EXPLORE MANG DEN: MAGICAL LAND IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Mang Den is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking landscapes and is nestled in the lush green heart of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply in search of tranquility, Mang Den has something special for everyone. I will introduce you to the travel guide to Mang Den, as well as the top attractions in this city.

1. Where is Mang Den?

Mang Den is located in Kon Tum Province, approximately 60 kilometers northwest of the city of Kon Tum. This charming town sits at an elevation of about 1,200 meters above sea level, making it a cool retreat surrounded by rolling hills, pine forests, and stunning views. It is part of the larger Mang Den ecological area, which is known for its unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.

Mang Den is known as “miniature Da Lat” with primeval forests, lakes, waterfalls, pine forests, cool, fresh climate, and peaceful space.

Mang Den

2. How to get there?

Getting to Mang Den is relatively straightforward, whether you’re traveling from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

-By Plane: The nearest airport is Pleiku Airport, about 150 kilometers away. You can take a domestic flight to Pleiku from either city and then continue your journey by taxi or bus to Mang Den.

-By Bus: Numerous bus companies operate routes from cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang to Kon Tum. From Kon Tum, you can catch a local bus or hire a taxi to reach Mang Den. Bus from Ho Chi Minh City departing from Mien Dong Bus Station have companies such as Long Van, Minh Quoc, Phong Phu, Phuong Thu. Ticket prices range from 250.000 VND to 450.000 VND (10 to 18 USD). It will take about 10 to 12 hours.

-By Car/Motorbike: Tourists from Ho Chi Minh City drive themselves along Highway 14, a distance of 600 km, through Binh Phuoc, Dak Nong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai. The scenic roads leading to Mang Den offer beautiful views and a chance to explore the surrounding countryside.

3. The ideal time to visit Mang Den

The best time to visit Mang Den is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During these months, the weather is cooler and more comfortable, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. If you visit during the rainy season (May to October), you might encounter lush landscapes, but be prepared for heavy rainfall that can affect travel plans.

Mang Den has flowers blooming at all times. If you come here in February, you will see mimosa and bauhinia flowers, in March or April there will be purple phoenix flowers. After this time there will also be purple sim flowers.

Mang Den is gradually becoming a hot tourist destination in Vietnam.

4. Top attraction in Mang Den

4.1. E Ban Farm

E Ban Farm spans over 30 hectares and is conveniently located just 6 kilometers from Mang Den town. This makes it an ideal stop if you’re looking to explore other farms in the Kon Tum area, like the Mang Den high-tech farm or the Orfarm Mang Den orange garden.

The hydrangea garden is meticulously maintained at E Ban Farm. Opposite is Ngoc Le mountain and Dakkol hill.

In addition to its extensive area, E Ban Farm features a fishing lake where you can unwind and catch some fish.

After enjoying the modern amenities offered at the farm, you can delve into the unique aspects of the region. Explore the surrounding forests and immerse yourself in local culture with campfire performances and traditional dances accompanied by the sound of gongs.

Prepare for the campfire and local cultural exchange, dancing to the sound of gongs.

Address: Mang Canh Commune, Mang Den.

Opening Hours: open 24 hour

Entrance Fee: 30.000 VND/person

4.2. Kon Bring Village

Kon Bring Village is one of the four prominent tourist villages in the Kon Plong district, home to the M’Nâm ethnic group. This village boasts unique features such as Krong house architecture, stilt houses, and traditional gong dances that are characteristic of the Central Highlands, making it a popular destination for young travelers eager to explore and learn about the local culture.

Kon Bring community tourism village is home to the M’Nâm community.

Gong music is a vital cultural element that you should experience while visiting any province in this region. It represents a beautiful and long-standing tradition, not just for the M’Nâm community, but for the various ethnic groups across the Central Highlands.

The gongs of the M’Nam people have beautiful high and low sounds, echoing throughout the mountains and forests.

Beyond music and architecture, a visit to Kon Bring Village offers exceptional culinary experiences. Cooking classes have become a popular form of tourism in Vietnam, allowing visitors to engage with local cuisine in a unique way.

Cooking with the locals is an interesting experience for young people when visiting the village.

Address: Dak Long Commune, Mang Den.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 4 PM daily.

4.3. Dak Ke Lake

Dak Ke Lake is quite tucked away and not well-marked, especially when compared to Pa Sy Waterfall. On Google Maps, you can find it located right next to a bridge. There’s a small dirt road at the end of the bridge that leads you down to the waterfall. The modest waterfall at the bottom of the valley is created by the same stream that flows under the bridge.

Dak Ke Lake

Currently, Dak Ke Lake has entertainment games for tourists such as fishing, duck riding. and food services here. You can rent a horse cart or buffalo cart to go around the lake to see the whole view of the lake and the mountains and forests here.

Dak Ke Lake – A paradise that everyone loves.

Coming here, you will enjoy countless familiar dishes but prepared in the unique way of the highlanders. And especially, grilled dishes are always typical dishes in the mountains and forests. Some special dishes that visitors choose to enjoy are: Mang Den grilled chicken, Mang Den roasted pork, Can wine, Grilled chicken with bamboo rice.

