Kon Tum and Mang Den by car: wooden church and pine plateau

Kon Tum and Mang Den by car: the wooden church, communal houses and the pine plateau. Kon Tum is now Kon Tum ward, Quang Ngai province (merged from Quang Ngai and Kon Tum in 2025). It is about 50 km from Pleiku, and Mang Den is about 50–60 km north-east of Kon Tum.

Getting there

Most visitors fly to Pleiku and drive up to Kon Tum, or come by road from Quy Nhon via Pleiku. See Quy Nhon to Pleiku private car. From Kon Tum to Mang Den, Highway 24 includes a mountain pass.

When to go, up to Tết 2027

From around November the Central Highlands enter the dry season and roads are easier. Mang Den sits at about 1,200 m, so mornings and evenings are cool and misty. Near Tết you may see wild Himalayan cherry blossom in Mang Den, depending on the year.

What to see

• Kon Tum Cathedral (the wooden church) on Nguyen Hue street; dress modestly and keep quiet inside.
• Kon Klor communal house and the suspension bridge over the Dak Bla river.
• Mang Den: lakes, pine forest, waterfalls and viewpoints.

Food and tips

Kon Tum leaf salad, made with many forest leaves, is worth trying. The road to Mang Den is foggy in the morning; drivers go slowly and avoid night driving. At the church, respect Mass times and do not take photos during Mass.

Choosing a vehicle

Families: a 7-seater. Pilgrim or company groups: a 16-seater or 29-seater. See also car rental in Da Nang for a central coast and highlands trip.

For your Kon Tum trip, every quote is 10% off. With self-drive, fuel and tolls are on you, and petrol or diesel is your choice. Contracts are signed by both parties.

FAQ

Which province is Kon Tum in?

Since 2025, Kon Tum ward is in Quang Ngai province.

Should I stay overnight in Mang Den?

Yes, one night lets you enjoy the morning without driving the pass after dark.

Mang Den by car: now in Quang Ngai province

Kon Tum merged into the enlarged Quang Ngai province in July 2025, so Mang Den is now linked administratively with the coast. The plateau is about an hour's drive from Kon Tum city, cool all year, with pine forests and lakes. Evenings can be cold, so bring a jacket. The road down to the coast at Quang Ngai is long and winding; start early and refuel before leaving the highlands. See self-drive in Quang Ngai and self-drive in Gia Lai.