions, a visit to Bac Ai Pagoda offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The pagoda is home to many shrines dedicated to local deities, as well as tombstones and memorial steles. Despite recent restoration efforts, only a few original artifacts remain, such as statues of the Three Holy Mothers, the Avalokitesvara, a seal, and the royal decree box. Although the pagoda has been modernized, it remains one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Kon Tum.

Location: Quyet Thang Ward, Kon Tum

Constructed in 1935, the Bishop's Residence stands as one of Kon Tum’s most visited tourist attractions. Located just a short walk from the Wooden Church, this place beautifully blends Western architecture with traditional Vietnamese design. The most striking feature of the residence is its construction using rare and ancient woods, which leaves visitors enchanted as soon as they step inside.

Additionally, the Bishop’s Residence serves as a cultural museum, preserving tools, household items, and cultural artifacts from the various ethnic minorities of Kon Tum. Visitors can stroll through the gates and inhale the sweet fragrance of frangipani flowers. A highlight of the residence is the traditional house, which could be considered a mini museum showcasing daily living items, agricultural tools, and cultural relics of the indigenous people living in the area. The artifacts and maps displayed here are meticulously carved from wood, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to learn more about the history, culture, and way of life in this welcoming region of Vietnam.

Location: 146 Tran Hung Dao, Thang Loi, Kon Tum

The Kon Klor Communal House is located in Kon Klor Village, in the city of Kon Tum. It stands in a prime location with a wide, straight road in front, a charming suspension bridge to the right, and vast green sugarcane fields surrounding it. This picturesque setting makes it a popular attraction for both domestic and international visitors. The house is built using traditional materials such as bamboo, thatch, wood, and rattan, with intricate carvings of decorative patterns. The towering roof is an iconic symbol of strength and is considered the spiritual center of the village, a true source of pride for the Ba Na people.

Measuring 17 meters in length, 6 meters in width, and 22 meters in height, the communal house was rebuilt in 2011 on the site of an older structure. It serves as a gathering place for the local ethnic communities, where cultural events, weddings, festivals, and ceremonies such as the buffalo sacrifice take place. This house represents the heart of the community, where people come together during important events.

Visitors from the lowlands are often amazed by the unique beauty and architectural style of the house. Feel free to explore and take photos; the striking photos you capture here will surely earn you plenty of likes on social media!

Location: Kon Klor Village, Thang Loi Ward, Kon Tum City, Kon Tum

Đăk Bla River is a renowned landmark in Kon Tum. Spanning 139 kilometers, it flows east to west through villages and the city. Uniquely, it is the only river among the five provinces of the Central Highlands to flow in the opposite direction. This distinctive feature adds to its charm. In addition to being a primary water source and providing rich alluvial soil for agriculture, Đăk Bla is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors from both near and far come to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and watch the river gently meander.

In spring, the river hosts the exciting boat races, a traditional event where people from various regions compete in wooden boat races. The festive atmosphere makes the river even more alluring. Unlike the strong, aggressive flow of the Red River or the serene, quiet nature of the Perfume River, Đăk Bla flows lazily but with enough strength to captivate visitors. In the evening, the cafes along the riverbanks light up, creating a beautiful, inviting scene. If you get the chance to visit, you’ll be left in awe of the simple, heartwarming beauty of this river.

Location: Originates from the foot of Ngọc Linh Mountain, in Tu Mơ Rông District, Kon Tum

Pa Sỹ Waterfall is located at the heart of the Pa Sỹ ecological-cultural tourism area in Kon Tum, a region often called the "Land of Seven Lakes and Three Waterfalls." The first impression upon arriving here is the pristine beauty and the refreshing air, which is truly breathtaking. It’s hard to find such an enchanting landscape anywhere else in Vietnam. As you venture deeper into the area, nature seems to open up, creating a peaceful atmosphere, with only the sound of birds chirping filling the air. The waterfall cascades straight down with tremendous force, sending water spraying in all directions, creating a mesmerizing white mist.

In addition to the natural beauty, you’ll also encounter numerous wooden statues, crafted by skilled artists from Kon Tum. These statues vividly depict the everyday life of local people, as well as scenes from local festivals, such as weaving, fetching water, cooking rice, and working in the fields. The sculptures are incredibly lifelike, giving visitors the feeling of actually witnessing these activities. If you ever find yourself in Kon Tum, don’t miss the chance to visit Pa Sỹ Waterfall – it will not disappoint.

Location: Đắk Long, Kon Plông, Kon Tum