It all started thanks to a recommendation from https://www.facebook.com/chamkhanhhoa/ – they suggested Leonardo and I should try Kong Forest Adventure Park as both the location and the experience are really worth the trip. I contacted the place and booked us in for the day after.
Leonardo on a boulder with Hoang and Lee
We got picked up from our hotel in town by Mr Hoang who came on a Ford SUV accompanied by a young and affable Miss Lee, who Leonardo immediately liked. Hoang negotiated the morning traffic of Nha Trang and soon we left the busy town, passing the outskirts and dozens of nice, traditional market villages. It was not long before we hit nature. Outside, only a winding mountain road flanked by papaya, banana and mango plantations.
It was a cloudy day, perfect for a mountain trip. Leonardo and I had been in Vietnam for over 20 days and had only experienced hot sunny days, scooter drives and and beach time. Nature was indeed a nice change. The road finally got smaller and smaller, and bumpier as well. Hoang informed us Kong Forest Adventure Park is about 40km from town and 20km from Hon Ba Mountain peak.
Apart from nice cool temperatures, Hon Ba Mountain doesn’t have spectacular views and it is not a known tourist sport as such, but the fact that makes it worthwhile to visit is that it is where the Swiss-born French bacteriologist and doctor Alexandre Yersin chose to climb more than 100 years ago, and where he decided to live to do his pharmaceutical research. Read his story HERE.
Swimming at the stream
Leonardo getting ready for the swim
Back to our trip, it wasn’t long before we reached the entrance of Kong Forest Adventure Park. Rain started to fall as we descended the car. Hoang and Lee took us to reception, where we changed our clothes and went straight down to Suoi Nguon, a large basin fed by three streams and surrounded by boulders and small waterfalls. Despite the cloudy day and the cold water, Leonardo and I dived in and enjoyed a cool swim. Up on the hillside, a series of small cabanas host guests who come here to eat, drink and enjoy the cool atmosphere, and not necessarily to take part of the several activities on offer. In fact, Kong Forest Adventure Park is also a nice place to just go to and enjoy food and friend’s company in the midst of nature. Their restaurant serves roasted jungle pig, a local delicacy! It was Saturday, so by lunch time all cabanas were occupied by Vietnamese from Ho Chi Minh, a 4 hours drive away, families and groups of friends who had come to enjoy the Hon Ba nature.
Setting the Stage for Adventure
Leonardo at Suoi Nguon stream
As we later ventured into the depths of Kong Forest accompanied by Hoang, who is a wealth of information about the camp and the area, we were instantly enveloped by the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. The dense foliage, teeming with diverse flora and fauna, created an amazing atmosphere. We visited the Zip Line starting platform and the ATV headquarters, so we had an idea of what we wanted to try.
They have a nice list of adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities closely tied to the nature and the environment waiting for customers to explore: Zipline Canopy Tour, ATV Tour, Hiking, Rafting, Camping. You can also stay overnight at Kong Forest: a few tepee-like tents dot the area, and there is a central common area for evening groups and BBQs under the stars.
Kid-Friendly Fun: A Wholesome Family Experience
River rafting is also available, though it is better over the rainy months
What truly set Kong Forest apart was its family-friendly approach. With my 5-year-old Leonardo in tow, I was delighted to find a range of activities tailored to him as well. Leonardo was introduced to the joys of nature through a short nature walk, and the excitement on Leonardo’s face as he learned about the environment was truly heartwarming. Kong Forest provided ample opportunities to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The gentle stroll through the forest unveiled hidden waterfalls, tranquil streams, and stunning vistas. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers, and the symphony of chirping birds added to the enchanting ambiance.
ATV Adventure: A Heart-Pounding Ride
Leonardo familiarising with the ATV
Eventually I let Leonardo chose the activity, and he went for ATV with hardly any hesitation at all. The ATV adventure was exhilarating. After the staff trained the whole group on the tricks of manoeuvring an ATV, we started the hard but exciting drive through rugged trails that led us deeper into the forest. The roar of the engines and the thrill of navigating the terrain provided an adrenaline rush like no other. The trails were thoughtfully designed to cater to all skill levels, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both seasoned riders and novices. We did the short version of the tour, as the long one is quite tiring and takes about 2 hours to complete. The ATV adventure left our hearts pounding, and Leonardo looks of approval made me proud of this whole Vietnam adventure I had designed for him.
A Welcoming Haven
Leonardo gets the special attention of the park staff
The team at Kong Forest went above and beyond to ensure our experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and a genuine enthusiasm for sharing their sanctuary with visitors. Hoang and Lee were not only knowledgeable but also considerate of Leonardo’s needs, making us feel like treasured guests throughout the adventure.
Capturing the Essence
Kong Forest is more than just an adventure park; it’s a portal to a world where nature and excitement coexist harmoniously. The park owners and staff cohabit with the local mountain people of the Raglai ethnic group, and provided a temple for them and for anyone else wishing to pray in. The project is respectful of nature and during construction, they did not fell trees unnecessarily.
In Conclusion
Father and son enjoying ATV adventure at Kong Mountain
Kong Forest is an adventure haven located in the heart of the lush Vietnamese wilderness that guarantees an unforgettable escape for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. It is also a place where adventure-seekers can quench their thirst for adrenaline, and families can bond over shared experiences. It is a sprawling playground for adventurers of all ages that left us in awe of its natural beauty, exciting activities, and warm hospitality. Watching Leonardo engage with the environment underscored the educational value of this remarkable destination. Kong Forest Adventure Park is a must-visit destination in Nha Trang, Vietnam, that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
KONG FOREST ADVENTURE PARK
Office: STH 19-21, No.13 Street; LeHongPhong II Urban Area, Phuoc Hai Ward, Nha Trang City
Operation address: Km19 Hon Ba Mountain, Suoi Cat Commune, Cam Lam District, Khanh Hoa Province,
Opening hour: 8 AM – 5 PM Daily
Hotline: +84 9758 07958 Telephone: +84 2586 288 388
