Things To Do
in Kon Tum
Kon Tum is a charming mountain town located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, known for its serene natural beauty and ethnic minority communities. The town is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and traditional villages, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for visitors. Kon Tum is also home to several religious sites, including historic churches and temples that reflect the area's diverse cultural heritage.
Visitors can enjoy exploring local markets, trying traditional cuisine, and embarking on outdoor adventures such as trekking and camping in the surrounding countryside.
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Xin lỗi" - Sorry
- "Tạm biệt" - Goodbye
- "Bạn khỏe không?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the picturesque Dak To Waterfall. Enjoy the tranquil sounds of nature while taking in the stunning views.
After lunch, head to the Kon Klor Suspension Bridge for breathtaking vistas of the river and surrounding hills. Don't forget to take your camera for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll in Kon Tum City. Sample local street food and immerse yourself in the vibrant evening atmosphere.
Visit the Wooden Church of Kon Tum, a beautiful example of local architecture. Engage with the history and significance of this unique landmark.
Explore the ethnic minority villages nearby, learning about their traditions and lifestyles. Interact with the locals and maybe try your hand at traditional crafts.
Enjoy a traditional dinner in one of the village homestays. Experience authentic local flavors and hospitality.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural diversity, with various ethnic groups such as the Bahnar and Jarai.
- Stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and forests.
- Opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure activities like trekking and mountain biking.
- Less touristy compared to other destinations in Vietnam, providing a more authentic experience.
- Affordable cost of living, including housing, food, and transportation.
- Limited infrastructure and public transportation options in rural areas.
- Fewer amenities and services compared to larger cities in Vietnam.
- Seasonal weather can affect travel plans, especially during the rainy season.
- Language barrier may arise as English is not widely spoken.
- Access to healthcare facilities may be limited in remote areas.
Best Activities in Kon Tum
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the lush landscapes of Phuoc Son district, with treks that offer breathtaking views and interactions with local ethnic communities.
Experience the stunning beauty of Dray Nur Waterfall, situated in the Dak Lak province near Kon Tum, where you can enjoy swimming and picnicking.
Take a biking tour along the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, immersing yourself in nature while visiting significant historical sites.
Enjoy an adventurous day of river rafting on the Dak Ha River, ideal for both beginners and experienced rafters, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Explore the architecture of the Kon Tum Wooden Church and its surrounding area, which offers a glimpse into local culture and heritage.
Visit traditional villages of local ethnic minorities, such as the Bahnar and Jarai, and participate in cultural exchanges and traditional activities.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kon Tum with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kon Tum
Visit one of these nice places.
A historical French colonial building that offers fantastic views of the surrounding area and the city, providing a perfect backdrop for photography.
A beautiful natural waterfall located just outside of Kon Tum, where visitors can capture stunning photos of the cascading water and lush greenery.
This unique wooden church is known for its impressive architecture and serene setting, making it a great spot for both photography and reflection.
Offering panoramic views of the Kon Tum region, hiking up Ngoc Linh Mountain rewards visitors with breathtaking landscapes and excellent photo opportunities.
An iconic building with distinct architecture, the court provides interesting angles and a unique view of the city's urban landscape.
A local hill known for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, a prime location for stunning nature photography.
The traditional stilt houses and the culture of the indigenous people offer an authentic experience and excellent photography opportunities.
A picturesque location featuring natural beauty and cultural experiences, perfect for capturing the essence of rural life in Vietnam.
Food in Kon Tum
Kon Tum Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Com Lam, or bamboo tube rice, is a must-try local dish in Kon Tum. It's a simple yet flavorful dish made of sticky rice, cooked inside bamboo tubes, imparting a distinctive aroma and taste. You can find Com Lam at local markets or from street vendors around the town.
Must-Try!
Grilled skewers, particularly the ones made with wild game such as deer or wild boar, are popular in Kon Tum. These skewers are seasoned with local herbs and spices, delivering a delicious smoky flavor. Look for them at food stalls in the central market or along Nguyen Hue street.
Banh Xeo, Vietnamese savory pancakes, are also a local favorite. These crispy pancakes are filled with a variety of ingredients like pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs, and are usually served with fresh greens and dipping sauce. Dive into the vibrant food stalls along Le Hong Phong street for an authentic Banh Xeo experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kon Tum better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Kon Tum Central Market provides a lively setting to explore local food. Here, visitors can find an array of fresh produce, meats, and spices, as well as ready-to-eat street food like Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), pho, and various traditional snacks.
