If you are looking for a unique and authentic travel experience in Vietnam, you should not miss Kon Tum, a city in the Central Highlands that is known as the "Kingdom of Coffee and Culture". Kon Tum is a place where you can immerse yourself in the rich and diverse coffee production, consumption, and culture of Vietnam, as well as explore the fascinating traditions, languages, religions, and architecture of the ethnic minorities who live in the surrounding hill-tribe villages. Kon Tum is also a place where you can enjoy the scenic and peaceful natural landscapes, such as forests, waterfalls, flowers, and rivers. In this article, we will provide you with the ultimate guide to Kon Tum, including the best attractions, activities, and tips for your Kon Tum vacation.
Coffee in Kon Tum
Vietnam is one of the world's largest coffee producers and exporters, and most of its coffee is grown in the Central Highlands, especially in the Dak Ha District of Kon Tum, where there are over 22,000 acres of coffee trees. Kon Tum is the "Kingdom of Coffee" in the Central Highlands, and coffee is not only a major source of income and livelihood for the locals, but also a part of their culture and identity.
Vietnamese coffee is made from Robusta beans, which have less acidity, more antioxidants and twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans. Robusta beans are also more resistant to pests and diseases, and can grow in higher altitudes and harsher climates. Vietnamese coffee is usually brewed in a metal filter called a phin, which drips the coffee slowly into a cup. The coffee is then served either black or with condensed milk, which adds a creamy and sweet flavor to the coffee.
Vietnamese coffee culture is also a social phenomenon, as people enjoy drinking coffee with friends and family in cafes or at home. Coffee is not only a beverage, but also a way of life, a conversation starter, and a reflection of the history and personality of Vietnam. Coffee is also a symbol of hospitality and friendship, as people often invite guests to have a cup of coffee and chat.
When you visit Kon Tum, you will have the opportunity to experience the coffee production, consumption, and culture of Vietnam in various ways. You can visit the coffee plantations and learn about the cultivation, harvesting, processing, and roasting of coffee beans. You can also visit the coffee factories and see how the coffee beans are packaged and exported. You can also visit the coffee museums and learn about the history, evolution, and diversity of coffee in Vietnam and the world. And of course, you can visit the coffee cafes and taste the different types of coffee, such as black coffee, milk coffee, egg coffee, coconut coffee, and weasel coffee.
Some of the best cafes in Kon Tum are:
- Indochine Coffee: a cozy and elegant cafe that serves high-quality coffee and pastries, as well as a variety of dishes, such as pizza, pasta, and salad. The cafe also has a beautiful garden and a terrace, where you can enjoy the view of the river and the city.
- Eva Café: a charming and rustic cafe that serves organic coffee and homemade cakes, as well as local specialties, such as banh xeo (crispy pancakes) and nem nuong (grilled pork skewers). The cafe also has a lovely courtyard and a balcony, where you can relax and listen to the birds and the wind.
- Passion Coffee: a modern and stylish cafe that serves specialty coffee and smoothies, as well as sandwiches, burgers, and fries. The cafe also has a spacious and comfortable lounge, where you can watch TV, play games, or read books.
- Mesa Bakery & Coffee: a bakery and cafe that serves freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes, as well as delicious coffee and tea. The bakery and cafe also has a cozy and colorful interior, where you can enjoy the aroma and the taste of the baked goods.
Culture in Kon Tum
Kon Tum is home to several ethnic minorities, such as Bahnar, Sedang, Jarai, and Romam, who have their own traditions, languages, religions, and architecture. These ethnic groups have lived in the Central Highlands for centuries, and have preserved their cultural heritage and identity despite the influences of the Vietnamese, French, and American cultures. Kon Tum is a place where you can discover the authentic and diverse culture of the Central Highlands, and learn about the history, beliefs, and lifestyles of the ethnic people.
Some of the cultural attractions and activities in Kon Tum are:
- Kon K'lor house: a traditional stilt house with a thatched roof, where you can stay overnight and experience the hospitality and simplicity of the Bahnar people. The house is also a cultural center, where you can watch the performances of the gong, a musical instrument that is considered sacred and powerful by the ethnic people. The gong is used for various ceremonies and festivals, such as weddings, funerals, harvests, and new years. The gong is also a symbol of the status and wealth of the family or the village.
- Wooden Church: a Catholic church that was built in 1913 by the French missionaries, who also established a seminary and a school in Kon Tum. The church is made of wood and has a unique architecture that combines the Gothic and Bahnar styles. The church also has a museum, where you can see the artifacts and photos of the history and culture of Kon Tum and the Central Highlands.
