Located about 70 kilometers from the center of Pleiku, Hà Đông stands isolated like an oasis amid the vast Central Highlands.
To reach this land, which is encircled by majestic mountain ranges, visitors must traverse more than 30 kilometers of winding forest roads, climbing steep slopes with ancient forests on one side and deep ravines on the other.
The journey is far from easy, but it rewards travelers with rare experiences as the landscape unfolds layer by layer—from misty mountain peaks to tranquil valleys and ridgelines aglow with feathery grass.
Between the undulating mountain ranges lie expansive rice paddies stretching along the valley floor, interspersed with upland fields perched on steep slopes. The challenging terrain has shaped both the agricultural practices and the deep connection between the people and the forest.
Hà Đông is home to five Bahnar villages scattered across the hilly landscape. Some villages are nestled halfway up the mountains, others are tucked deep within valleys, yet together they create a harmonious rhythm unique to the region.
The most distinctive architectural feature is that each village has a wooden church, built in a style reminiscent of the famed Kon Tum wooden church, standing out amid the rustic stilt and earthen houses. This simplicity is what gives the area its unique character.
One of the most memorable experiences in Hà Đông is climbing to the top of Đức Mẹ hill, where you can take in a panoramic view of Kon Pơdram village nestled in the valley below. From this vantage point, you can see other Bahnar villages dotting the distant hillsides, connected by winding slopes, painting a scene that is both majestic and serene.
Along the large stream that runs through the village are flat grassy banks, ideal for overnight camping. Waking up in the morning to the sound of babbling water, birds calling in the forest, and the familiar footsteps of villagers heading barefoot to church—especially as Christmas approaches—brings a rare sense of peace.
Due to its remote terrain, challenging roads, and lack of gas stations, residents of Hà Đông primarily travel on foot. This has helped the area preserve its pristine environment, fresh air, and tranquil pace of life.
For those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Hà Đông is an ideal destination—a place to slow down and reflect amid the mountains and forests of the Central Highlands.