Nguyen Hue street features a stretch of vibrant food stalls offering an assortment of local delights, from grilled skewers to Banh Xeo. It's a great spot to sample a variety of street food in a bustling atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kon Tum, as in many parts of Vietnam, showing respect to elders is highly valued. It is customary to greet older individuals first and use polite language when addressing them. Additionally, if you are invited to a home, it's polite to thank the elder family members.
When entering someone’s home in Kon Tum, it is important to remove your shoes. This is a common practice to keep the living space clean. Always look for a designated area to leave your shoes. If in doubt, follow the lead of your host.
During meals, it is polite to wait for the eldest person to begin eating before you start your meal. Additionally, when eating, try to avoid making loud noises or talking with your mouth full as it is considered impolite. Sharing food and offering to refill others’ bowls demonstrate a sense of community and respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kon Tum with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kon Tum
Ensure a smooth experience
In Kon Tum, Vietnam, tipping is not a common practice, but it is gradually becoming more accepted in the hospitality sector. While service charges are often included in bills at restaurants and hotels, leaving a small tip (around 10,000 to 20,000 VND) for good service is appreciated, especially in tourist areas.
Payment methods in Kon Tum typically include cash (Vietnamese Dong), which is widely accepted everywhere. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. Mobile payment options are also growing but may not be universally accepted.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kon Tum.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit Kon Tum, with cool and dry weather. Expect clear skies and mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and exploring the local culture.
During this time, expect heavy rainfall and higher humidity. While the landscape becomes lush and green, some areas might be difficult to access. However, it's also a great time for river activities and experiencing the vibrant local festivals.
Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blossoming flowers. It's perfect for visiting ethnic minority villages, enjoying the warm weather, and partaking in traditional festivals.
Summer can be hot and humid with frequent rain showers. While outdoor activities may be limited due to rain, it's an excellent time to explore waterfalls and enjoy the rich biodiversity in the region.
Autumn features cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall, making it a comfortable time to visit. The landscapes are scenic, with colorful foliage, perfect for photography and nature walks.
Kon Tum at Night
Hiking in Kon Tum
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and the opportunity to experience the local culture of ethnic minorities.
A serene spot for hiking and enjoying nature, surrounded by lush greenery and offering picturesque views of the lake.
Features various hiking trails through pine forests, waterfalls, and sites for picnicking, perfect for both day hikes and longer treks.
Offers a range of hiking trails amidst stunning nature with opportunities to see wildlife and explore unique geological formations.
This large park includes numerous hiking routes, rich biodiversity, and stunning landscapes, ideal for adventurous hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kon Tum through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Kon Tum by plane.
Located in Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 600 km from Kon Tum, SGN is the largest airport in Vietnam, serving a wide range of international and domestic flights.
Situated about 350 km from Kon Tum, DAD is one of the main airports in Vietnam with various international connections as well as domestic destinations.
Located in Hue, approximately 410 km from Kon Tum, HUI serves both domestic and limited international flights.
Situated near Nha Trang, approximately 500 km from Kon Tum, CXR is an airport that caters to both international and domestic travelers.
Located on Phu Quoc Island, about 700 km from Kon Tum, PQD offers a range of international flights, especially to Southeast Asian destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Vietnam, the Kinh people are primarily concentrated in urban areas of the country, including Kon Tum.
An indigenous ethnic minority in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, known for their rich cultural traditions and practices.
Another indigenous group in Kon Tum, the Xo Dang people have a distinct culture and language that they preserve.
The Jarai are a significant ethnic minority group in the region, with unique customs and languages.
The Rhade people are an ethnic group with a presence in the Central Highlands, including parts of Kon Tum.
An ethnic minority group that adds to the cultural diversity of Kon Tum, known for their traditional agricultural practices.
The Soul of Kon Tum
Discover the essence of Kon Tum through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football, or soccer, is extremely popular in Kon Tum, with local clubs and schools frequently organizing matches and tournaments.
Basketball has gained popularity among the youth in Kon Tum, with many schools and community centers offering facilities for play.
Volleyball is a widely played sport in schools and local communities, often played both indoors and on the beach.
Traditional martial arts, especially Vovinam, are practiced by many in Kon Tum, emphasizing physical fitness and self-defense.
Running events and marathons are popular, promoting health and fitness within the community.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kon Tum.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat-based dishes are prevalent, some eateries in Kon Tum offer vegetarian options such as fresh spring rolls, vegetable stir-fries, and tofu-based dishes. Communicating dietary preferences clearly to the staff can often result in customized vegetarian or vegan meals.
Navigating gluten-free options may require more communication with the restaurant staff, but dishes like fresh salads, grilled meats, and rice-based dishes can often be prepared without gluten-containing ingredients.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kon Tum with these cultural adventures.
