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Chu Mom Ray & Kon Ka Kinh National Parks: Vietnam’s Central Highlands Wilderness
A complete 2026 travel guide to two of Vietnam’s most biodiverse and pristine protected areas
Words by APHU · 12 min read · updated for 2026
Chu Mom Ray National Park – a biodiversity hotspot on the Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos border. Together with Kon Ka Kinh National Park, these twin sanctuaries protect the last great wilderness of Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
In the heart of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, where mist rises from ancient forests and rare wildlife still roams freely, lie two of the country’s most extraordinary protected areas: Chu Mom Ray National Park and Kon Ka Kinh National Park. Together, they form a crucial conservation corridor protecting thousands of square kilometers of evergreen rainforest, home to endangered species like the yellow-cheeked gibbon, grey-shanked douc langur, and Indochinese tiger. This guide draws from the personal journey of APhu (Ap Phu), a passionate nature lover who has made it his mission to explore all 36 national parks across Vietnam. His journey is not that of a tour operator but of a traveler who seeks to understand, preserve, and share the stories of Vietnam’s natural heritage. This guide covers both parks: their biodiversity, trekking routes, local cultures, and the commitments we all must make to protect these irreplaceable treasures.
A Journey with Purpose: APhu’s Commitments
Each place carries a story. And thus, this journey carries clear commitments:
- No wildlife products – Never use any products derived from wild animals.
- Leave no trace – Absolutely no littering.
- Spread awareness – Proactively share environmental protection consciousness with family, friends, and community.
- Support sustainable tourism – Contribute to building a sustainable tourism image in local areas.
- Share and help – Ready to share and assist those in difficult circumstances (within my capacity).
1. Chu Mom Ray National Park – The Indochina Biodiversity Hotspot
Location: Sa Thầy District, Kon Tum Province, Central Highlands of Vietnam. The park shares borders with Cambodia and Laos, forming part of the larger Central Indochina biodiversity corridor.
Area: Approximately 56,000 hectares (560 km²) of primarily evergreen tropical rainforest.
Established: 2002 (originally a nature reserve since 1986).
Altitude: Ranges from 200m to 1,200m above sea level, with Chu Mom Ray Mountain (1,203m) as the highest peak.
Biodiversity Highlights
Chu Mom Ray is considered one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Vietnam, often called the “green lung” of the Central Highlands.
- Flora: Over 1,600 plant species, including rare hardwoods and medicinal plants
- Mammals: 97 species including Indochinese tiger (critically endangered), Asian elephant (endangered), banteng, clouded leopard, sun bear, yellow-cheeked gibbon, and various macaques
- Birds: 260+ bird species, a paradise for birdwatchers
- Reptiles & Amphibians: 65 species of reptiles, 25 species of amphibians
- Butterflies: Over 200 butterfly species
Top Trekking Routes and Attractions
| Trail | Duration | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chu Mom Ray Peak Trek | 2 days / 1 night | Moderate to Difficult | Summit views of three countries (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos) |
| Ya Xuan Waterfall Trail | Half day | Easy to Moderate | 20m cascade, swimming in natural pools |
| Sa Thầy River Kayak Route | Full day | Moderate | Riverine forest, wildlife spotting, local villages |
| Biological Field Station Loop | 2-3 hours | EasyButterflies, birdwatching, pitcher plants |
Ethnic Communities
The park is surrounded by villages of the Gia Rai (Jarai), Xo Dang, and Ro Ngao ethnic groups. Visitors can arrange cultural homestays through the park management board, learning about traditional weaving, gong music (a UNESCO intangible heritage), and forest-based livelihoods. The park supports community-based ecotourism that directly benefits these villages.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (November – April): Best for trekking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Lower risk of leeches and mud.
- Green season (May – October): Lush vegetation, fewer crowds, but trails can be slippery. Excellent for birdwatching.
2. Kon Ka Kinh National Park – The Pristine Sanctuary
Location: Mang Yang and K’Bang Districts, Gia Lai Province, Central Highlands of Vietnam.
Area: Approximately 41,000 hectares (410 km²) of mountainous evergreen forest.
Established: 2002 (originally a nature reserve since 1986).
Altitude: Ranges from 500m to 1,748m at Kon Ka Kinh Peak.
Biodiversity Highlights
Kon Ka Kinh is renowned for its near-pristine condition and high levels of endemism. It is a critical refuge for several globally threatened species.
