Dec 2022 Trip to Mang Den, Kontum, and Pleiku

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THE FIRST DAY

Discover the hidden gem of Mang Den in the heart of the Central Highlands. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush primary forest, this charming town sits atop a mountain peak at 1,200 meters above sea level and offers a cool, mountain climate that rivals the famous resort town of Da Lat.

Step into a nature lover's paradise in Mang Den, where forests, streams, lakes, and waterfalls await. The gentle sounds of leaves rustling and babbling brooks set the soundtrack for your idyllic escape into the wilderness. With endless rows of towering red pine trees, you'll feel like you've found a secret, enchanted forest. If you're seeking adventure and a chance to connect with nature, Mang Den is a must-visit destination.

The early bird catches the worm, or in my case, caught a flight from Saigon to Pleiku! After landing, I hopped in a taxi and made my way to the hidden gem of Mang Den. After fueling up with a delicious lunch, I took a well-deserved nap at the hotel.

In Kon Tum, feast your taste buds on the deliciously rustic and wholesome dishes of the mountain regions. Co Sinh grilled chicken with rice is a must-try dish that showcases the rich and unique culinary culture of the Central Highlands. You can easily spot the shop, just look for the one right on the main road. From afar, the mouth-watering aroma of the grilled chicken, seasoned with Mang Den's signature spices, will tantalize your senses and leave you craving for more. Savor the juicy chicken and steaming hot lam rice, and let it whisk away all the travel fatigue from your adventurous journey through the majestic mountains of Kon Tum.

I checked into a hotel near the mystical Dak Ke Lake in Mang Den. This eco-tourism hotspot is famous for its legendary 7 lakes and 3 waterfalls that have captured the imaginations of many visitors to the Kon Tum plateau. With its breathtaking beauty and poetic scenery, it's no wonder why everyone falls head over heels in love with the area.

According to folklore, the lakes and waterfalls in Mang Den are the embodiment of the gods in the sky. The story goes that God Yang Plinh sent his 7 sons down to the earth to create a village, but they weren't alone. Their wives had to transform into animals to take care of them. God Yang Plinh warned his sons not to eat the animals their wives had become, or face punishment.

Life in the 7 villages was prosperous and full of happiness, but one day the 7 boys made a fatal mistake. They were playing so hard that they forgot their father's instructions and ate the animals their wives had transformed into. God Yan Pling was livid and made good on his promise to punish his children. He built 7 fire pillars that turned into the 7 lakes we see today, and 3 fire columns shot into the sky to become the 3 magnificent waterfalls. And, of course, Dak Ke Lake is one of those 7 legendary lakes.

Dak Ke Lake, or as the locals call it "Toong Ro Pong," is the main attraction in Mang Den's eco-tourism hub. With a sprawling 3 hectares of clear blue waters surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, it's no wonder this spot is a must-see. And let's not forget about the colorful flowers that bloom all year round, painting a picturesque scene of watery bliss.

Experience the magic of the Mang Den pine forest during the golden hours of the day - dawn and dusk. The sun's warm glow and the forest's serene beauty come together to create a breathtaking view that will leave you spellbound. If you're a wanderlust at heart, the stunning vista is sure to linger in your memories forever. Start your mornings in Kon Tum with a jolt of energy and emotion as the sun peeks through the trees. And for those who missed the morning show, don't fret! The sunset in Mang Den is equally mesmerizing and romantic.

Get ready for a thrilling adventure to Pa Sy Waterfall, a magical land in Mang Canh commune, Kon Plong district, Kontum province. This 25-hectare wonder is part of the legendary 7 lakes and 3 waterfalls cultural eco-tourism area. Pa Sy, meaning "three sources of streams," is the largest waterfall of the trio and boasts a breathtaking view of natural beauty.

Take a break in the leaf huts surrounding the waterfall and indulge in the local cuisine. From lam rice with grilled wild chicken to Mang Den roasted pork with a glass of wine, you'll be sobbing over the rich flavors. No fancy 5-star restaurants, just pure, authentic mountain treats.

With a stunning, rustic landscape and peaceful, poetic charm, Pa Sy Waterfall Tourist Area is the perfect blend of natural beauty and local culture. Get ready to be swept away by this captivating destination.

Next stop: the enchanting Eban Farm!