Address: Mang Den Eco-tourism Area, Mang Den City.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

4.4. Khanh Lam Pagoda

Khanh Lam Pagoda is a well-known spiritual destination in Mang Den, covering an impressive area of 10 hectares. To reach the main hall, visitors must ascend around 200 steps, and the view of the pagoda becomes clearer the higher you climb.

Khanh Lam Pagoda

Perched on a high hill, the pagoda can be seen from a distance, nestled among the trees. Its majestic and solemn structure, situated in the heart of a sacred forest, enhances its spiritual atmosphere and sense of mystery. When you arrive, you’ll have the chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from above.

Located in front of the main hall of Khanh Lam Pagoda is a 17m high statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, surrounded by lush green trees, next to a lotus pond, creating a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.

Statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara at Khanh Lam Pagoda.

Address: Dak Long Commune, Mang Den City.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.5. Mang Den Walking Street

Mang Den Walking Street, also known as “Sunset Boulevard,” is located on Vo Nguyen Giap Street in Mang Den Town. It provides a perfect spot for visitors to relax, have fun, take photos, and savor local delicacies.

Mang Den Walking Street

Surrounded by picturesque mountain and forest scenery, the area offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The street truly comes alive at sunset, with a breathtaking display of vibrant orange and yellow hues. Sunbeams spread across the sidewalks and buildings, creating a stunning backdrop. Be sure to capture beautiful photos during this magical sunset experience!

Address: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Mang Den.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.

4.6. Pa Sy Waterfall

Pa Sy Waterfall eco-tourism area spans 25 hectares and features communal houses, workshops for handicraft production, farms, and dining areas, with the waterfall serving as the centerpiece of this attraction. Upon entering the area, you’ll immediately hear the soothing sounds of the stream resonating through the mountains and forests.

Pa Sy Waterfall

Surrounded by lush greenery, the waterfall cascades gently like a flowing silk ribbon. It has a single stream rather than multiple branches, and a small wooden bridge crosses the lake, providing a perfect spot for photos. From this vantage point, you can feel the gentle mist of the water on your skin.

Pa Sy Waterfall is one of the most developed tourist spots in Mang Den, with well-maintained roads and paths that are clearly marked. Additional facilities are also being completed to enhance the visitor experience. After exploring, you can recharge at the various restaurants located within the tourist area.

Address: The road to the waterfall is about 10km from the center of Mang Den.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours

4.7. Dambri Lake

Dambri Lake in Mang Den is a well-known tourist attraction located in Kon Plong District, Kon Tum Province. As the largest freshwater lake in the Mang Den region, it is one of the seven natural lakes on the Mang Den plateau. Visitors to Dambri Lake will often hear about the ancient folklore surrounding the “7 lakes and 3 waterfalls” of the Mang Den people. With its unspoiled, tranquil beauty, refreshing natural waters, and a variety of local cuisine, Dambri Lake is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Mang Den.

Dambri Lake – A poetic beauty that touches the heart

For those unsure of what to do in Mang Den, a visit to Dambri Lake offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy fishing amidst the serene mountain and forest landscape. It’s a wonderful way to relax, connect with nature, and embrace the peaceful surroundings. This experience is sure to be a highlight for travelers from around the world.

Fishing at the lake and enjoying the majestic scenery of nature.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to May, when the weather is clear and ideal for outdoor activities and photo opportunities.

Address: Kon Plong Commune, Mang Den.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.

4.8. Mang Den Forest

Mang Den Forest has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in Kon Plong District, Kon Tum Province. Spanning over 140,000 hectares, the forest captivates visitors with its untamed natural beauty and cool year-round climate, earning it the nickname “miniature Da Lat” in the heart of the wilderness.

To capture the best moments at Mang Den pine forest, visit in the early morning and stay through to sunset. As the sun rises, the soft morning light filters through the trees, blending with the lush green landscape to create a breathtaking scene.

The best time to visit Mang Den is from April to December.

In the late afternoon, as the sun sets behind the mountains, the forest takes on a serene and romantic charm. The warm, golden sunlight bathes the entire area, painting a magical and enchanting natural landscape. This is the perfect time to take photos and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the mountains and forests.

Address: Kon Plong Commune, Mang Den City.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.9. Kon Plong Farm

Kon Plong Farm high-tech farm is located at an altitude of about 1200m above sea level, in the middle of the forest, giving this place a fresh and cool atmosphere all year round, ideal for those who want to temporarily calm down to feel the beauty of life that they have forgotten for something.

When coming here, you can visit farms such as Hung Ly Garden, Tam An Organic Farm, King’s Garden.

White Jade Melon, specialty of Tam An Organic Farm.

Hydroponic strawberries at King’s Garden.

With a reasonable price, you can enjoy cherry tomatoes and strawberries here. In addition, the shops have many beautiful flowers for you to visit and take photos to check in.

Address: Kon Plong Commune, Mang Den City.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: Free