- Flora: Over 1,100 plant species, with many endemic to the Central Highlands
- Mammals: 78 species including the endangered grey-shanked douc langur (one of the world’s rarest primates), yellow-cheeked gibbon, sun bear, and Asian black bear
- Birds: Over 200 bird species, including the rare crested argus and Vietnamese crested argus
- Special status: Home to the largest known population of the grey-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix cinerea), a species found nowhere else on Earth
Top Trekking Routes and Attractions
| Trail | Duration | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kon Ka Kinh Peak Trek | 2 days / 1 night | Difficult | Summit at 1,748m, panoramic views, old-growth forest |
| Dak Liec Waterfall Trail | Half day | Moderate | Beautiful cascade, swimming, picnic area |
| Primatology Trail | Full day | Moderate | Monkey observation points, best for douc langur viewing |
| Cultural Trail to Ba Na Village | Half day | Easy | Visit Ba Na ethnic minority village, traditional stilt houses |
Ethnic Communities
The surrounding areas are home to Ba Na, Gia Rai (Jarai), and Xo Dang communities. The park works closely with these villages to promote alternative livelihoods to hunting and logging, including ecotourism, sustainable rattan harvesting, and certified coffee production.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (November – April): Optimal for trekking, especially to Kon Ka Kinh Peak. Morning mist offers dramatic photography.
- Green season (May – October): Beautifully lush; the sound of the forest after rain is unforgettable. Be prepared for leeches on jungle trails.
Visiting Both Parks: Practical Information
Getting There
| Destination | Nearest Airport | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chu Mom Ray | Pleiku Airport (PXU) | ~50 km | 1-1.5 hours |
| Kon Ka Kinh | Pleiku Airport (PXU) | ~70 km | 1.5-2 hours |
Both parks are accessible via Pleiku Airport, which has daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (1.5-2 hours). From Pleiku City, you can hire a private car or take local buses (limited schedule) to the park entrances. It is highly recommended to arrange transport through the park management board or a trusted local guide.
Entrance Fees and Permits (2026)
- Chu Mom Ray: Entry fee ~30,000-50,000 VND per person; trekking permits required for multi-day expeditions (additional 100,000-200,000 VND).
- Kon Ka Kinh: Entry fee ~30,000-50,000 VND per person; special permits required for primate research trails.
- Both parks require advance notification for overnight stays and guided treks. Contact the park management board at least 1-2 weeks in advance.
Accommodation
- Inside the parks: Basic guesthouses (Nhà khách) near park headquarters – very basic but clean. Dormitory style or simple rooms for 100,000-250,000 VND per night. Advance booking required.
- Homestays: APhu highly recommends staying in ethnic villages near the parks to support the local economy. Prices range from 150,000-300,000 VND per night including simple meals.
- Pleiku City: Full-service hotels from 300,000-1,000,000 VND for those preferring more comfort.
Local Guides
Local guides are mandatory for all trekking activities in both parks. Guides are knowledgeable about wildlife, medicinal plants, and forest safety. Many are rangers or trained villagers. Cost: 300,000-600,000 VND per day depending on group size and duration.
Responsible Travel Commitments
As APhu emphasizes: “Each place we pass through, each land we visit, carries a story within itself.” Visiting these fragile ecosystems comes with responsibility. Please commit to:
- Never use wildlife products – The parks are home to critically endangered species. Do not purchase or consume bushmeat, bear bile, or any animal-derived products.
- Leave no trace – Carry out all trash. The parks have limited waste management capacity.
- Spread awareness – Share your experiences and educate others about conservation.
- Support sustainable tourism – Hire local guides, stay in homestays, buy handicrafts directly from villagers.
- Share and help – Consider donating to park conservation programs or community development projects.
APhu’s message: “My deepest gratitude to all the officials working at the national parks – the quiet guardians who preserve and protect our country’s priceless heritage. I hope to have the opportunity to learn, experience, and spread the good things from every place I visit.”
Conclusion: A Journey of the Heart
Chu Mom Ray and Kon Ka Kinh National Parks are not mere destinations to be checked off a list. They are living laboratories of evolution, refuges for species found nowhere else on Earth, and homelands for communities who have lived in harmony with the forest for generations. APhu’s journey to explore all 36 national parks of Vietnam is not about tourism – it is about understanding, about connection, and about taking responsibility. Whether you are a seasoned trekker, a wildlife photographer, or simply a traveler who cares, these two parks offer an experience that will stay with you long after you return home. Go with respect. Travel with purpose. Leave only footprints.
— The Indochine Chic Team, with special thanks to APhu