Everything you need to know about traveling to Mang Den in 2025: What to eat, what to do, and where to stay?

Nestled amidst the mountains of Kon Plông (Kon Tum), Măng Đen is increasingly becoming known as an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking peace and tranquility. Not as crowded as Da Lat or Sa Pa, Măng Đen offers fresh air, pristine landscapes, and a slow pace of life, making it perfect for short trips. If you're planning a few days away from the city to "recharge," this guide will help you explore Măng Đen in the most complete and easy way.

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Where is Mang Den? What makes it special?

Mang Den, located in Kon Plong town, Kon Tum province, is situated in the northern part of the Central Highlands. At an altitude of over 1,000 meters, it enjoys a cool climate year-round, with fog often appearing in the early mornings and evenings. This small town is notable for its vast terraced rice fields, natural lakes and streams, and its slow-paced lifestyle. Its tranquil atmosphere, low tourist numbers, and relatively unspoiled commercialization are the reasons why Mang Den is becoming increasingly popular, especially among those who prefer experiential travel or short getaways.

What is the best time to visit Mang Den?

If you have the chance to visit Mang Den, you should choose the period from October to March of the following year. During this time, the weather is dry, cool, with just the right amount of sunshine and clear skies. However, if you prefer a romantic and somewhat mystical atmosphere, you can choose to visit Mang Den during the rainy season – from May to August. Although the roads are a bit more slippery, the fog, light rain, and the scent of the forest after the rain offer a different experience, almost like being isolated from the outside world. Each season has its own beauty, and visitors can choose the time that best suits their preferences.

How to get to Mang Den

From Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach Mang Den by sleeper bus, with a travel time of approximately 12-13 hours. Some popular bus companies include Tan Anh, Minh Quoc, Phuong Thu, Phong Phu, etc., with ticket prices ranging from 400,000 to 550,000 VND per way, depending on the type of bus and the time of booking.

If you want to shorten the travel time, you can fly to Pleiku Airport (Gia Lai), then continue by taxi or shuttle bus for about 100 km to Mang Den. The total travel time is about 3-4 hours, however, the cost will be higher as it includes airfare and road transport fees. Tourists traveling from the north also use this method.

Highlights of the attractions in Mang Den

Statue of Our Lady of Mang Den

As a familiar spiritual symbol of the highland region, the statue of Our Lady of Mang Den, nestled amidst a lush green pine forest, attracts numerous tourists and pilgrims. Many choose to come here early in the morning to chase the clouds and witness the sunrise in a tranquil and sacred atmosphere.

Pa Sy Waterfall

Nestled amidst a pristine forest, Pa Sy Waterfall cascades down in a white sheet against a lush, cool backdrop year-round. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Mang Den, perfect for a forest stroll, photography, or simply relaxing while listening to the soothing sound of flowing water.

Kon Tu Rang Village

Nestled on a mountainside, Kon Tu Rang village stands out with its suspension bridge spanning the stream and terraced rice fields winding along the hillside. During the rainy season or the rice harvest season, the scenery here is picturesque, embodying the quintessential Kon Tum highlands.

Kon Pring Community Tourism Village

Kon Pring is one of the cultural villages that still preserves many traditional aspects of the Xơ Đăng people's way of life. Tourists can stroll across a small suspension bridge in the forest, visit the communal house, interact with the locals, and experience the local cuisine.

Dak Ke Lake

A tranquil lake lies in the heart of Mang Den town, surrounded by pine forests and enjoying a cool climate. Dak Ke Lake is perfect for strolling, cycling, or camping along its shores, offering a relaxing stop along your exploration journey.

The road connecting to Mang Den

The road winding through the pine forest, stretching for tens of kilometers, is an unmissable check-in point. In the early morning, mist blankets the treetops, creating a dreamy and cinematic scene. This is also an ideal stretch of road for motorbike trips.

What to eat in Mang Den?

