How to Get to Kon Tum from Da Nang: Your Ultimate Central Highlands Travel Guide

Kon Tum, a vibrant ward in Quang Ngai Province, is a cultural and natural gem in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, renowned for its Bahnar, Xo Dang, and Gie Trieng heritage, coffee plantations, and trekking trails. Following Vietnam’s administrative reform, Kon Tum is no longer a province but remains a must-visit destination, attracting 12,000 travelers annually. Nestled along the Dak Bla River amid lush forests, it offers immersive eco-tourism and cultural experiences in 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).

Located just 300 km from Da Nang, Kon Tum is easily accessible by various transport modes, making it an ideal extension for travelers exploring Central Vietnam. Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly transfers and tours from Da Nang to Kon Tum using electric vehicles and low-emission buses, ensuring a low-impact journey. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your eco-conscious travel experience.

Administrative Note

Use “Kon Tum, Quang Ngai Province” for navigation. As a Central Highlands hub, Kon Tum is a convenient trip from Da Nang, offering authentic experiences for travelers seeking cultural depth and natural beauty.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers yearly across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Da Nang-to-Kon Tum transfers and tours feature eco-friendly transport, 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.

Da Nang, a coastal hub 300 km from Kon Tum, offers multiple transport options including flights, buses, trains, and motorbike adventures. Below are the most efficient, updated routes with current pricing, sustainable choices, and practical tips, replacing outdated information like discontinued operators and irrelevant train routes to Quy Nhon.

1. By Air + Taxi

• Description: Fly from Da Nang International Airport (DAD) to Pleiku Airport (PXU), 50 km from Kon Tum, then take a taxi or shuttle. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways operate 1–2 daily flights, making this the fastest option despite limited schedules.

• Details:

  • Flight Cost: $40–$80 (1,000,000–2,000,000 VND), 1 hour.

  • Taxi/Shuttle Cost: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND), 45–60 minutes.

  • Total Time: 2.5–3.5 hours.

  • Airlines:

    • Vietnam Airlines: Contact: 1900 1100, 1 daily flight.

    • Vietjet Air: Contact: 1900 1888, 1 daily flight (except Mondays).

    • Bamboo Airways: Contact: 1900 1166, 1 daily flight (except Wednesdays).

  • Access: Book flights via airline websites or Legend Travel Group’s Flight + Transfer Package ($55–$95). Arrange taxis at Pleiku Airport or through Legend Travel Group’s Airport Transfer ($15–$25).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose Bamboo Airways for fuel-efficient aircraft; opt for Xanh SM electric taxis for zero-emission ground transport.

• Tip: Book flights 2–4 weeks ahead; avoid Mondays and Wednesdays due to limited schedules. Confirm taxi driver identity at Pleiku Airport to avoid scams.

• Best Time: December–April for clear skies; book early for festival seasons (January–March).

2. By Express Bus

• Description: Modern sleeper buses from Da Nang Central Bus Station (201 Ton Duc Thang Street) offer a scenic, budget-friendly ride through the Central Highlands, with Wi-Fi, reclining seats, and rest stops.

• Details:

  • Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) for standard sleeper; $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) for luxury limousine.

  • Time: 6–8 hours, departing 7:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 7:00 PM.

  • Operators:

    • Phuong Trang (FUTA Bus): Contact: 1900 6067.

    • Thanh Buoi: Contact: 1900 6789.

    • Kumho Samco: Contact: 1900 7070.

  • Access: Book via operator apps or Legend Travel Group’s Bus Transfer ($15–$35, including hotel pickup).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose operators with low-emission fleets like Phuong Trang; avoid single-use plastics at rest stops.

• Tip: Book 1–2 weeks ahead for peak seasons (December–April); evening buses (7:00 PM) arrive in Kon Tum by morning. Secure valuables to avoid petty theft.

• Best Time: December–April for smoother roads; May–November for lush scenery.

3. By Train + Bus

• Description: Take the North-South Reunification Train from Da Nang Railway Station (202 Hai Phong Street) to Dieu Tri Station (Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh), then transfer to a bus for the 170-km journey to Kon Tum. This option is scenic but slower due to the bus transfer.

• Details:

  • Train Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND), 3–4 hours to Dieu Tri.

  • Bus Cost: $8–$15 (200,000–375,000 VND), 3–4 hours from Quy Nhon to Kon Tum.

  • Total Time: 6–8 hours.

  • Train Operator: Vietnam Railways, contact: 1900 1520, departures 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.

  • Bus Operators: Phuong Trang, Kumho Samco (from Quy Nhon Bus Station).

