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CMRNP is due to its transboundary component with the protected area on the Cambodian side excellently suited to become a model example for ecotourism within the international framework of the AHP’s in Asia. At the same time, the CMRNP has a particularly diverse potential for interesting tourism attractions. The numerous cultural, cultural-historical, scenic, biodiversity-based sites and ultimately places that commemorate the war provide a diverse mix for the development of sustainable tourism that does not overhaul and destroy nature and landscape, but builds on real existing and unique values.
The old and mostly broken ecotourism-infrastructure in the park offers the opportunity to remove unnecessary and disruptive structures and to design new facilities such as visitor information and guidance, hiking trails, bridges or viewpoints strictly according to ecological/aesthetic criteria. An appropriate planning strategy according to the motto ‘less is more’ can lead to an exemplary success from which other national parks can also benefit.
Although there are local and district plans for tourism interventions near the park, due to relatively small size of CMRNP and the high value but endangered biodiversity, only genuine ecotourism measures which aimed at protecting nature and landscape should be implemented. It is therefore strongly advised to refrain from major construction activities or entertainment infrastructure measures in the protected area, to ensure further loss of biodiversity in CMRNP.
The SGP packages (tourism/ eco-tourism) are designed to support capacity building within the AHP management, local communities and the private sector and link market development to the conservation of cultural heritage and traditions, and the resilience of the ecosystem per se by:
6.2 Location and Accessibility
CMRNP is located in 2 districts of Sa Thay and Ngoc Hoi in Kon Tum province, bordering with Rattanakiri province of Cambodia. Domestic and foreign tourists access the park mainly through the airport and the road traffic system.
Domestic and foreign tourists come to the CMRNP mainly through the airline and land transport system (Figure 14). The main airports to access the park include:
Kon Tum province does not have an airport to directly receive domestic and foreign tourists. International tourists visiting Vietnam travel to Noi Bai international airport then continue to transfer domestic flights to Da Nang airport and Pleiku airport before using the overland route to the park. From Pleiku airport, visitors will take about 1.5-hour drive to get to the park through the National Highway 14.
Figure 14. Traffic system to access to Chu Mom Ray National Park
Vietnam has only one railway line from North to South along the coast and central coastal provinces, so the railway transport system is not direct to CMRNP. Tourists approach indirectly from the coastal provinces and cities (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh), then follow the road traffic system to reach the destination.
The road traffic system to access the park is quite convenient, connecting to all cities of Vietnam through the National Highway 1 and National Highway System 14, and at the same time connecting with ASEAN countries through the Asian Highway (AH17). The distance from the park to Da Nang city is about 200 km, to Pleiku about 60 km (corresponding time is about 1-3 hours). Tourists can stay in Kon Tum city, about 30 km from the park.
In summary, Chu Mom Ray National Park can be accessed by international and domestic airport system or by railway and then through the road traffic system under the AH17 Highway, and the National Highway 1 and 14. Due to the diversified and convenient transportation system, visitors can easily access the NP at a low cost.
6.3 Existing Tourism Masterplans and Studies
In 2021, the tourism service system in the park has not really developed. Sa Thay district of Kon Tum province is still a poor mountainous district, so the ability to exchange and promote information has not been really focused.
In November 2021, the Management Board of CMRNP developed and submitted to the People’s Committee of Kon Tum Province for approval the “Plan on development of eco-tourism, resort and entertainment in CMRNP in the period of 2021-2030” (thereafter called ecotourism development plan). With this plan, the CMRNP has planned 10 projects under the scheme and are expected to be implemented in 10 years from 2021 to 2030, including items and themes of infrastructure construction for tourism, development of tourist attractions, improve tourism service capacity and improve communication capacity for tourism purposes. In August 2022, the ecotourism development plan of CMRNP in the period of 2021-2030 was approved by People’s Committee of Kon Tum Province.
The total investment of the plan is 133,550 million VND, divided into 2 phases, in which the first 5 years is 80,200 million VND and the next 5 years is 55,350 million VND. The plan using 5,400 million VND (accounting for about 4% of total investment capital) from the state budget, 127,750 million VND (94%) from social capital sources and 2,400 million VND (2%) from other legal sources. The plan has also proposed 12 groups of solutions for implementation, in which the group of solutions on management mechanisms and policies, attracting investment capital, building infrastructure, tourism technical facilities, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and preservation of traditional values.
