Mang Den: An Ideal Destination for Nature Lovers

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Mang Den is a wonderful choice for relaxation and enjoying the lush green nature. With its’ rustic charm and fresh air, Mang Den recently has attracted many both domestic and foreign visitors. In this article, join Lua Viet Tours to explore this unique destination!

Majestic scenery from above at Mang Den. (Image Source: Internet)

About Mang Den

Located in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province, Mang Den is known as a plateau in the Truong Son range with an altitude of over 1,200m above sea level, in the North of the Central Highlands and about 50km from Kon Tum city. Thanks to this impressive altitude, Mang Den has a diverse system of primeval flora surrounding it, combined with a fresh, cool climate, creating an ideal destination for tourists.

In addition, Mang Den tourism is also a potential land for developing eco-tourism, resorts and cultivating temperate agricultural crops. Along with a diverse system of rivers, lakes and streams, it also makes the cultivation process easier. With diverse climate and flora characteristics similar to the “city of thousands of flowers”, this is also considered the “Da Lat” in the heart of Kon Tum.

Mang Den is an ideal destination for those who want to experience eco-tourism. (Image Source: Internet)

Top Things to Do in Mang Den

With diverse nature and a comfortable climate, Mang Den offers countless interesting activities, especially for nature lovers. Here are top destinations you should explore.

Mang Den Pass

The neighboring mountain pass is another top attraction in Mang Den. If you’re coming from Kon Tum, you’ll need to drive across the Mang Den mountain pass. The views along the trip are spectacular, taking in the mountains, plantations, towns, and woods of the central highlands.

Admiring nature while trekking on Mang Den Pass. (Image Source: Internet)

Pa Sy Waterfall

When visiting Mang Den, a must-see is the Pa Sy Waterfall. Formed from three of the largest streams in Mang Den and located at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, the waterfall is often compared to a “white silk ribbon” amidst the lush greenery of the forest.

The water of Pa Sy Waterfall is pristine and refreshingly cool, originating from deep within the forest. The white water foam and mist create an unforgettable scenic beauty for tourists. To fully appreciate the waterfall’s beauty, stand on the bridge spanning the lake and capture some stunning photos.

Pa Sy Waterfall is often compared to a “white silk ribbon” amidst the lush greenery of the forest. (Source: Internet)

Dak Ke Lake

Dak Ke Lake covers an area of 3 hectares and is the largest freshwater lake in the region. Surrounded by mountain ranges and lush green trees, the lake’s surface is calm and peaceful, reflecting the emerald blue sky like a giant mirror in the vast green forest.

A panoramic view of Dak Le Lake in Mang Den. (Source: Do Do/Tuoi Tre)

Along the shores of Dak Ke Lake, a variety of flowers bloom, covering the forest and extending to the lake’s surface, creating a poetic landscape. Dak Ke Lake also offers various recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and paddle boating, allowing visitors to enjoy the enchanting scenery fully.

Konbring Village

The village is one of the four community-based cultural villages of Mang Den. This small village holds the typical traditional culture of the Central Highlands such as Rong house, traditional home-made wine, gong performance, etc. Mang Den is surrounded by various ethnic minority communities, and visiting at least one of them is a worthwhile experience.

Experience the unique culture of minority communities at Konbring village. (Image Source: Internet)

Cloud hunting in Konplong

If you have never gone cloud hunting in Ha Giang, you will have the opportunity to do it in one place: Konplong, Mang Den. Early in the morning, observe the landscape of this tiny calm village surrounded by a sea of clouds. Enjoy the fresh air and take beautiful pictures here.

Enjoy the fresh air and take beautiful photos with clouds at Mang Den. (Image Source: Internet)

Khanh Lam Pagoda

Khanh Lam Pagoda is a brand new pagoda that mostly attracts domestic visitors, but it is worth a look if you are interested in religious architecture. The pagoda is situated in a spectacular location, on top of a mountain 1200 meters high and surrounded by trees.

You can visit Khanh Lam Pagoda for a religious experience. (Image Source: Internet)

Mang Den Walking Street

Wondering where to go at night in the relatively untouched Mang Den? The answer is Mang Den Walking Street! This vibrant area offers many entertainment and recreational activities, providing a lively contrast to the serene natural surroundings.

The walking street is adorned with bright colors, featuring modern Western-style architecture in shades of red and orange. Numerous food stalls line the street, offering tourists a chance to experience the distinctive Tay Nguyen cuisine.