  • Access: Book train tickets via Vietnam Railways website; bus tickets at Dieu Tri Station or via Legend Travel Group’s Train + Bus Package ($20–$40).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Trains and shared buses reduce emissions; use reusable items during transfers.

• Tip: Book train tickets 2–3 weeks ahead for sleeper berths; morning trains align with bus schedules. Verify bus operator details at Dieu Tri.

• Best Time: December–April for reliable schedules; avoid rainy season for smoother bus travel.

4. By Motorbike (Adventure Option)

• Description: For thrill-seekers, riding a motorbike from Da Nang to Kon Tum via the Ho Chi Minh Trail or National Route 14 offers an adventurous journey through coastal plains and highland forests. This requires experience due to winding roads and variable conditions.

• Details:

  • Cost: $30–$80 (750,000–2,000,000 VND) for motorbike rental (2–3 days); fuel $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

  • Time: 8–12 hours, depending on stops.

  • Access: Rent motorbikes from Da Nang shops like Style Motorbikes (Contact: 0935 533 537); book guided tours via Legend Travel Group’s Motorbike Adventure ($200–$350, including guide and bike).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use fuel-efficient bikes; avoid single-use plastics at stops. Guided tours ensure safer, sustainable routes.

• Tip: Ride in dry season (December–April) for safer roads; wear Australian-standard helmets ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) and carry rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Plan stops in Pleiku or Mang Den.

• Best Time: December–April to avoid heavy rain.

• December–April (Dry Season, 18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F): Ideal for all transport modes with clear roads and skies (60–150 daily visitors). Book 1–2 weeks ahead.

• May–November (Rainy Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Lush scenery but potential 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 travel demand; book 2–4 weeks ahead.

  • Lunar New Year (January/February): High travel volume; reserve 3–4 weeks ahead.

  • Coffee Harvest (November–December): Scenic farm routes; book 1–2 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Morning departures (6:00–10:00 AM) avoid heat; evening buses or trains (6:00–8:00 PM) suit overnight travel.

• 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.

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; warm layers for Highland evenings.

• 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).

• Motorbike Gear (if riding): Australian-standard helmet ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND), riding gloves, reflective jacket.

Transport Costs

• Flight to Pleiku: $40–$80 (1,000,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Taxi from Pleiku to Kon Tum: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

• Express Bus: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND).

• Train to Dieu Tri + Bus: $18–$35 (450,000–875,000 VND).

• Motorbike Rental + Fuel: $45–$105 (1,125,000–2,625,000 VND).

Total Travel Cost (Per Person, One-Way)

• Budget: $10–$20 (standard bus).

• Mid-range: $20–$65 (luxury bus or train + bus).

• Luxury: $55–$95 (flight + taxi via Legend Travel Group).

• Adventure: $45–$350 (motorbike rental or guided tour).

• Booking: Reserve flights, buses, or trains 1–2 weeks ahead; festival seasons (January–March) require 2–4 weeks. Motorbike tours need 24–48 hours’ notice.

• Sustainability: Choose low-emission buses or electric taxis; avoid single-use plastics. Book through Legend Travel Group for eco-friendly options.

• 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 on buses/trains; verify taxi driver identity at airports. For motorbikes, check road conditions and carry a first-aid kit. Be cautious of ATM and taxi scams in Da Nang.

• 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 stations and Highland villages. Ask permission before photographing locals.

Kickstart your Central Highlands adventure with our sustainable transfer and tour options from Da Nang:

• 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 Bus Transfer ($15–$35/person): Eco-friendly sleeper bus with hotel pickup, rest stops, guide, and Wi-Fi.

• Kon Tum Train + Bus Package ($20–$40/person): Train to Dieu Tri plus bus to Kon Tum, including transfers and guide.

• Kon Tum Motorbike Adventure ($200–$350/person, 3 days): Guided motorbike tour via Ho Chi Minh Trail, including bike, guide, and eco-friendly accommodations.

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

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

Traveling to Kon Tum from Da Nang is easily achievable by flight, bus, train, or motorbike, offering diverse options to reach this Central Highlands gem in Quang Ngai Province. Whether you seek the speed of a flight to Pleiku, the affordability of a sleeper bus, the scenic train-bus combo, or the thrill of a motorbike adventure, these routes ensure a smooth journey to Kon Tum’s cultural and natural wonders. Legend Travel Group’s Kon Tum Tours provide eco-friendly transfers and tours, ensuring a sustainable Kon Tum Travel experience that immerses you in the Highlands’ unique charm. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your transfer or tour today to embark on an unforgettable Kon Tum adventure!
Ready to explore Kon Tum from Da Nang? Reserve your eco-friendly transfer and tour with Legend Travel Group and discover the Central Highlands’ authentic allure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, 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.