With cool and fresh climate, Mang Den in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province is often credited as the “second Da Lat.”
Kon Tum Cathedral is made of wood, so locals people and tourists call it Wooden Church.
Located 1,200 meters above sea level, Mang Den is a popular retreat in the Central Highlands. The temperate weather and rich forest ecosystem make it an ideal destination to escape the heat. Bellow is a suggested 48-hour experience in Mang Den.
The trip begins at Pleiku which is around 105km from Mang Den. It takes about two hours of driving to reach the town. On the way to Mang Den, tourists can stop at Kon Tum city center. One of the famous destinations in the city is Kon Tum Cathedral on Nguyen Hue street, 50km from Mang Den. This architecture was built in the early 20th century. Since it is made of wood, locals people and tourists call it Wooden Church.
Tourists can continue the trip by stopping by Ut Cung restaurant on Tran Cao Van street to try leaf salad, a signature dish in Kon Tum. The main ingredients of this dish are a variety of fresh leaves. There are from 40 to 50 typical kinds of leaves in Central Highlands such as mustard greens, perilla, spring onions, mango leaves guava leaves, among others. The dish is served with sliced boiled pork, pork rind, boiled shrimp, and pepper. The secret of the salad is the dipping sauce cooked using the traditional recipe of the locals. This dish was listed among Vietnam's ten specialties with Asian culinary value.
Leaf salad is signature dish in Kon Tum.
Mang Den offers various homestays, and in recent years, larger hotels have been built. It's recommended to choose a homestay nestled among pine trees and near Dak Ke Lake for leisurely walks in the cool and romantic atmosphere. Some suggested accommodations include Doi Gio Hu, Toki Boutique, Paradiso, May Lang Thang, and Sun Homestay, with nightly rates starting from 500,000 VND.
The next destination is Khanh Lam Pagoda. Located on a hilltop, it is a well-known spiritual site in Mang Den and a perfect spot to watch the sunset. From the main gate at the foot of the hill, visitors climb about 200 steps to reach the main hall. Behind it lies a flower hill, offering a panoramic view of the sunset.
In the cool evening air of Mang Den, a spicy Sichuan pepper hotpot is especially satisfying. The broth is simmered from vegetables and herbs like goji berries and red dates, creating a naturally sweet and clear soup. The hotpot is typically served with a special dried bamboo chicken salad.
Pa Sy Waterfall
On the second day, tourists are recommended to welcome the sunrise on Reed Grass Hill, which is located on Mang Den Pass, about two kilometers from the welcome gate. The hilltop, covered in reed grass, offers a clear view of the sunrise and is also a popular spot for cloud hunting, especially from June to August.
The path leading up the hill is narrow and slightly bumpy, so it's best to walk up.
Pa Sy Waterfall is another must-visit destination in the Central Highland township. It is located nearly 10km west of the township center and an ideal spot for taking photos. Entrance tickets cost 20,000 VND per person. After admiring the beauty of the waterfall and the peaceful atmosphere, tourists can order grilled chicken with sticky rice cooked in bamboo (com lam) for lunch. The chicken is tender, freshly prepared, and served hot.
Just outside the Pa Sy Waterfall entrance is a wooden sculpture garden for art lovers.
In the afternoon, tourists can visit vegetable farms to explore, take photos, and buy agricultural products like tomatoes, strawberries, mini cabbages, pumpkins, and celery as gifts. With its favorable climate, Mang Den has many safe vegetable projects and modern farms.
A road in Mang Den is lined with tall pine trees on both sides.
Tourists should not forget to stop on National Highway 24, which is considered the most beautiful road section in Mang Den. This main route leads to Mang Den market, Pa Sy Waterfall, and the entrance-exit of the town. The road is lined with tall pine trees on both sides, creating a picturesque scene.
Apart from the above-mentioned destinations, tourists can tour Kon Pring Community Tourism Village, Toong Dam Lake, and Dam Bri Lake.
Translated by Tran Hoai
