Kon Tum

Planning to discover Vietnam’s Central Highlands? Kon Tum should certainly be on your bucket list! Bordering Laos and Cambodia to the west, Kon Tum is recognized as a vital point in the Indochina T-junction, featuring stunning, pristine natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. This region is steeped in history, highlighted by heroic revolutionary traditions and several national monuments.

Kon Tum preserves a diverse array of traditional and cultural values reflected in the local ethnic minorities, including the Bahnar, Gia Rai, and Xo Dang. Due to its mountainous terrain, plateaus, and forests, the population is scattered over various areas, fostering cultural diversity among different groups. Visiting Kon Tum allows you to experience the serene beauty of both nature and local lifestyles.

Climate & Best Time To Visit

Similar to other cities in the Central Highlands, Kon Tum boasts a humid subtropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. It is advisable to avoid visiting during the rainy season, as September, in particular, sees substantial rainfall.

Pa Sy waterfalls in Kon Tum

The dry season is an excellent time for your trip, particularly in December when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is minimal. This month also coincides with blooming flowers and numerous local festivals featuring interesting traditions and activities. Following December, occasional rains can be expected, with temperatures gradually rising in the subsequent months; March and April are the hottest months of the year and may be less enjoyable for those who prefer cooler weather.

Major Attractions

Highland Communal House – Kok K’lỏ

Situated prominently on Tran Hung Dao Street, the Highland Communal House Kok K’lỏ is one of Kon Tum’s most iconic attractions, symbolizing the solidarity and community strength of indigenous peoples. Standing 22 meters tall and 17 meters wide, this impressive structure is built with traditional materials such as wood, bamboo, and leaves, adorned with elaborate paintings and patterns. As the largest communal house in the Central Highlands, it showcases the distinct culture of the Ba Na people, making it a favorite stop for tourists and cultural explorers.

Highland Communal House

The Wooden Church

Kon Tum Cathedral, commonly referred to as the Wooden Church, was constructed in 1913 by French priests and currently serves as the cathedral for the Bishop of the Kon Tum diocese. This church exhibits a blend of Roman architecture and Ba Na stilt house elements, harmonizing European styles with local Central Highland culture. The intricately carved surroundings illustrate various traditional symbols and images reflecting the life of Central Highlands’ ethnic minorities.

Wooden Church in Kon Tum

Kon Tum Museum

Kon Tum Museum is a key destination for information about the Central Highlands. The three-story building houses over 20,000 objects and documents outlining the local nature, geography, history, and culture of the region's ethnic minorities. Visitors not only observe artifacts but can also participate in film sessions showcasing vibrant documentaries that depict the traditional and cultural values of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.

Kon Tum Museum

Mang Den Ecotourism Area

Mang Den Ecotourism Area features diverse landscapes including pine forests, waterfalls, and lakes, offering nature enthusiasts unforgettable experiences within its expansive valleys and lush pine trees. Here, you can immerse yourself in the cultural tales of ethnic minorities while enjoying stays at communal houses, plus you can stroll to various waterfalls and springs in the area for a refreshing and tranquil experience. The temperate weather year-round makes this an ideal escape from the heat of the summer months.

Pasy waterfall in Mang Den, Kon Tum

Chu Mom Ray National Park

Located approximately 30 kilometers west of the city, Chu Mom Ray National Park is often referred to as the "green lung" of the Central Highlands, known for its exceptional biodiversity. Visitors can explore a variety of ecosystems home to nearly 1,500 species of animals and plants, over 130 of which are considered endangered. Trekking tours are available for adventurers eager to discover the park's extraordinary nature.

Chu Mom Ray National Park - Photo: travelmag.vn

Where To Stay

Staying in Kon Tum city center is convenient, allowing easy access to various nearby restaurants and attractions. Several homestays and boutique hotels are located on main streets such as Phan Dinh Phung, Duy Tan, and Truong Chinh, where you can find comfortable accommodations with ample amenities. For a more upscale choice, the 3-star Indochine Hotel Kon Tum is highly recommended, with accommodation prices ranging from about $12 - $18 for a night at a homestay or boutique hotel, while a stay at Indochine Hotel Kon Tum can cost you between $25 - $40.

Indochine Hotel Kon Tum

How To Get There

To reach Kon Tum, there are two primary travel options that vary in terms of travel time and budget, each offering unique experiences.

Traveling by airplane is recommended for tourists coming from northern cities like Hanoi and Hai Phong. As there is no airport in Kon Tum, the nearest is Pleiku Airport, about 50 kilometers away. Numerous domestic airlines operate flights to Pleiku from Hanoi, with fares ranging from $90 - $120. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang are generally cheaper. Da Nang flights are available daily except Sundays, costing approximately $40 for a one-way ticket. Upon arrival, taxis and shuttle buses are available, with a maximum fare of about $3 to get from Pleiku Airport to Kon Tum.

The second option, although more time-consuming, is often more economical. Multiple coach services offer daily trips for reasonable prices ranging from $12 to $22 for a single ticket. An upgraded choice includes shuttle buses with restroom facilities and limited soft seats for more comfort, particularly for overnight trips. However, travel time can be around 20 hours if departing from Hanoi and 12 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, so be mindful of your schedule when planning your trip to Kon Tum.