Private Cultural Tour of Kon Tum, Vietnam

Start the journey through the long history and multiculture of Kon Tum, home to the ancient settlements of the Sedang, Bahnar, Jarai, Gie Trieng, and Rengao, at Kon Tum Museum. The informative collections offer a glimpse into the vibrant cultures of the ethnic minorities, including traditional weaving, unique cooking methods, tools, weapons, and spiritual rites, such as tomb sculptures and most notably Gong Culture which is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Next, visit one of the most unique churches in Southeast Asia, Kontum Wooden Church, to learn about the ingenuity and craftsmanship of local artisans and how Catholicism was integrated into the diverse culture of Kon Tum. Built from a valuable kind of wood native to the mountainous region, the 100-year-old church is a harmonious combination of Catholic architecture and stilt houses characteristic of the local tribes, providing a testimony to the well-established cultural identity of Kon Tum.

Continue to pass by Kon Tum Seat of Bishop, lesser-known than the wooden church but not at all less stunning. The palace which is considered to be the most beautiful wooden building in Vietnam boasts a splendid landscaped garden featuring plumeria trees looking like coral reefs and a precious collection of the historical artifacts and records that Catholic missionaries have collected in the region since they arrived with the French invasion more than 100 years ago.

On the next step, marvel at the oldest and largest communal house in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Kon Klor Communal House. The masterpiece of indigenous architecture which is a wooden stilt house made without nails and covered by a very tall, steep, thatched roof serves as the “village hall” hosting traditional weddings, festivals, and meetings for a village of Bahnar people inhabited on the banks of Đak Ba River.

After crossing the emblematic Kon Klor Suspension Bridge, you will arrive at the peaceful outskirts of the city which nestles Kon K’tu Ancient Village, one of the best-preserved settlements of the ethnic minorities in Kon Tum. Despite the partial modernization, the neighborhood is dotted with stilt houses and the locals in traditional garments give visitors a chance to get immersed in the indigenous culture that used to prevail in the highland.

To complete the experience, check out the culture-themed complex of Đak Ro War nearby where you get to try out the tasty local cuisine and enjoy vibrant music shows featuring Gong and To Nung, an ancient kind of musical instrument made from bamboo tubes. Or you can simply cool your feet off in the legendary Đak Ba River, the silent witness of the development of Kon Tum.