How to Fly to Kon Tum from Hanoi: Your Central Highlands Air Travel Guide

Kon Tum, a vibrant ward in Quang Ngai Province, is a cultural and natural gem in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, celebrated for its Bahnar, Xo Dang, and Gie Trieng heritage, coffee plantations, and scenic trekking trails. Following Vietnam’s administrative reform, Kon Tum is no longer a province but remains a premier destination, attracting 12,000 travelers annually. Nestled along the Dak Bla River with lush forests, it’s ideal for eco-tourism and cultural immersion, boasting a temperate climate (dry season: December–April, 18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F; rainy season: May–November, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F).

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly transfers and tours from Hanoi to Kon Tum, using electric vehicles and low-emission transport to minimize environmental impact. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your seamless travel experience.

Administrative Note

Use “Kon Tum, Quang Ngai Province” for navigation. As a Central Highlands hub, Kon Tum is easily accessible from Hanoi via flights to Pleiku Airport, offering authentic experiences for global travelers.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers yearly across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Hanoi-to-Kon Tum travel packages feature eco-friendly airport transfers, English-speaking guides sharing indigenous insights, and partnerships with local communities to preserve Central Highlands traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, hassle-free journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Kon Tum does not have its own airport, so the fastest way to reach it from Hanoi (1,100 km away) is to fly to Pleiku Airport (PXU), located 50 km from Kon Tum, followed by a short ground transfer. Below is a comprehensive, updated guide to flights, transfers, costs, and sustainable options, replacing outdated pricing and airline information with current schedules and eco-friendly practices.

Step 1: Fly from Hanoi to Pleiku Airport

• Description: Multiple daily flights connect Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi to Pleiku Airport (PXU), operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours, covering 830 km, making it the most efficient way to reach the Central Highlands.

• Details:

  • Flight Cost: $80–$150 (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), depending on season and booking time.

  • Flight Duration: 1.5 hours.

  • Flight Frequency: 2–3 daily flights, with schedules from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

  • Airlines:

    • Vietnam Airlines: Premium service, 1–2 daily flights, contact: 1900 1100.

    • Vietjet Air: Budget-friendly, 1 daily flight, contact: 1900 1888.

    • Bamboo Airways: Eco-conscious fleet, 1 daily flight, contact: 1900 1166.

  • Access: Book flights via airline websites, travel apps, or Legend Travel Group’s Flight + Transfer Package ($95–$165, including airport transfer).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose Bamboo Airways for fuel-efficient aircraft; offset carbon emissions through airline programs or Legend Travel Group’s sustainability initiatives.

• Tip: Book flights 2–4 weeks in advance for lower fares; morning flights (6:00–10:00 AM) offer better transfer connections. Check luggage restrictions (20 kg for Vietnam Airlines, 15 kg for Vietjet Air).

• Best Time: December–April for clear skies; avoid peak holiday periods (Lunar New Year, January/February) for cheaper tickets.

Step 2: Transfer from Pleiku Airport to Kon Tum

• Description: After landing at Pleiku Airport, complete your journey to Kon Tum (50 km) via taxi, shuttle, or bus. Taxis and shuttles are the most convenient, while buses are budget-friendly but less frequent.

• Options:

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi:

    • Description: Eco-friendly electric taxis offer a comfortable, zero-emission ride to Kon Tum, ideal for small groups.

    • Cost: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND), 4 passengers.

    • Time: 45–60 minutes.

    • Access: Book at Pleiku Airport taxi counter, Xanh SM app, or Legend Travel Group’s Airport Transfer ($15–$25, including guide).

    • Eco-Friendly Note: Supports Vietnam’s green transport initiatives; reduces carbon footprint.

    • Tip: Pre-book to avoid waiting; confirm driver identity to avoid scams.

  • Shuttle Van:

    • Description: Shared vans provide a cost-effective option, departing when full, with stops at Kon Tum’s central areas like Nguyen Hue Street.

    • Cost: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) per person.

    • Time: 60–75 minutes.

    • Access: Arrange at Pleiku Airport or via Legend Travel Group’s Shuttle Transfer ($10–$15).

    • Eco-Friendly Note: Shared transport lowers per-person emissions; choose operators with modern vans.

    • Tip: Expect slight delays if waiting for passengers; carry small VND notes for payment.

  • Local Bus:

    • Description: Public buses from Pleiku Bus Station (5 km from airport) to Kon Tum are the cheapest option but require a taxi to the station ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).

    • Cost: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) for bus ticket.

    • Time: 90–120 minutes, including transfer to bus station.

