Kon Tum, The Vietnamese Region With An Authentic Winter Season

“Is there winter in Vietnam, really?” Many surprised travelers ask this. In their minds, Vietnam is a tropical country with only sunny and rainy seasons. In actuality, Vietnam has a true winter season in the North and even experiences snowfall in some mountain provinces, such as Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Ha Giang, etc. During Christmas time, cold air flows through the South as well, energizing the Southern people and giving them an occasion to wear their fashionable coats. The Western Highlands in the center of Vietnam also experiences a genuine Vietnamese winter, even though this area is very hot throughout many months of the year.

Kon Tum is one of five provinces in the Western Highlands where you can enjoy the most authentic winter in Vietnam. A cold climate and light winds cover the whole Kon Tum region. Rows of mountains blanketed in heavy frosts compose the most poetic scenery. Enjoying dried mountain bananas and a mouthful of local coffee during winter in Kon Tum is a fresh, tasty way to temporarily escape from the world.

Kon Tum has a rich ethnic culture because it was historically an autonomous state for some of the original Vietnamese tribes, such as the Xe Dang and Ba Na tribes. Winter provides an interesting opportunity to explore these indigenous villages, to enjoy boiled two-year cassavas and bamboo-tube rice (cơm lam), and to participate in various tribal festivals that truly immerse you in the Space of Gong culture - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gong is a traditional tribal instrument that the people of the Western Highlands play in their festivals, including Christmas. Visiting two outstanding architectural wonders, the Kon Klor communal house (Nha Rong Kon Lor)  and  the old Wooden Church (Nha Tho Go), will make your winter journey in Kon Tum more complete. Don’t forget to eat Goi La, a unique dish of spring rolls made with many kinds of forest leaves!