E Ban Farm is where the magic of nature meets the comfort of home. This eco-tourist spot, tended to by the Kon Tu Rang villagers for a decade, is a farm-stay paradise. You can choose to stay or just visit, take stunning photos, and indulge in delectable cuisine. With gorgeous flowers like hydrangeas, lavenders, rhododendrons, and more, blooming all year round, E Ban Farm promises you a fantastic photo album to flaunt to your friends. On top of that, the view from E Ban Farm is breathtaking. Take a glance across and behold the magnificent Ngoc Le mountain and Dakkol hill, stretching across the horizon like a majestic landscape painting.

Discover the hidden gem of Mang Den - La Petite Cafe! This charming little coffee shop nestled in the mountains is a must-visit on your journey. With its vintage wooden exterior, the cafe seamlessly blends into the peaceful surroundings of Mang Den. Step inside and be transported to a dreamy, ethereal world with light and delicate antique decor. Sip on a warm cup of coffee while taking in the breathtaking views of the lush forests and winding roads. Don't miss out on this serene and enchanting spot!

The pilgrimage center of Our Lady of Mang Den is a revered destination for many, attracting visitors with its sacred statue of Our Lady of Fatima, also known as the Mother of Mang Den, or the Lady with the Amputated hand. This statue, which features the image of a woman from the Central Highlands with no arms, is not just impressive for its physique, but for the holy stories and legends that surround it. A must-visit for both Catholic and religious tourists alike, this is a place to touch the statue, share your joys and sorrows, and connect with the divine. Come to Mang Den, and experience the sacred stories of Our Precious Lady Mang Den.

THE SECOND DAY

The hotel boss dialed up the morning bus to chauffeur me to the Kontum bus depot. I was comfortable at a hotel right by the bus station.

Kon Tum province boasts a rich tapestry of traditional cultural values of the ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands, creating a vibrant and diverse community with unique customs, habits, and beliefs. This cultural heritage has made Kon Tum a must-visit tourist destination in the Central Highlands. 

Kon Tum is the only province in the Central Highlands that borders Laos and Cambodia, earning it the nickname "Indochina junction." This legendary crossroads is where the stories of "a rooster crow, all three countries listen to it" still live on among backpackers. The journey to the Indochina junction is a winding and treacherous road, but the reward is well worth it. When you finally reach the border, you'll see the towering 2-meter marble milestone weighing nearly 900kg, standing proud at an altitude of 1,086m, marking the convergence of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The triangular landmark is adorned with each country's solemn national emblem, facing toward their respective territories.

During my time in Kon Tum city, I only took in the sights of the nearby church, communal pad, and bridge.

Feasting at Hiep Thanh Rice Restaurant was a real treat for my taste buds. The spacious and immaculate eatery serves up delectable dishes that please the palates of diners from all over the country, from the south to the north. No matter where you're from, you'll find something to love here. The menu offers a variety of rice plates and portions, making it a perfect pit stop for weary travelers in search of a filling meal.

The Kon Klor communal house sits pretty in a prime spot, with a grand and straight Tran Hung Dao street stretching out in front. On the right side lies a stunning suspension bridge surrounded by lush sugarcane fields. The Kon Klor communal house boasts a traditional design, made with a blend of wood, bamboo, paintings, and leaves, and adorned with intricate decorative motifs and patterns. The artisans and folks of Kon Klor have put in a tremendous effort to keep the house's unique identity intact. With a towering roof, the Kon Klor communal house stands tall and sturdy, serving as the backbone for the village's soul and the pride of the Ba Na people and artists.

If you're talking about must-see spots in Kon Tum, the Kon Klor suspension bridge, connecting the banks of the legendary Dak Bla river, is a non-negotiable destination. From this bridge, you'll get a sweeping view of the verdant countryside, fields of rice, corn, and sugarcane, and a bustling river right at your feet. It's an experience that'll leave your soul feeling more open and free.

The Kon Tum wooden church is a one-of-a-kind gem that truly sets itself apart from all other architectural marvels. With its unique blend of Roman design and the traditional stilt house style of the Ba Na people, this masterpiece embodies the rich religious and cultural heritage of the Central Highlands. From the intricate carvings and decorative details to the numerous facilities it houses, a museum showcasing local religious artifacts, a communal house, a guest house, a carpentry workshop, and even an orphanage, the wooden church truly has it all!

THE THIRD DAY

I took an exhilarating bus journey from Kon Tum to my hotel in Pleiku, and once I checked in, I hopped on my trusty motorbike for a day of adventure. I started with a visit to the peaceful Minh Thanh Pagoda, then on to the serene Pleiku Lake, the tranquil Buu Minh Pagoda, the stunning Tan Son Dam, and finally, the awe-inspiring Chu Dang Ya extinct volcano. The journey was a feast for the eyes, filled with breathtaking scenery and an abundance of soul-stirring beauty.