Through relevant documents which are detailed in Annex 8, it can be seen that the orientation of Vietnam’s tourism development, especially tourism development for Chu Mom Ray National Park, will be systematically developed over time, including stakeholders from central to local level. The basic legal documents to organize the implementation of small financial projects to contribute to promoting the field of eco-tourism in CMRNP.
6.5 Destination Management, Associations, Organizations, Stakeholders
The organization of management activities and tourism planning in Chu Mom Ray National Park is unified through the following system of agencies:
In addition, tourism activities in the CMRNP also need coordination from other relevant agencies, including:
6.6 Main Attractions and Unique Selling Propositions – Main Attractions and Unique Products
6.6.1. Biodiversity and natural landscape
CMRNP is located at an altitude of 200 m to 1,773 m above sea level, diverse topography, divided by many large and small rivers and streams, creating diverse habitats of flora and fauna. Complex terrain types and diverse forest states have formed many attractive tourist attractions such as Fairy waterfall, Seven floor waterfall, Ya Book-Dak Tao grassland, and Dipterocarp forest. This is a unique feature of the park, forming typical tourist attractions combining environmental education activities, suitable for many ages and tourists.
6.6.2 Cultural diversity and ethnic composition
The buffer zone of CMRNP has a diverse ethnic composition with 23 different ethnic groups. The diverse ethnic groups have different cultural characteristics, languages, and dealing with natural resources, forming a unique picture of ethnicity and culture. The diversity of customs, festivals and different community activities constitute a source of cultural materials for the development of local tourism. The preservation and combination of cultures of many ethnic groups create the uniqueness of musical instruments such as T’rung, Da Gongs, Tinh Ninh and Moi. Communities in the buffer zone own 449 sets of Gongs belonging to six groups of Gongs including Lao Gong, Pom Gong, Pat Gong, Mo Nam Gong, Om Gong and Hanh Gong. The difference in the use of local bamboo species and dyed plants has brought together different types of brocades in addition to rich weaving techniques, which will be a source of handicraft products (Ecotourism development plan, 2021).
The gathering of 23 ethnic groups in the same locality is also the potential to develop community-based tourism and inherit the indigenous knowledge system in the management and use of natural resources and biodiversity conservation. Cultural tourism in Ro Koi commune, Mo Rai commune and is a unique tourism activity in the locality.
Coming to Ro Koi commune, visitors can enjoy Can wine, Lam rice, and participate in the Xoang dance of the Gia Rai and H’Lang ethnic minorities in New rice-worshiping festivals, New house celebration and Gong festival. These are the typical cultural features of the ethnic groups that are still maintained to this day. Mo Rai commune consists of 6 ethnic minority villages with almost intact traditional cultural features. Visitors can join New house celebration, overnight stay at Rong house and experience natural hot spring of Ia Mang.
The Yaly hydroelectric lake bed site helps visitors learn about the activities of the ethnic minorities living by craft fishing on the Yaly lake bed, participate in the festivals of the local people. There are the Gong festivals, visiting Rong house, and at the same time, visitors can admire the majestic mountains. This is an attractive destination and will be connected with ecotourism activities in the park.
6.6.3. Historical landmarks of the DMZ region
CMRNP is also known for its historical sites. Lung Leng relic in Sa Binh commune, Sa Thay district adjacent to the park is an important local relic. Lung Leng is a residence relic, stone workshop, pre-ceramic site and burial site of the ancient Central Highlands resident community of the Pleistocene, lasted from about 2,580,000 to 11,700 years ago, will play an important role in archaeological scientific research and tourism to learn more about the origins of ethnic groups in the Central Highlands.
During the war, the historic routes of Route 90 from Laos to Vietnam, Road 14C, Base H67, Junction 88 connecting strategic areas of the Liberation Army was also a place to keep bunkers and barbed wire to commemorate the time. The war is over with historical tourist attractions.
