Awakening Kon Ka Kinh

Pristine beauty and exceptional value

Kon Ka Kinh National Park is located at an altitude ranging from 570 m (Ba River valley) to 1,748 m (Kon Ka Kinh peak). Covering an area of nearly 42,000 hectares, spread across the communes of Krong, Dak Rong, Dak So Mei, and Ayun ( Gia Lai province), Kon Ka Kinh National Park enjoys a cool and refreshing climate year-round.

Semi-wild grazing area - a tourist attraction in Kon Ka Kinh National Park. **Photo: Hoang Ngoc**

This place boasts diverse and enchanting landscapes: tranquil deer pastures, lush green pine forests, the 1,748m high Kon Ka Kinh peak, and cascading waterfalls steeped in legends such as the Fairy Waterfall, Kon Bong Waterfall, H'lan Waterfall, and Waterfall 95.

Amidst the vast forest, clusters of centuries-old banyan trees stand majestically like guardian deities of the ancient woods. Beneath their green canopy, hundreds of rare plant and animal species thrive, weaving a vibrant and pristine ecological tapestry.

The cluster of ancient banyan trees with their exposed roots is a highlight of the National Park. **Photo: Hoang Ngoc**

Kon Ka Kinh is also a mystical land with unique indigenous cultural heritage, where the sound of gongs and drums resonates during the new rice harvest festival and the worship of the forest god; where majestic communal houses stand tall in the villages, the warm aroma of rice wine blends with laughter, and skillful hands still diligently weave baskets, make fabrics, and craft musical instruments from bamboo. The harmonious blend of nature and culture has created a distinct and unique identity.

Stepping foot in Kon Ka Kinh, every step opens up new experiences. You can wander along trekking trails under the forest canopy, cross streams to conquer the White Rock peak, or reach the "roof" of Gia Lai, getting lost amidst trees with fascinating shapes. Visitors can also camp overnight by the stream, waiting for the sunrise to peek through the leaves.

Tourists enjoy a meal amidst the trees. **Photo: Hoang Ngoc**

In Kon Ka Kinh, photographers can capture the golden rice harvest season amidst mountains and forests on either side. Or, if you're looking for tranquility, you can choose to relax and rejuvenate, enjoying the fresh air and unwinding your mind in the healing energy of the trees and ancient forest.

Rice fields cultivated by the Bahnar people within the National Park. **Photo: Central Highlands.**

And don't forget to immerse yourself in the Bahnar community life: participate in cooking, weaving, festivals, and listening to legendary stories. For students, or those with a passion for science , the Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Development Center will open up a journey of discovery into the rich and fascinating ecosystem of the primeval forest.

Awakening Kon Ka Kinh

Despite being a treasure trove of natural and cultural resources, Kon Ka Kinh remains a little-known destination. In the first seven months of 2025, the park only welcomed 342 visitors, and tourism activities are still on a small scale, not commensurate with its potential.

The moss-covered forest on the way to the summit of Kon Ka Kinh captivates tourists. Photo: Hoang **Ngoc**

In order to bring this "green gem" closer to tourists, Kon Ka Kinh National Park has carried out many promotional activities to attract visitors.

The park collaborated with tourism businesses to organize two races to conquer the White Rock peak, invited travel agencies and media outlets to survey the area, and simultaneously refined and tested various exploration tours ranging from easy to difficult, meeting the diverse experiential needs of tourists.

These efforts have received a positive response from tourism businesses. Ms. Truong Thi Phuong Nga, Director of Gia Lai Ecotourism Trading Company, said: Kon Ka Kinh is a special destination, where each cultural village on the edge of the forest and each trekking route across streams offers a valuable experience.

According to Ms. Nga, combining forest and beach tourism will help connect this destination in "mountain-to-sea" itineraries, making Kon Ka Kinh more prominent on the Vietnamese tourism map.

The ancient trees along the trail leading to the summit of White Rock in the National Park attract tourists. **Photo: Hoang Ngoc**

From the eastern part of Gia Lai province, Mr. Pham Hoang Truc, Director of Gotour Travel Company, also shared his strong impressions upon his first visit to Kon Ka Kinh. According to him, the blend of nature and Bahnar culture can create unique, sustainable, and "timeless" community-based ecotourism products.

“This autumn, we will introduce a new tour exploring the ripening rice fields in Kon Ka Kinh, combined with capturing beautiful moments in the forest through photography. I believe this will soon become a popular destination. In the future, the company will continue to prioritize the development of products associated with the Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve and Kon Ka Kinh National Park,” Mr. Truc said.

Chairman of Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee Pham Anh Tuan (fourth from the right) surveys tourism at Kon Ka Kinh National Park. **Photo: Hoang Ngoc**

During a recent survey and working visit to Kon Ka Kinh National Park, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee, Pham Anh Tuan, affirmed that Kon Ka Kinh is not only a "rare gem" of Vietnam but also a priceless gift of nature to humanity.

He emphasized that the province will prioritize biodiversity conservation alongside sustainable tourism development, investing in infrastructure, upgrading access roads to the park, and inviting international scientists and journalists to conduct research and promote the image of Kon Ka Kinh to the world to attract tourists.

Excited by the province's direction, the Director of Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Ngo Van Thang, said: "The attention of the provincial leaders has resolved many difficulties, especially in forest management and protection associated with biodiversity conservation. In the spirit of 'conservation to develop tourism and tourism to serve conservation,' the park will strengthen links with travel agencies, build tour routes, develop services, promote and attract investment to improve infrastructure, better serve conservation efforts and welcome visitors."

Kon Ka Kinh awaits exploration, so that each trip becomes both an experiential journey and an act of contributing to heritage preservation.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/danh-thuc-kon-ka-kinh-post563376.html