Minh Thanh Pagoda has earned its reputation as a must-visit tourist destination due to its architectural style that closely resembles that of Japanese temples. Its stunning appearance, resembling a miniature palace amidst the misty mountains of Pleiku, is truly a sight to behold. The pagoda boasts a large temple yard filled with intricate miniatures, stone statues, and carved wooden materials, as well as a well-manicured green space complete with trees and other elements to create a fresh and serene atmosphere. The pagoda has a rich history, initially built in 1964 by Most Venerable Thich Giac Dao and undergoing restoration in 1997 to bring it to its current state of beauty and grandeur. One of the highlights of Minh Thanh Pagoda is the 9-story Xa Loi Tower, adorned in the revered color of Buddhism and housing over 10,000 sets of precious Buddhist scriptures. This pagoda is a hub for history and spiritual enthusiasts, providing an enlightening experience and a wealth of knowledge.

Nestled among the pine forests and verdant mountains of Gia Lai, Lake T'nung, or Bien Ho, is an enchanting freshwater lake that should not be missed on any traveler's itinerary. Located just 7 km northwest of Pleiku city, this 800-meter-high natural wonder boasts two interconnected lakes that create a dreamy and picturesque landscape. In the heart of the lake lies a strip of land that juts out into the water, offering visitors a breathtaking panoramic view. Recently, the statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was restored on this strip of land, making it a popular spot for spiritual activities and souvenir photography. With its year-round water and lush greenery, Lake T'nung is often compared to a jade gem amidst the Central Highland's landscape. Its fresh air and cool climate make it one of the most beautiful natural lakes in the region and a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

After visiting the serene Pleiku Lake, I continued my journey and headed to Buu Minh Pagoda.

The ancient pine trees flanking the road near Bien Ho in Pleiku, Gia Lai are a must-visit destination for those traveling to the mountain town. It's said that these hundred-year-old pines were planted by the French during the early 20th century when they came to the area to cultivate tea.

Dating back to the early 20th century, the arrival of the French to build the first tea plantation in the Central Highlands attracted workers from all over the world and resulted in the formation of the first village, Co May. Amid the challenging and dangerous conditions imposed by colonial rule, the workers sought solace in their spiritual beliefs and established a place of worship, Son Hai Mieu. This eventually evolved into the Buu Minh Pagoda that we know today.

Although the houses of the past tea plantation workers are now just memories, the heart of the pagoda remains intact, preserving tea roots over a hundred years old.

Buu Minh Pagoda is a unique blend of North and Central Vietnamese temple architecture, infused with Japanese and Taiwanese design elements, creating a one-of-a-kind structure that showcases the diversity of religious architecture in Gia Lai. The pagoda is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region and continues to attract visitors with its ancient beauty and significance.

Tan Son Dam, a beautiful oasis near Pleiku, offers a stunning landscape of green pines and tranquil water. This picturesque spot is a must-visit for anyone touring Gia Lai's mountain town. With its calm beauty, the Tan Son Gia Lai dam attracts many visitors who want to bask in its serenity. Located 25 km north of Pleiku city center in Nghia Hung Commune, the dam is also on the way to the popular tourist destination of the Chu Dang Ya volcano. Built-in 2007 and put into use in 2010, the dam acts as a water source for the region, providing irrigation to local agriculture. With its ample storage of water during the rainy season, the Tan Son dam helps regulate and maintain a harmonious natural landscape in Gia Lai. Don't miss this truly stunning green space on your visit to Gia Lai.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Chu Dang Ya volcano in Gia Lai, voted as one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world. This dormant volcano has turned into fertile land thanks to its lava layer, making it a hub for agriculture and a picturesque landscape. With its vibrant colors of crops in the rainy season, and wild sunflowers in the dry season, Chu Dang Ya is a feast for the eyes. Take a walk through the vast green fields and breathe in the fresh air while creating a virtual live album with its stunning scenery. Don't miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the majestic and unspoiled natural beauty of the Central Highlands.

I bid farewell to Pleiku and wrapped up my adventure, before departing for Saigon by flight in the evening.

Ready for an awesome photo-viewing experience? Head on over to https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2311535698993744 to see snaps of the trip! Get ready to be transported right back to those amazing moments.