Dak Bla Riverside
Stays by the river near Kon Klor village, with views of the bridge.
Kon Tum
Kon Tum is a calm highland town on the Dak Bla river, known for its wooden cathedral and Bahnar village life.
- Best time
- Nov – Apr
- Ideal stay
- 1 – 2 days
- Avg. cost
- $25 – $60/day
- Airport
- PXU · 1h
Kon Tum Overview
Kon Tum sits in the north of the Central Highlands, about 50 km from Pleiku. It is a slow, low-key stop for travellers who like architecture, minority village culture and cool mountain air, and it is the base for the pine-covered plateau of Mang Den.
Highlights of Kon Tum:
- Wooden Cathedral: A Catholic church built of timber in a style that mixes French and Bahnar traditions.
- Kon Klor village and bridge: A Bahnar village with a tall communal rong house and a suspension bridge over the Dak Bla.
- Kon Tum Prison: A French-era prison that is now a history museum.
- Mang Den and Pa Sy Waterfall: A cool pine highland about 60 km east, with lakes, forest walks and a waterfall.
Best Time to Visit: Nov – Apr has the fewest rainy days (about 1 – 9 a month) at 21.4 – 26.3°C. May – Oct is the wettest stretch, with 19 – 30 rainy days a month.
Fly into Pleiku and take a car or bus for the last hour. Kon Tum is small, so you can see the town in a day and add Mang Den as a second day.
Where to stay in Kon Tum
Where to base yourself, by travel style.
Quiet stay First-timers Kon Tum City Center
Hotels close to the cathedral, the prison and restaurants; the practical base.
Nature Mang Den Highland
Pine-forest homestays and resorts, about 60 km east; cool air, best with your own transport.
Things to do in Kon Tum
Hand-picked things to do.
When to visit Kon Tum
Temperature, rain and crowds by month.
January
21.4°C ~ 71°F
2 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
February
22.6°C ~ 73°F
1 day of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
25.1°C ~ 77°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
26.3°C ~ 79°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
25.8°C ~ 78°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
24.6°C ~ 76°F
28 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
24.1°C ~ 75°F
30 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
24.1°C ~ 75°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
23.8°C ~ 75°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
October
23.3°C ~ 74°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
November
22.8°C ~ 73°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
21.6°C ~ 71°F
2 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
What to eat in Kon Tum
Local dishes worth trying.
Getting to Kon Tum
Times, costs and booking links.
Step 1: Fly to Pleiku (PXU) Nearest airport
Pleiku Airport is about 40 km from Kon Tum and has flights from Hanoi, Saigon and Da Nang.
- Taxi or transfer: About 1 hr from the airport; agree the fare before you go.
- Bus: Local buses run between Pleiku and Kon Tum; check the current schedule.
Step 2: Bus from Da Nang or Saigon Long-distance routes
Sleeper buses reach Kon Tum from the coast and from Saigon.
- From Da Nang or Hoi An: A long mountain drive; allow a full day.
- From Saigon: An overnight bus is the usual option.
Step 3: Explore Kon Tum Scooter, taxi or car
The town sights are close together; Mang Den is a half-day trip each way.
- Scooter or bicycle: Fine for the cathedral, the prison and Kon Klor.
- Car with driver: Better for Mang Den and Pa Sy Waterfall on mountain roads.
FAQs
How do I get to Kon Tum?
Fly to Pleiku (PXU) and continue about 1 hour by taxi or bus, or take a long-distance bus from Da Nang, Hoi An or Saigon.
How many days do I need?
One day covers the town. Two days lets you add Mang Den and Pa Sy Waterfall.
Is Kon Tum worth visiting?
Yes if you like architecture, minority village culture and quiet places. It has few big attractions and few crowds.
When is the best time to visit Kon Tum?
Nov – Apr has the fewest rainy days (about 1 – 9 a month) at 21.4 – 26.3°C. May – Oct is the wettest stretch, with 19 – 30 rainy days a month.
What should I eat in Kon Tum?
Try highland specialities such as sturgeon hotpot at Mang Den and rice wine drunk through long straws.
Is it far from Pleiku?
About 50 km, around 1 hour by car or bus.
