Gia Lai Province, in Vietnam's central highlands, has officially designated Kon Ka Kinh National Park as a tourist site—the centerpiece of its 2026 tourism plan. That brings Gia Lai's officially designated tourist sites to four. Endangered primates live in the untouched old-growth forest, and Bahnar villages dot the surroundings—this forest, just added to the tourist map, is a candidate for anyone seeking a 'trip in dialogue with nature' rather than beaches or theme parks.
What Kind of Place Is Kon Ka Kinh?
コンカーキン国立公園は、ジアライ省の北東、省都プレイク（Pleiku）から約50kmの山あいにある。総面積はおよそ4万2,000ヘクタール（約419平方キロメートル）で、その8割弱にあたる3万3,565ヘクタールが天然林だ。行政区分としてはクロン、ダクロン、ダクソメイ、アユンの4つのコミューンにまたがる。
The reason this forest has drawn attention from researchers and conservation groups is the diversity of its wildlife. Animals alone account for 351 confirmed species, 47 of them rare species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book (list of endangered species). This designation as a tourist site means stepping into a stage of “showing it while protecting it.”
Primates you can meet only here
Kon Ka Kinh's signature resident is the grey-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix cinerea). Endemic to Vietnam and classified as critically endangered worldwide, this rare monkey has one of its largest surviving habitats in the park. The endangered northern yellow-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus annamensis) also lives here. An endemic bird known locally as 'Khuou Kon Ka Kinh' (a laughingthrush) and the Truong Son muntjac (Mang Truong Son) are also named in the park's introduction.
Since you're dealing with wild animals, sightings come down to luck, but the time spent walking the forest while listening to troops moving through the canopy at dawn and dusk is itself the value of this place. It's a destination for enjoying quiet and chance, not flashy attractions.
Waterfalls and ridgelines, nature on foot
The scenic highlights are the waterfalls threading through the primeval forest and the panorama from the highland ridgeline. Scattered within the park are Pho Tuong Falls (Thác Pho Tượng), P’ne Falls (Thác P’ne), and the falls commonly called “Falls No. 95” (Thác 95). The goal point for a ridgeline walk is the 1,330-meter White Rock Peak (Đỉnh Đá trắng).
For the more sure-footed, there is also a route to summit the 1,748-meter Kon Ka Kinh mountain, which gave the park its name. The view from the summit overlooking the Gia Lai Plateau (Pleiku Plateau) is presented as an experience representative of the region's ecotourism. The mixed forest of broadleaf and conifer trees includes many old-growth trees and is well suited to a walk while observing the vegetation.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | About 50 km from Pleiku, in northeastern Gia Lai Province |
| Area | 約4万2,000ha（うち天然林3万3,565ha） |
| Confirmed animal species | 351 species (47 of them rare) |
| Main highlights | Douc langurs, gibbons, waterfalls, White Rock Peak (1,330m), and Kon Ka Kinh mountain (1,748m) |
Bahnar life spread beyond the forest
What gives a trip to Kon Ka Kinh its depth is the culture of the Bahnar people who live around it. In villages such as Đêk Yêng, Hyêr, and Đê B'Tức, distinctive annual events—new-rice festivals, gong festivals, and traditional funeral rites—are still held today. Being able to combine forest walks with encounters with village culture is a draw unique to this area. Near Sapa in the north,Village tourism: Red Dao herbal baths and embroidery homestaysAs shown by its popularity, trips that visit the life of ethnic minorities can be the main draw in the Central Highlands too.
Practical points when considering it as a destination
The first thing to note is that the base is Pleiku. The basic route is to fly into Pleiku and then take about 50 km of mountain road by car. Just designated as a tourist site, it doesn't have the polished facilities of a beach resort. That's exactly why it's a destination to plan for hiking and wildlife watching, with room to spare in your gear and your schedule.
This time Gia Lai Province is rolling out several new spots beyond Kon Ka Kinh, including facilities of a different character such as the Japanese-culture-themed Yugari Chaya. Being able to vary the mix—Kon Ka Kinh for a nature focus, other spots for strolling and food—is the strength of this province now that it has more destinations. For a trip through untouched nature, the Mekong Delta'sVillage tourism: staying in a palmyra-palm forestand a former quarry turned jade-greenA tour of scenic lakes in An Giang’s Seven Mountainsconsidering it alongside these, the options for a “nature trip” in Vietnam widen considerably.
Summary
Kon Ka Kinh National Park's designation means a new destination on the map where you can take in endangered primates, old-growth forest, and Bahnar culture all at once. For seasoned travelers who've done the usual beaches and city tours, and for those who want to build a trip around wildlife and nature, it's a candidate for what's next. Starting from Pleiku and walking waterfalls, ridgelines, and villages over several days—why not add an itinerary like that to your options for your next trip to Vietnam?
