Weekend in Kon Tum

A distinctive church built in 1913, combining Romanesque style with traditional Bahnar stilt-house architecture. The wooden interior is cool and quiet, with intricate carvings.

Tip: Go early morning (around 7am) to see the light through the stained-glass windows and avoid the heat. The bell tower can be climbed for a small donation.

Two halls of exhibits covering the region's ethnic minorities and wartime history. Displays include traditional gongs, baskets, farming tools, and photos of the 1972 battles.

Tip: Ask the guard to turn on the lights in the back room if it's dim. The English labels are sparse, so bring a translation app or hire a guide outside for 20,000 VND.

A former French colonial prison built in 1930, later used by the US-backed regime. Two original concrete cells remain, along with a small museum of shackles and documents.

Tip: The site is small—allow 20 minutes. Pair it with a walk along the nearby Dak Bla Riverbank. The caretaker appreciates a 5,000 VND donation.

A 290-metre footbridge over the Dak Bla River, linking the town to a Bahnar village. The walk gives sweeping views of the river and surrounding hills.

Tip: Cross at sunset for the best light, but bring a torch as there are no lights on the bridge. The village side has a small coffee shack selling iced coffee for 10,000 VND.

A working agricultural cooperative run by ethnic minorities, with rows of sunflowers and vegetables. Visitors can walk the paths and learn about local farming methods.

Tip: Take a motorbike taxi (30,000 VND one way) as buses are infrequent. Best visited from December to February when the sunflowers are in full bloom. No entrance fee, but buy some honey or vegetables to support the community.