Kon Tum City, Quang Ngai Province

Kon Tum is a major city of roughly 200,000 people located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, positioned between the southern and central regions of the country. The area is well known for its ethnic minority villages, beautiful natural landscapes, and unique architectural sites found both in and around the city.

Getting to Kon Tum with motorbike

Kon Tum lies southwest of Hoi An, approximately 300 km away. The ride follows the AH17 also known as Ho Chi Minh Highway and QL14, which is a long but manageable day trip, typically taking just over 6 hours.

Several attractive destinations lie much closer:

• Mang Den – less than 60 km away

• Pleiku – around 50 km away

Both are easy, short motorbike rides and great options to visit either before or after Kon Tum.

Where to Stay

There are two main areas to stay when visiting Kon Tum:

1. Inside Kon Tum City

The city offers a wide selection of hotels and homestays, ranging from budget-friendly rooms to more comfortable mid-range options. It’s convenient, accessible, and suitable for travellers who want comfort and amenities.

2. Ethnic Villages (Outskirts of the City)

The ethnic villages around Kon Tum also offer accommodation, primarily simple homestays.
These tend to be very affordable but more basic, trading comfort for a truly authentic local experience.

The Bishop’s House

Nearly 100 years old, the Bishop’s House blends French colonial and local architectural styles. It is the largest Catholic institution in the region, home to the Diocese of Kon Tum and a seminary.

The grounds include:

• A museum featuring the history of Catholicism in Kon Tum

• Cultural displays about local ethnic groups

• Impressive wooden statues crafted in a traditional style with religious themes

Note: It is not always open to the public and is closed every Tuesday.

Wooden Church (St. Mary’s Cathedral of Kon Tum)

Over 100 years old, the Wooden Church was built by a French priest using traditional Vietnamese techniques. The entire structure contains no nails, relying instead on tenon-and-dowel construction.

Made from precious local wood, the church combines Roman and Vietnamese architectural elements, creating a distinctive and elegant style.

A small café is located within the grounds, making it a pleasant place to relax with a coffee after your visit.

Kon Klor Suspension Bridge

This essential crossing over the Dak Bla River connects Kon Tum City with the ethnic villages to the south.
At nearly 300 meters long, it accommodates both motorbikes and cars.

Beyond its practical importance, the bridge is also admired locally for its simple but striking design.

Traditional Rong Houses

Rong Houses are the traditional community buildings of the ethnic villages. Towering 15 – 30 meters high, they serve as central gathering places for the community.

Built without metal, they use precision wooden joinery along with bamboo, planks, and thatch. Raised on stilts, each Rong House features a single interior room with a dramatic, steep thatched roof.

They can be found on the outskirts of the city and are easily reached by motorbike – well worth a visit.

Mang Den & Pleiku

Both Mang Den and Pleiku are located within 60 km of Kon Tum, making them ideal motorbike day trips.

Although they lie in opposite directions (east and south), each has enough sights, scenery, and cultural attractions to justify a day or even an overnight visit.

If time allows, adding one or both destinations to your Kon Tum itinerary is highly recommended.

Summary

Kon Tum is one of the largest cities in Vietnam’s Central Highlands and an excellent stop when exploring the region. The surrounding ethnic villages provide a unique cultural atmosphere different from other parts of Vietnam. Combined with striking local architecture and beautiful nature, Kon Tum is a destination that should not be missed.

Related Routes

For travellers heading between HCMC and Hanoi, Kon Tum fits naturally into many motorbike routes.

You can view all of our recommended routes here: here.