At an altitude of 1,200 m, Mang Den, a lesser-known town in Kon Tum Province, is dubbed the ‘second Da Lat' for its vast valleys and pine forests. 

Early morning in Mang Den Town, around 60 km from downtown Kon Tum.

Visitors to Mang Den in Kon Plong District can explore the winding mountain passes, beautiful valleys and pine forests reminiscent of famous resort town Da Lat in Lam Dong Province, known for its consistent cool climate and French heritage.

Visitors could rent a motorbike at VND150,000 ($6.49) per day.

Kon Pring in Dak Long Commune is one of four community-based cultural and tourism villages of Kon Plong District. The village is located along Highway 24 and is home to an ethnic Ka Dong minority.

Horse carriages are part of a newly developed service in Mang Den. The price for a one-hour ride around town is VND100,000 per person, each carriage capable of carrying up to five people.

Tourists can also visit rice fields on horseback for VND500,000 ($22) per hour.

A waterfall in the deep forest around 12 km from downtown Mang Den remains pristine.

Another must-visit spot is Khanh Lam Pagoda built on a primitive hill at an altitude of 1,200 meters. From the foot of the hill, visitors can reach the pagoda via 200 stone steps.

This sacred place is a hidden gem amid the luxuriant forest canopy, creating a peaceful and pure beauty that captivates people’s hearts.

Ga nuong com lam (grilled chicken with bamboo tube-rice) is a famous specialty of the region. It was one of 50 must-try dishes according to Vietnam Guinness Book of Records.

A couple pitch a tent to experience a night beneath the stars in Mang Den.

Photos by Ha Nguyen