The memorial area was built in the administrative area of Ya Xier commune to commemorate the battle that took place on the High Point 995 (Chu Tan Kra Mountain) in 1968. Currently, the High Point 995 Chu Tan Kra still has vestiges of the battle, trenches, fortifications, barbed wire fences of the previous war.
The memorial site at the High Point 1015 (Charlie) is located in Ro Koi commune, and the memorial site at the High Point 1049 (Delta) is located in Ho Moong commune. These two sites are about 300 meters apart and are both located in the Charlie Mountains where fierce battles took place in 1972. The 1015 and 1049 memorial sites have created a spiritual tourist space located in the area between Ro Koi and Ho Moong communes. The road to these sites is quite long and convenient to travel only in the dry season. Standing on the High Point 1049 tourists will observe the lake, the Plei Krong dam, the panorama of Ho Moong commune and part of Dac Ha district.
6.6.4. Border tourism-Indochina fork
CMRNP has a special place of tourist value that is recorded as the Indochina fork. With geographical features located at the junction of Indochina, adjacent to two countries, Laos and Cambodia, the tri-border landmark (located in Ngoc Hoi district, attached to Bo Y International Border Gate) is a growing tourist attraction. attracts many tourists when coming to Kon Tum province. The Indochina junction landmark is located on a hilltop at an altitude of 1,086m. In the Indochina junction, visitors can see the territory of three countries Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In addition, the Memorial Temple of Truong Son Heroes and Martyrs is also a spiritual tourist place that attracts many tourists. In recent years, this area has welcomed a large number of international tourists from Laos and Cambodia to Vietnam through Bo Y international border gate.
6.6.5. Rescue, conservation and development area
The area of rescue, conservation and creature development was built at plot 4, sub-area 605, located in the area of Bar Goc, Sa Son commune, considered as a Visitor Center of CMRNP. Coming to the Center, visitors will be given an overview of CMRNP – ASEAN Heritage Park in the main room of the Center. In addition, visitors can also visit the rescue center – where rescue and care for many species of wild animals, and garden for collecting and breeding wild orchids.
This is the attraction that most tourists visit when coming to CMRNP and is becoming a favourite destination of many visitors. The area of rescue, conservation and creature development being an attraction place that combines environmental education activities suitable for a wide range of audiences, especially schoolchildren, students and family tourists.
| Figure 15. Seven- floor waterfall in Chu Mom Ray National Park |
The natural waterfall is divided into 7 levels at Ya Tri stream, Mo Ray commune, about 25 km from Sa Thay town along provincial road 674. The waterfall has 7 consecutive cascades, so people call it 7-floor waterfall (Figure 15). There are also 2 beautiful waterfalls, 40 – 50 m from the 7-storey waterfall. To get to the 7-storey waterfall, tourists will experience canyoning with these small waterfalls. On the way to the 7-storey waterfall pass a lot of beautiful forests. Near the foot of the waterfall, there is a small lake, suitable as a swimming pool for tourists.
Fairy waterfall belongs to Dac To Nu stream in Sa Nhon commune and about 15 km from the center of Sa Thay district. From the main road to the waterfall takes about 40 minutes, on the way there are many beautiful stops where guests can take souvenir photos. Currently, on holidays, Tet or weekends, there are often groups of odd guests in Sa Thay district who organize themselves to swim in the waterfall.
Bat Cave waterfall or Dong Doi Waterfall is about 2km from Nang Tien waterfall, about 35-40 minutes walk from the main road. On the way in, there are many beautiful small beaches and many photo spots for visitors. Bat Cave waterfall is very beautiful in the rainy season and is one of the favorite destinations of people in Sa Thay district and some surrounding areas. Located next to the waterfall is Bat Cave, 15m high and about 100 m2 wide with many stalactites covered and is the habitat of bats.
Nang – Chang – Bere Y waterfall cluster belongs to Dak Cha stream branch of Ro Koi commune. The waterfalls are stratified from low to high in the order Thac Nang, Thac Chang and Waterfall Bere Y. At the end of Bere Y waterfall, there is a stone block shaped like a coffin with mysterious stories about a village boy who tried to make a coffin for his loved one when he died. The coffin-shaped stone block next to Bere Y waterfall has remained stable over the years and has become an attraction for visitors.
