4 Best Sights in Kon Tum, The South-Central Coasts and Highlands

Each ethnic minority village in the region has its own rong house, which serves as a community hall. These tall stilted structures, with long pitched roofs, often thatched, are where meetings, weddings, and other community activities take place. The size of the rong house is an indication of how wealthy the village is—and the roofs can be as high as nearly 100 feet. The Bahnar people usually build their rong houses from wood and bamboo, with wooden stilts, while the Jarai people use corrugated iron for the roof and concrete for the supporting pillars. There are a few rong houses within easy reach of Kon Tum, including two near the suspension bridge in Konklor Village.

Another picturesque wooden building, the three-story Kon Tum's Catholic seminary was completed in 1934. It contains a small minorities museum that shows the history of Christianity and conversion in the region, as well as exhibits from local hill tribes. It's open on Sunday.

This bridge, about 2 km (1 mile) from downtown Kon Tum, spans the Dakbla River. The 292-meter bridge was completed in 1994, making it easier for people in Konklor village to get to town. If you're really lucky, you may see a "traffic jam" caused by a bullock cart crossing the bridge. Don't miss the rong house on the left side of the northern bank of the river.

Also known as the Cathedral of Kon Tum, this church (completed in 1918) combines Roman and Bahnar architectural styles in a unique and beautiful building with wide verandas. The church is usually open, so you can go inside and admire the stained-glass windows that light up the airy interior. There's an orphanage behind the church that welcomes visitors and some interesting workshops in the grounds. Masses are held at the church daily at 5 am and 5:30 pm and on Sunday, at 5 am, 7:30 am, and 4 pm.