Travel Kon Tum 2013

Travel Kon Tum 2013: Experience a Small Town on the Vietnamese Highlands

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I'll take you to one of my favorite small towns in Vietnam, Kon Tum Province, which I visited in November 2013. This story is not just a casual mention but a real journey where I experienced the atmosphere, people, and local way of life up close.

Getting to Know Kon Tum

Kon Tum is located on the lower Central Highlands of Vietnam. It borders several important provinces: to the north, it borders Quang Nam Province with a border length of 142 kilometers; to the south, it borders Gia Lai Province with 203 kilometers; to the west, it borders Attapeu Province of Laos and also connects to Ratanakiri Province of Cambodia.

This location makes Kon Tum an important gateway for Vietnam to neighboring countries. Since it is not yet flooded with tourists, the atmosphere here is peaceful, and the people are friendly and smiling. It is perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed trip and want to experience the real local lifestyle.

Traveling to Kon Tum

For a Thai like me, mr.hotsia, traveling to Kon Tum is very easy. I started from Ubon Ratchathani, took a bus to Pakse, Laos, then transferred to a bus from Pakse to Kon Tum on the same day. The bus departs in the morning and arrives by evening, very convenient. For those traveling directly from Vietnam, there are buses from major cities like Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and other central cities. Budget airlines like VietJetAir do not have direct flights to Kon Tum yet, so bus or van travel is the alternative.

If you are interested in travel details and interprovincial bus stations in Kon Tum, please readInterprovincial Bus Stations in Kon TumandKon Tum Bus Stationwhich I have previously written about.

Accommodation in Kon Tum: Budget-Friendly but Clean

Kon Tum offers a variety of accommodations at prices generally cheaper than many big cities in Vietnam. I stayed atHoang Van HotelA clean, new hotel with affordable prices (around 300-650 THB per night depending on the number of guests). Although the staff speaks little English, it was not a problem because simple gestures, writing, and payment were enough.

I recommend staying near the market or riverside for easy walking without relying much on public transport. The area near the bus station is less suitable for tourists as it is quiet and lacks many conveniences.

For more information about accommodation and the atmosphere of Kon Tum town, try readingTravel Kon Tum Province Vietnamwhere I have shared my experiences.

Simple Travel in Kon Tum with a Chill Town Atmosphere

For those who dislike package tours that visit minority villages, I recommend exploring Kon Tum town itself at a relaxed pace, such as walking around the over 100-year-old wooden church, a fascinating cultural heritage, or visiting the morning and evening markets with fresh produce and unique foods to try.

My favorite time in Kon Tum is the evening at sunset by the Dak Bla River that flows through the town. There are new riverside cafes and seating areas to relax, breathe the cool air, and enjoy the impressive sunset views. Then, sip a cold beer until nightfall before walking back to the hotel.

Food in Kon Tum: Simple Yet Delicious

Regarding food, I, mr.hotsia, never miss trying authentic local dishes in Kon Tum. The favorite breakfast of locals is hot Pho noodles or grilled pork rice calledGiem Tumwith rich and mellow flavors.

Lunch is simple with various curry rice dishes. For dinner, when the weather cools down, I like to eat chicken rice porridge or hot noodles, which help warm up very well.

Ordering food here is not complicated. Although Vietnamese sounds difficult, I recommend practicing simple questions like “Bao nhiêu tiền” to ask the price and listening for the first few numbers to know if the price is reasonable, so you can order comfortably.

If you want to watch Vietnamese food videos like me, mr.hotsia, try watchingVietnamese Grilled Button SquidorVietnamese Chicken BiryaniandVietnamese Nem Fangto fully experience the dining atmosphere.

Read more about food and how to order in the articlesVietnamese FoodandFood in Kon Tumwhich I have written.

Travel Routes and Extensions

Kon Tum is often seen as a transit town for travelers crossing from Ubon Ratchathani through Pakse and Attapeu to Vietnam or on the return trip. But if you have one or two nights, you can experience a lifestyle and atmosphere completely different from big cities. The route from Kon Tum to Da Nang passes through steep mountains and offers beautiful views, perfect for resting and preparing for the next journey.

If you want to explore Kon Tum in detail, I recommend starting with walking around the morning and evening markets, tasting local food, visiting the wooden church, and chilling by the Dak Bla River in the evening. I guarantee you will be impressed and want to return just like me, mr.hotsia.