6.6.7. Ecotourism peaks to experience and explore
The Peak of Nui Nhon Mountain is 1,400 m high and is located to the west of Chu Mom Ray mountain (Figure 16). The Peak of Nui Nhon Mountain has a pointed triangle shape, so the people in the area call it Peak Mountain. Nui Nhon belongs to the administrative area of Ro Koi commune. From the Ya Book bridge on Highway 14C, you can observe the peak of Nui Nhon Mountain fully. The slopes of Nui Nhon Mountain often have changing bands of clouds that create many interesting images every morning when the sun rises or in the evening when the sun begins to set. The rugged, wild and steep way to the Nui Nhon Mountain will be a challenging place for adventurous travelers. Climbing time will take about 5-6 hours to reach the top of the mountain. Tourists can observe the Bai Animal Area, the space of Roi Koi commune, the bamboo forests and the 14C road from Ngoc Hoi to Mo Rai commune.
Figure 16. Peak of Nui Nhon mountain in CMRNP
Chu Mom Ray Mountain is also the name of CMRNP located at plots 3c, 3b, 3f in sub-areas 601, 605 and 595. The route leading to the top of the mountain passes through beautiful habitats with streams, waterfalls, and virgin forests. births and vestiges of war. On the top of Chu Mom Ray, visitors will have a panoramic view of Sa Thay district, Yaly lake, Plei Krong lake and part of Kon Tum city. Although not officially put into tourism, Chu Mom Ray peak is interested by many tourists in Hanoi, Da Nang and Saigon. They do their own research and hire local people to guide them in the dry season. Usually guests will go 2 days 1 night, departing at noon the previous day and returning in the morning of the next day. This is an interesting destination for tourists who like to experience climbing activities in CMRNP.
6.6.8. Specific forest ecosystems for research and landscape
Worldwide, about 3.2 million km 2 of forest deciduous dry stretches from Srilanka through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam. Currently, Vietnam has a relatively small area of about 350 ha of deciduous forest. The ecosystem of Dipterocarp forest is a typical dry season deciduous forest of the Central Highlands. CMRNP has Dak Kan dipterocarp forest with an area of 150 hectares, about 8 km from the center of Ngoc Hoi district along national road 14C (Figure 17-18). The open areas in the Dipterocarp forest are flat grasslands that are habitat for white storks, native and seasonal migratory birds. This is a suitable place for ornithologists. This is a very beautiful location and can be converted into an outdoor experience point for travelers interested in exploring and nature lovers. In addition, with a very nice location next to National Highway 14C and near Ya Book Safari, this area is very suitable to become a potential tourist destination of CMRNP.
Figure 17. Dak Kan dipterocarp forest on the Indochina junction tourist route
Figure 18. Tour route to visit Indochina junction through natural seasonal deciduous forest
| Figure 19. Lagerstroemia sp. forest in Ya Book area – Natural dominant forest ecosystem |
The Lagerstroemia sp. forest distributed along road 14C is a beautiful place to visit for tourists (Figure 19). The leaves of the forest trees begin to turn from green to yellow from December of the previous year, then turn red and fall around January – February of the following year. Currently, this is also a photo stop for many tourists when passing through here and in the near future will be upgraded into a potential attraction in the park.
The bamboo group is rich and diverse and in CMRNP not only creates beautiful landscapes on tourist routes but also is a raw material for crafts and weaving of the Gia Rai, H’Lang and Ro Mam people and other ethnic groups in the region. Some areas of bamboo (Bambusa balcooa ) forest in the basins of Ia Mo stream, Ia Tri stream, and Ngang stream are characterized by mixed bamboo, cork and wood forests. The bamboo forest ecosystem with pure species concentration is a beautiful and convenient forest for visitors. To approach the bamboo forest ecosystem in Ngang stream, tourists should choose the time of the dry season to combine with the experience of climbing the Seven- floor waterfall, resting in natural hot spring of Ia Mang and also visiting Lagerstroemia sp. forest.
