How to Get to Kon Tum: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to the Central Highlands

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 key destination, attracting 12,000 travelers annually. Nestled amid lush forests and the Dak Bla River, it’s ideal for immersive eco-tourism and cultural exploration, with 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 to Kon Tum using electric vehicles and buses, ensuring a low-impact journey. 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 despite its administrative merger, 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 sustainability. Our Kon Tum transfers feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, 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.

Kon Tum’s strategic location in the Central Highlands makes it accessible from major Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Below are the most efficient, updated routes with current pricing, sustainable options, and practical tips, replacing outdated travel methods like discontinued bus operators.

1. From Ho Chi Minh City (550 km, 10–12 hours)

Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling southern hub, offers multiple ways to reach Kon Tum, balancing speed, cost, and eco-friendliness.

• By Air + Taxi:

  • Description: Fly to Pleiku Airport (50 km from Kon Tum), the closest airport, then take a taxi or shuttle to Kon Tum. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways operate daily flights.

  • Details:

    • Flight Cost: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND), 1 hour.

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

    • Total Time: 2–3 hours.

    • Access: Book flights via airline websites; arrange taxis at Pleiku Airport or through Legend Travel Group’s Airport Transfer ($15–$25).

  • Eco-Friendly Note: Choose airlines with fuel-efficient fleets; book electric taxis via Xanh SM.

  • Tip: Morning flights (6:00–10:00 AM) offer better connections; pre-book taxis for convenience.

• By Express Bus:

  • Description: Comfortable sleeper buses depart from Mien Dong Bus Station, offering a budget-friendly overnight option with Wi-Fi and reclining seats.

  • Details:

    • Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

    • Time: 10–12 hours, departing 6:00–8:00 PM.

    • Operators: Phuong Trang (FUTA Bus), Thanh Buoi. Contact: 1900 6067 (Phuong Trang).

    • Access: Book via bus operator apps or Legend Travel Group’s Bus Transfer ($20–$30).

  • Eco-Friendly Note: Buses reduce per-person emissions; choose operators with modern, low-emission fleets.

  • Tip: Book 2–3 days ahead for peak seasons (December–April); bring a light blanket.

• By Private Electric Taxi:

  • Description: Xanh SM electric taxis offer a premium, eco-friendly road trip with scenic views of the Central Highlands.

  • Details:

    • Cost: $200–$250 (5,000,000–6,250,000 VND), 4–6 passengers.

    • Time: 10–11 hours.

    • Access: Book via Xanh SM app or Legend Travel Group’s Private Transfer ($220–$270).

  • Eco-Friendly Note: Zero-emission electric vehicles; ideal for groups.

  • Tip: Depart early (5:00–7:00 AM) to avoid traffic; stop at coffee plantations en route.

2. From Hanoi (1,100 km, 20–24 hours)

Hanoi, Vietnam’s northern capital, connects to Kon Tum via air or long-distance bus, catering to different budgets and schedules.

• By Air + Taxi:

  • Description: Fly to Pleiku Airport from Noi Bai International Airport, then take a taxi or shuttle to Kon Tum. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways offer 2–3 daily flights.

  • Details:

    • Flight Cost: $80–$150 (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), 1.5 hours.

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

    • Total Time: 3–4 hours.

    • Access: Book flights online; arrange taxis via Legend Travel Group’s Airport Transfer ($15–$25).

  • Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for fuel-efficient airlines; use electric taxis.

  • Tip: Evening flights (6:00–9:00 PM) allow same-day arrival; confirm taxi availability.

• By Express Bus:

  • Description: Sleeper buses from Giap Bat or My Dinh Bus Station provide an economical overnight journey with rest stops.

  • Details:

    • Cost: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND).

    • Time: 20–24 hours, departing 7:00–9:00 AM or 6:00–8:00 PM.

    • Operators: Hoang Long, Mai Linh. Contact: 1900 969681 (Hoang Long).

    • Access: Book via operator websites or Legend Travel Group’s Bus Transfer ($30–$45).

  • Eco-Friendly Note: Shared buses lower emissions; choose modern fleets.

