(TITC) - Completely different when imagining the sunny breaks and diminishing winds of Kon Tum. Mang Den is a fairyland with a diverse ecosystem, a fresh atmosphere, and a pure beauty that is somewhat simple and rustic, this is a land that promises to bring full outstanding discovery experiences for visitors when visiting.
Photo: TITC
Mang Den town (Kon Plong District, Kon Tum Province) sits on a plateau in the Central Highland region of Vietnam. At an altitude of 1,200 metres, Mang Den is an idyllic setting, accessible through a snaky mountain pass, surrounded by pine-laden forests. Mang Den with mountainous location has an abundance of waterfalls, and cool, crisp, sunshiny weather. Unlike the ever-popular Da Lat, Mang Den is a bit like Cinderella before the ball, full of mystery yet beautifully. However, this well-kept secret is slowly emerging, like a butterfly from a chrysalis.
Mang Den has cool and pleasant weather all year round. The average temperature is about 26°C and the lowest in winter is about 5°C. You can visit Mang Den at any time of the year.
In the period of December - January, visitors also have the opportunity to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom at Mang Den. A light note for those who are not fans of cold weather, the winter here is quite cold, prone to light drizzle. In February you will see Mimosa and Ban flowers blooming, covering the whole forest. From March to June, roads will be painted with purple Downy myrtles. At the time of August, the season of Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers starts. Finally, from November to December, visitors will enjoy the chilly atmosphere of the Northern winter and watch wild sunflowers bloom at the end of the year.
Mang Den Tourist Area (Photo: TITC)
How to get to Mang Den
Book an hour and 45 minute-flight from Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (taking about 1h10) to Pleiku Airport (Gia Lai Province). And then you take bus to Mang Den along national roads 14 and 24 about over 100km to the northeast. Another option is to get on a coach but this one requires more patience since it might take 14 hours from Ho Chi Minh City and 5 hours from Da Nang to Mang Den and enjoy its immense beauty.
Shelters in Mang Den ranging from motel, hotel to homestay, depending on the budget and needs, choose the right destination on this wise.
Landscape and Activities
The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it, and by chance, it suits Mang Den the most. With the wild nature full of charms, the greenish covers all the way embracing the area, the more you get to know this town, the more strange and amazing unique things pop out to seize your heart. Beauty and mystery are what describe Mang Den.
February to June is the time for the most fascinating activity in Mang Den - Cloud Hunting. For visitors who have never experienced cloud hunting in Ha Giang, it is your chance to experience it in one go in Mang Den. Early birds will find the land meets sky scenery in this small tranquilled town. Being embraced by the sea of clouds and having a sip of hot coffee, heaven can be felt on this earth. Ideal places for cloud hunting include: Our Lady Hill; Xanh Yen cafe (73 Vo Nguyen Giap, Dak Long, Kon Plong District); Viring Village - Located about 17 km from the town centre, set a camping tent and admire the surrounding cloud, the village and the upper Kon Tum hydroelectric lake (Dak Tang lake); Violak Pass for a sea of clouds.
(Image from Clip Live fully in Vietnam)
Other places should not be missed in Mang Den:
Dak Ke Lake
Dak Ke is one of the most famous of the legendary 7 lakes and 3 waterfalls. An idyllic setting with walking paths along the lake’s edge. Canoeing and fishing are available. As are horse-drawn carriage rides. You will find your peace of mind here as well.
Pa Sy Waterfall
This is the heartthrob of Mang Den with three large streams merging to form. Situated in a lush jungle habitat, the waterfall is visually stunning, otherworldly in its natural splendour.
Pa Sy Waterfall, Mang Den Town, Kon Plong District - one of the waterfall in the “7 lakes, 3 waterfalls” legendary (Photo: Nguyen Ban/baokontum.com.vn)
Statue of Our Lady of Mang Den
Mang Den has great religious significance for Catholics. The Statue of Our Lady of Mang Den or Duc Me Mang Den, located about 1km from the administrative centre of the district , is one of the most famous tourist destinations and place for prayers.
Konbring Village
The village is one of the four community-based cultural villages of Kon Plong District. This small village holds the typical traditional culture of the Central Highlands such as Rong house, traditional home-made wine, gong performance, etc.
Buddha statue in Hue Chieu Pagoda (Image from Clip Live fully in Vietnam)
In addition to the attractions and activities, visitors should have a taste of Kon Tum specialties. Here are a few suggestions:
Lam Rice
Made from sticky rice and placed into baby bamboo tubes and then grilled over a fire. Served with peanut salt. This is a traditional and popular dish in Kon Plong.
Photo: TITC
Grilled Pork Skewers
Porcupine meat is considered a delicacy in Mang Den. The meat is skewered on a small bamboo tree, wrapped in banana leaves or Dong leaves and grilled on a charcoal stove, when cooked, it can be served with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
Grilled Chicken
Everything you eat in Mang Den is fresh off a farm or from a garden. The grilled chicken has become known as Mang Den’s signature dish. Free-range chicken, fed with natural foods—grilled and seasoned in the traditional mountain style.
(Image from Clip Live fully in Vietnam)
Visit Mang Den, your set of values for things would be changed before you know it, the way you see the world with your values that’s when the most ordinary things become significant.
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