    • Access: Limited schedules (6:00 AM–4:00 PM); book through local operators or Legend Travel Group’s Budget Transfer ($8–$12, including airport-to-station taxi).

    • Eco-Friendly Note: Public buses reduce emissions but may use older vehicles; minimize plastic waste.

    • Tip: Check bus schedules at the airport; avoid evening travel due to reduced services.

• Best Time: December–April for smoother roads; May–November may have rain-related delays.

Total Travel Time and Cost

• Total Time: 3–4 hours (1.5 hours flight + 45–120 minutes transfer).

• Total Cost (Per Person, One-Way):

  • Budget: $82–$92 (budget flight + bus).

  • Mid-range: $85–$158 (standard flight + shuttle or taxi).

  • Luxury: $95–$165 (premium flight + electric taxi via Legend Travel Group).

• Tip: Bundle flight and transfer through Legend Travel Group for streamlined bookings and potential discounts (15% off for groups of 8+).

• December–April (Dry Season, 18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F): Ideal for flights and transfers with clear skies and moderate crowds (60–150 daily visitors). Book flights 2–4 weeks ahead for best rates.

• May–November (Rainy Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Lush scenery but potential flight delays; fewer crowds (40–100 daily visitors). Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).

• Festival Seasons:

  • Buffalo Stabbing Festival (February/March): Bahnar cultural event, increasing flight demand; book 3–4 weeks ahead.

  • Lunar New Year (January/February): High travel volume; reserve 4–6 weeks ahead.

  • Coffee Harvest (November–December): Scenic farm visits; book 2–3 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Morning flights (6:00–10:00 AM) align with daytime activities in Kon Tum; evening flights (4:00–6:00 PM) suit overnight stays.

• Walking: Free, ideal for Kon Tum center (1–3 km radius, e.g., Kon Tum Cathedral to Night Market).

• Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND), eco-friendly for short trips.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable for exploring Kon Klor Village.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND) for longer trips like Mang Den Eco-Park.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable options.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Kon Tum Market for convenience.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire, comfortable shoes, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; modest clothing for cultural sites like Kon Tum Cathedral.

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), biodegradable wipes, reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

• Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), sunscreen ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me for offline navigation, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for bookings.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes for small purchases).

• Booking: Reserve flights 2–4 weeks ahead; festival seasons (January–March) require 3–4 weeks. Airport transfers need 24–48 hours’ notice.

• Sustainability: Choose fuel-efficient airlines and electric taxis; avoid single-use plastics at airports. Book through Legend Travel Group for eco-friendly packages.

• Navigation: Save “Kon Tum, Quang Ngai Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking in Kon Tum: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Safety: Secure valuables at airports; verify taxi driver identity at Pleiku Airport to avoid scams. Check flight status for weather-related delays.

• Health: Use insect repellent for dengue and malaria risks; carry prescription medications in original containers.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; respect local customs at airports and in Kon Tum’s villages.

Start your Central Highlands adventure with our sustainable flight and tour packages from Hanoi:

• Kon Tum Airport Transfer ($15–$25/person): Electric taxi or shuttle from Pleiku Airport to Kon Tum, with guide and 24/7 support.

• Kon Tum Flight + Transfer Package ($95–$165/person): Round-trip flight from Hanoi to Pleiku + eco-friendly transfer to Kon Tum, including guide.

• Kon Tum Cultural Adventure ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Flight, transfer, and guided tour of Kon Tum Cathedral, Kon Klor rong house, and gong performances. Includes meals and eco-transport.

• Central Highlands Explorer ($400–$550/person, 4 days): Flight, transfers, and tours of Kon Tum, Mang Den Eco-Park, and Pleiku coffee farms. Includes meals and eco-transport.

• Prices include flights, eco-transport, fees, and support. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for a legendary journey.

Flying to Kon Tum from Hanoi is the fastest way to reach Vietnam’s Central Highlands, with convenient flights to Pleiku Airport and eco-friendly transfers to Kon Tum. Whether you choose budget-friendly Vietjet Air or premium Vietnam Airlines, paired with electric taxis or shuttles, this route ensures a smooth journey to Kon Tum’s cultural and natural wonders. Legend Travel Group’s Kon Tum Tours elevate your adventure, ensuring a sustainable Kon Tum Travel experience with seamless transportation and immersive exploration. Book your flight and tour package today to embark on an unforgettable Kon Tum adventure!
Ready to fly to Kon Tum? Reserve your eco-friendly transfer and tour with Legend Travel Group and discover the Central Highlands’ authentic allure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.