Dubbed “Second Da Lat” in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Mang Den has won the heart of tourists who consider it a haven of peace and nature, as well as appreciate its cool weather and slew of Instagrammable spots.

Situated some 1,200 meters above sea level, Mang Den is a small town in Kon Plong District, Kon Tum Province.

Since Mang Den and Da Lat - a popular tourist destination in Lam Dong Province - share the same climate, geography, and natural beauty, many consider the town is considered another Da Lat.

Mang Den is situated about 53 kilometers from Kon Tum City in the namesake province.

Mang Den, with its unspoiled natural beauty, offers a laid-back nature getaway to visitors. Photo: Dieu Qui / Tuoi Tre

To get there from Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can travel by coach to Kon Tum or by air to Pleiku City in neighboring Gia Lai Province.

From Pleiku City, roughly 120 kilometers away from Mang Den, visitors can opt to take a motorcycle, bus, or taxi ride to reach the town.

Not as modern and crowded as Da Lat, Mang Den and its inviting cool weather and blankets of fog and roads weaving through pine forests are a must-visit destination for nature lovers as well as budget travelers.

Local residents said that, despite being a tourist attraction, Mang Den has a limited number of eateries, amenities, and locations for entertainment services.

“Mang Den is more suitable for those who want to explore nature. Earlier, visitors to the town were mainly backpackers,” said a local homestay owner.

A tourist enjoys a cup of coffee near a waterfall in Mang Den. Photo: Chino tour

When in Mang Den, visitors can travel along National Highway 24 and other streets such as Tran Quang Khai, Ho Xuan Huong, Tran Hung Dao to find a villa or homestay for rent at various prices ranging VND150,000-VND1 million (US$6.3-42.5).

Tran Quang Khai Street, located along Dak Ke Lake, is home to a wide range of lodging facilities and is the first villa area in the town.

These accommodations share several things in common, including their location in a pine forest, forest view rooms, and camping and BBQ services.

A group of travelers join a BBQ at a local homestay along Tran Quang Khai Street in Mang Den. Photo: Dieu Qui / Tuoi Tre

In addition, visitors can find a smattering of local coffee shops and eateries along National Highway 24.

They should also not miss out on local dishes such as grilled chicken served with com lam (Vietnamese sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes), wild vegetables stir-fried with garlic, and various types of local hotpots.

Enjoying a hotpot in the cold weather in Mang Den is among the favorite activities of tourists. Photo: Dieu Qui / Tuoi Tre

Visitors to Mang Den are highly recommended to go to Dak Ke Lake in the spring to see cherry blossoms, explore Pa Sy waterfall and visit Khanh Lam Pagoda both located along Su Van Hanh Street, or Lo Ba waterfall near the entrance to the town.

They should also admire the beauty of terraced paddy fields, visit a local cultural and community tourist village in Kon Tu Rang, and local farms.

Visitors can take a mountain hike for hunting cloud and watching the sunrise as well as go camping on a hill or near a waterfall.

Tourists pose for a group photo near Pa Sy waterfall in Mang Den. Photo: Dieu Qui / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!