- Kon K'lor suspension bridge: a bamboo bridge that is shaped like a T'rung lute, a musical instrument that is popular among the ethnic people. The bridge is 300 meters long and connects the Kon K'lor house with the Kon K'lor communal house, a large wooden structure where the villagers gather for ceremonies and festivals. The bridge is also a scenic spot, where you can enjoy the view of the river and the mountains.
- Ya Chim villages: a group of eight Jarai villages, where you can see the traditional nghia trang (graveyards) and rong (communal houses) of the Jarai people. The nghia trang are decorated with wooden statues, carvings, and objects that represent the deceased and their life. The rong are tall and conical structures that serve as the meeting place and the spiritual center of the village. The rong are also the place where the Jarai people perform their rituals and ceremonies, such as the buffalo sacrifice, the fire dance, and the new rice festival.
- Mang Den ecotourism area: a forested region with streams, waterfalls, and flowers, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the Central Highlands. You can also visit the Pa Sy waterfall, the Seven Lakes, the pine forest, and the orchid garden, where you can see the rare and colorful orchids that are native to the region. You can also participate in some activities, such as trekking, camping, fishing, and boating.
- Chu Mom Ray National Park: a biodiversity hotspot that shares the border with Laos and Cambodia, where you can see the diverse and endangered flora and fauna of the Central Highlands. You can also visit the Chu Mom Ray mountain, the highest peak in the region, where you can see the panoramic view of the park and the neighboring countries. You can also explore the caves, the streams, and the ethnic villages in the park, where you can learn about the conservation and the ecology of the area.
Travel in Kon Tum
Kon Tum is a destination for travelers who want to experience the authentic and diverse culture and nature of the Central Highlands, as well as enjoy the relaxed and scenic atmosphere of the city. There are several options for getting to Kon Tum, such as by bus, motorbike, or plane. There are also various types of accommodation, ranging from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, to homestays. Kon Tum also offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and street food stalls, where you can taste the local cuisine and coffee.
Some of the practical information and tips for your Kon Tum vacation are:
- How to get to Kon Tum: You can take a bus from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Nha Trang to Kon Tum, which takes about 10 to 20 hours, depending on the route and the traffic. You can also rent a motorbike and drive to Kon Tum, which gives you more flexibility and adventure, but also more challenges and risks. You can also fly to Pleiku, the nearest airport to Kon Tum, which takes about an hour from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and then take a taxi or a bus to Kon Tum, which takes about an hour and a half.
- Where to stay in Kon Tum: You can find and book hotels in Kon Tum on Expedia, where you can compare prices, reviews, and availability, as well as filter by popular filters, such as star rating, guest rating, amenities, and neighborhood. Some of the top hotels in Kon Tum are Hong My Hotel - Hostel, Hoang Van Hotel, Kontu Homestay, Konklor Hotel, and Window 2 Hotel. You can also stay in a homestay, where you can experience the hospitality and simplicity of the ethnic people, as well as learn about their culture and lifestyle. Some of the best homestays in Kon Tum are Kon K'lor House, Kon Jri Village Homestay, and Kon Ro Bang Homestay.
- When to visit Kon Tum: The best time to visit Kon Tum is from November to April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and cool, and the coffee trees are in bloom or in harvest. This is also the time when you can witness some of the ethnic festivals, such as the gong festival in November, the new rice festival in January, and the fire dance festival in March. You can also visit Kon Tum from May to October, when the weather is wet, cloudy, and hot, and the coffee trees are in growth or in pruning. This is also the time when you can enjoy the green and lush scenery of the Central Highlands, as well as the waterfalls and streams.
- What to eat and drink in Kon Tum: You can find a variety of cafes, restaurants, and street food stalls in Kon Tum, where you can taste the local cuisine and coffee. Some of the dishes that you should try in Kon Tum are:
- Banh trang nuong: grilled rice paper with egg, cheese, sausage, and sauce, a popular snack that originated in the Central Highlands.
- Canh bun: rice vermicelli soup with crab paste, pork, tofu, and vegetables, a hearty and flavorful dish that is common in the Central Highlands.
- Com lam: sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, a traditional and simple dish that is often eaten with grilled meat, fish, or eggs.
- Ruou can: rice wine drunk from a jar with bamboo straws, a festive and communal drink that is often shared among friends and family.
- Cafe sua da: iced coffee with condensed milk, the most popular and iconic drink in Vietnam, especially in Kon Tum, where the coffee is fresh and strong.
Conclusion
Kon Tum is a hidden gem in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, where you can discover the coffee, culture, and nature of the region. Kon Tum is a place where you can experience the authentic and diverse aspects of Vietnam, as well as enjoy the relaxed and scenic atmosphere of the city. Kon Tum is a destination that will surprise and delight you, and make you fall in love with Vietnam.
Book your Kon Tum vacation today and experience the kingdom of coffee and culture in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.