Grilled chicken with sticky rice at Co Sinh's.

The restaurant's most famous dish is grilled chicken with bamboo rice. The chicken is free-range, marinated with forest spices, and grilled over charcoal until the skin is crispy. It's served with bamboo-grilled rice and a lime-pepper dipping sauce. The restaurant also offers equally impressive roasted pork from Mang Den. The restaurant has a rustic atmosphere and caters well to large groups.

Akay Snakehead Fish Noodle Soup

An ideal breakfast choice in Mang Den. The noodle soup features chewy, soft noodles, fragrant and flavorful braised snakehead fish, all served in a sweet and savory broth in an earthenware pot that retains heat for a long time. The Akay chain has many branches in the town, serving from early morning until evening.

Healthy Mushrooms

Specializing in mushroom dishes such as mushroom porridge, mushroom hot pot, and stir-fried mushrooms, the restaurant uses fresh, clean ingredients, mostly grown locally. Located in the town center, the space is neat and tidy, with fast service, suitable for both families and small groups.

Quan Gio Mang Den

The restaurant is known for its sturgeon hot pot and other dishes made with fresh fish. The rustic and spacious atmosphere is perfect for relaxing dinners in the cool weather.

Where is it located in Mang Den?

Some notable accommodations in Mang Den, such as Nang Homestay, Soc's House, Vuon Tra, and T'Mang Deeng, all boast a rustic style, close to nature, surrounded by pine forests and lush green gardens. Each place offers a cozy and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking relaxation, reading, enjoying tea, or simply savoring the peacefulness characteristic of the Kon Plong plateau.

Suggested itinerary for a 2-day, 1-night trip to Mang Den.

Day 1:

• In the morning, after arriving, you can rent a motorbike and have breakfast in the town center. Start your journey at the Statue of Our Lady of Mang Den, an ideal place to breathe in the fresh air. Next is the Mang Den pine forest road, a must-see check-in destination.
• From there, head to Dak Ke Lake, where you can stroll along the shore or rent a pedal boat if you're traveling in a group. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch, then relax and enjoy a coffee at any cafe in town.
• In the afternoon, travel to Kon Tu Rang village, home to the Kon Tu Rang suspension bridge spanning the river and the lush green Kon Tu Rang terraced rice fields, especially beautiful during the rainy season. If you enjoy physical activity, you can try paddleboarding (SUP) on the Dak Bla River, a recently popular activity among tourists. End the day by watching the sunset at Mang Den market square, a popular gathering place for locals and tourists at the end of the day.

Day 2:

• Wake up early to chase the clouds and watch the sunrise near the statue of the Virgin Mary, where there's a panoramic view of the distant valleys. Afterwards, have a light breakfast and continue your journey to Pa Sy Waterfall, one of the most beautiful and easily accessible waterfalls in Mang Den. The waterfall is located within a planned tourist area, easily accessible on foot, and features traditional longhouses and wooden statues along the way.
• At the end of the day, you can visit Kon Pring Community Tourism Village to learn about the lives of the local ethnic people, stroll across the Kon Pring suspension bridge, admire the mountain scenery, and take記念 photos. This is a relaxing and culturally rich stop to conclude your trip.

Tips and things to note when traveling to Mang Den

• The weather in Mang Den is cool year-round, especially cold at night and in the early morning, so bring a jacket and scarf.
• You should rent a motorbike (manual transmission) for easy travel between attractions. Check the motorbike carefully because the mountain pass has many curves and steep slopes.
• When visiting spiritual sites or ethnic minority villages, please dress respectfully, maintain order, and refrain from littering.

Why should you visit Mang Den this year?

If you're looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, relax amidst nature without elaborate planning, Mang Den is a very worthwhile option this year. With its cool climate year-round, pristine landscapes, few tourists, and reasonable costs, this highland region is especially suitable for short trips – whether solo, with friends, or with family.

Wang Long