  • Tip: Book a week ahead for holidays (Lunar New Year); bring snacks.

3. From Da Nang (300 km, 6–8 hours)

Da Nang, a coastal city, offers convenient road and air options to Kon Tum, ideal for Central Vietnam travelers.

• By Express Bus:

  • Description: Modern buses from Da Nang Central Bus Station (201 Ton Duc Thang Street) offer a scenic ride through the Highlands.

  • Details:

    • Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

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

    • Operators: Phuong Trang, Thanh Buoi. Contact: 1900 6067 (Phuong Trang).

    • Access: Book via apps or Legend Travel Group’s Bus Transfer ($15–$25).

  • Eco-Friendly Note: Buses are low-emission; avoid single-use plastics.

  • Tip: Morning buses (7:00 AM) offer daylight views; book 1–2 days ahead.

• By Private Electric Taxi:

  • Description: Xanh SM electric taxis provide a comfortable, eco-friendly journey with stops at Mang Den Eco-Park.

  • Details:

    • Cost: $100–$150 (2,500,000–3,750,000 VND), 4–6 passengers.

    • Time: 6–7 hours.

    • Access: Book via Xanh SM app or Legend Travel Group’s Private Transfer ($120–$170).

  • Eco-Friendly Note: Electric vehicles reduce carbon footprint; perfect for families.

  • Tip: Depart at 8:00 AM; request a stop for coffee in Mang Den.

• By Air + Taxi:

  • Description: Fly to Pleiku Airport from Da Nang International Airport (1–2 daily flights), then taxi to Kon Tum. Limited flights, so check 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.

    • Access: Book flights online; arrange taxis via Legend Travel Group’s Airport Transfer ($15–$25).

  • Eco-Friendly Note: Choose eco-conscious airlines; use electric taxis.

  • Tip: Book flights 1–2 weeks ahead; avoid Mondays for better availability.

• December–April (Dry Season, 18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F): Ideal for road trips and flights with clear skies and moderate traffic (60–150 daily visitors). Book transfers 1–2 weeks ahead.

• May–November (Rainy Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Lush scenery but potential road 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 bus 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 (6:00–8:00 PM) suit overnight travel.

• Walking: Free, ideal for Kon Tum center (1–3 km radius).

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

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

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

• 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.

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), biodegradable wipes.

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

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

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

Transport Costs

• Flights to Pleiku: $40–$150 (1,000,000–3,750,000 VND).

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

• Express Bus: $10–$40 (250,000–1,000,000 VND).

• Private Electric Taxi: $100–$250 (2,500,000–6,250,000 VND).

Total Travel Cost (Per Person, One-Way)

• Budget: $20–$40 (bus from Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City).

• Mid-range: $60–$120 (flight + taxi from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City).

• Luxury: $120–$270 (private electric taxi from Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City).

• Booking: Reserve flights and buses 1–2 weeks ahead; festival seasons (January–March) require 2–4 weeks. Private transfers need 24–48 hours’ notice.

• Sustainability: Choose electric taxis or buses; 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: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm bus amenities (Wi-Fi, AC). Check weather for rainy season travel.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; respect local customs at bus stations and rest stops.

Start your Central Highlands adventure with our sustainable transfer options:

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

• Kon Tum Bus Transfer ($15–$45/person): Eco-friendly buses from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang. Includes rest stops, guide.

• Kon Tum Private Adventure Transfer ($120–$270/group): Xanh SM electric taxi for 4–6 passengers from Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City. Includes scenic stops, guide.

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

Kon Tum, Quang Ngai Province, is a Central Highlands treasure accessible from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang via flights, buses, or private electric taxis. Whether you seek budget-friendly buses or premium eco-transfers, these routes ensure a smooth journey to Kon Tum’s cultural and natural wonders. Legend Travel Group’s Kon Tum Tours guide you through this vibrant destination, ensuring a sustainable Kon Tum Travel experience that immerses you in the Highlands’ charm while supporting local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your transfer today to start your Kon Tum adventure!
Ready to explore Kon Tum? Reserve your eco-friendly transfer with Legend Travel Group and experience the Central Highlands’ authentic allure!

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

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group