Cultural and artistic activities with folk and modern influences are held within the Mang Den night market. (Image Source: To Quoc)

What To Eat In Mang Den

Besides the beautiful scenery, the cuisine in Mang Den is also extremely diverse. Below are some dishes you should try.

Roasted chicken & Lam rice

The chicken here is selected from free-range chickens raised by local families in the village. In addition to the usual ingredients, one secret that enhances the flavor of this dish is the use of wild pepper leaves stuffed inside the chicken.

It is impossible not to mention grilled chicken and Lam rice when you come to the Highlands of Vietnam. (Image Source: Internet)

Lam rice, a specialty of the Central Highlands, is well-known among tourists. It is made from sticky rice grown by the local people, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked inside bamboo tubes. The fragrant, chewy sticky rice combined with the rich flavor of grilled chicken is sure to satisfy any hungry stomach.

Xuyen Tieu hot pot

Xuyen Tieu hot pot with pepper is an ideal dish for Mang Den’s chilly weather. The hot pot is made with a variety of vegetables and fruits flavored with fragrant herbs such as goji berries and dried red apples. The broth is cooked for several hours, resulting in a natural and delicious sweetness.

There’s nothing better than enjoying Xuyen Tieu hot pot in the cold weather. (Image Source: Internet)

Xuyen Tieu served in a similar fashion to Sichuan hot pot, with two compartments with different tastes. One side is a fiery and spicy broth imbued with the flavor of Xuyen Tieu, a wild pepper species. The opposite side provides a chilled, rich bone broth. The hot pot is served with a variety of meals, including fish, shrimp, chicken, and beef, as well as mushrooms and fresh green vegetables.

Banh canh ca loc (Vietnamese thick noodle soup with snakehead fish)

The noodle soup is made from rice flour and served with steamed snakehead fish. The fish fillet is detached and accompanied with green onions, coriander, laksa leaves, and chili peppers. One distinguishing feature of banh canh ca loc is its unique cooking procedure. Each dish is prepared in its own pot, keeping the soup steaming hot with a constant boil. Diners can enjoy the soup with prostrate knotweed.

You can find this delicious noodle soup in Mang Den Market. (Image Source: Internet)

Sturgeon

Sturgeon has become a famous dish in Mang Den in recent years. It is loved for its meaty texture, minimal bones, and high nutritional value for the brain. Depending on preference, sturgeon can be prepared in two popular ways:

• Grilled Sturgeon: The fish is fileted lengthwise, marinated with wild pepper, minced lemongrass, and other ingredients. It is then grilled over hot coals until evenly cooked, with the aroma of fish and lemongrass creating an unforgettable Central Highlands flavor.

With the aroma of fish and lemongrass creates an unforgettable Central Highlands flavor. (Image Source: Internet)

• Sturgeon Hot Pot: The delicious sturgeon combined with a rich hot pot broth is also a great choice. Especially, the sturgeon hot pot can be enjoyed with shredded sour bamboo, offering a unique taste.

With the cold weather, enjoying a delicious, nutritious steaming sturgeon hotpot is an experience you should not miss. (Image Source: Internet)

Local grilled pork

Whole roasted local pig is another specialty worth trying in the Central Highland. After being cleaned, the pig is coated with spices and then roasted. It is cooked over red-hot coals and frequently basted with spices to enhance the color and flavor.

Have yourself some local grilled pork of Mang Den with a hint of aroma in the local herbs. (Image Source: Internet)

Traditionally, banana leaves or dong leaves are used as a base, and the roasted pig is placed in the center. To enjoy it properly, it should be eaten with fresh vegetables, rice paper (or steamed rice rolls), and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce.

Best Time to Visit Mang Den

Mang Den is popular throughout the winter months, which are normally from October to December. This time of year, Kon Tum is noted for its cool, bright weather and dry circumstances. New Year’s Day heralds the advent of blossoming mai anh dao (prunus cesacoides), or cherry-like apricot blooms, however, flowering times may vary depending on conditions.

Mang Den has blossoming flowers all year. Visitors in February will see a display of mimosa and bauhinia blooms, while purple phoenix flowers will bloom in March and April. Beyond that, the myrtle blossoms take main stage.

Hopefully, these travel tips about Mang Den will help you have a useful trip. If you wish to have a complete journey in Mang Den, contact Lua Viet Tours right away to forget the bustling life and immerse yourself in the tranquil nature!

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