6.6.9. Grasslands and natural pastures (Safari)
Dak Tao Safari is a grassland with an area of about 1 hectare, surrounded by forest of mausoleums, located near Dak Tao forest protection station and about 1 km from National Highway 14C. On the way to Dak Tao Safari, visitors will pass through Bang Lang forest ecosystem, Dak Tao stream and Dak Tao suspension bridge are attractive attractions. In the dry season the area is a dry grassland. Around April and May of the lunar calendar, when the rainy season comes, the grass begins to regenerate and green the grasslands, and the ungulates and herbivores begin to come here to feed.
Ya Book Safari is located about 1 km west of the Ya Book Forest Protection Station, on road 14C across Ya Lan stream. Ya Lan stream has water all year round and flows through grasslands, so this area is often wet, muddy, plants grow all year round and is the habitat of ungulates. The safari is an attractive place to observe and study forest fauna, especially in the dry season when mammals gather here. Currently, this grassland area is about 3 hectares interspersed with swamps.
The location of fossil deer footprints is located close to National Highway 14C and close to Dak Tao forest protection station. At present, the area of fossil deer footprints is quite pristine, the road goes through the state of giant trees, wooden forests, and is a gathering place for birds and animals looking for food. Right near the deer footprints is a mineral salt water mine that attracts many species of birds, animals, and bees to come here to drink water. Thus, this can be a place to visit and study birds and mammals. Not far from here is the old cow farm, this spot is quite flat and located right on Dak Tao stream. The stream landscape quite beautiful and wide area for swimming (1,000 m2), and very suitable for camping activities and experience the waterfall.
Tourist route climbing Sa Nhon – Chu Mom Ray Peak lasts 1 day and 1 night. Visitors will be able to visit waterfalls over 100 m high, primeval forests with ancient trees of rare species and primeval dwarf forests at an altitude of 1,773 m. In addition, visitors will camp overnight in the forest to monitor the activities of animals at night, listen to and observe birds and gibbons in the morning.
Coming to this tourist route, visitors will be able to visit and explore caves, rock caves and waterfalls running along Eadebao stream, primeval forests with species of minnows sawing on the cliffs that are considered living fossils of flora in CMRNP.
This is a route for picnicking, camping, and observing nature. The Sa Thay – Bar Goc – Mo Rai route helps visitors observe the landscape of primeval forests with many large and ancient trees, observe and photograph rare birds, admire waterfalls, sleep camping night in the forest, topographical tourism (by bicycle, hiking), combining cultural tourism to visit and learn about Gia Rai ethnic cultural identity in Bar Goc village, participate in traditional festivals of ethnic minorities in 7 villages of Mo Rai commune.
The overnight picnic route takes visitors to the grasslands, streamside resorts, overnight camping in the forest to observe large mammals and carnivores at Ya Book and Dak Tao safari, and hiking in the forest.
In this tour, visitors will visit the Dipterocarp forest, camp, walk and rest at the motels in Ngoc Win area (Ngoc Hoi district), visit and learn about ethnic groups such as Tay and Muong, and enjoy traditional dishes. On this route, tourists can visit Bo Y international border gate, which is a place of trade and commerce between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
CMRNP organizes tourism activities in the direction of creating tourism products for scientific, ecological, cultural, historical and mountain exploration with the main responsible under the Center of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecotourism (CBCE). The center is designed with the mission of restoring flora and fauna, researching, teaching and preserving biodiversity for flora and fauna belonging to and developing eco-tourism for the park and surrounding areas. The mission is to provide visitors with knowledge about the ecology of the park and to introduce tourist attractions and routes. The CBCE plays the role of receiving and introducing visitors to tourism, sightseeing, learning and research activities in the park.
The CBCE of CMRNP currently has 10 main support staffs for tourism services and biodiversity conservation tasks. Most of the staff working at the National Park have deep expertise in forest ecology and biodiversity conservation but limited experience in tourism. Currently, the center has only 1 professional staff trained in college-level cultural tourism, 8 people are professionally trained as tour guides and have been granted operation certificates. Especially, there are 2 staffs who are issued with domestic tourist guide certificate. Currently, the CMRNP is focusing on improving the skills of organizing ecotourism service activities for the center’s staffs.
The CBCE currently does not have an interpreter service, but has a system of instructions for introduction, information, guide guides, safety and protection guides. The widespread mobile network system and smoothly connected traffic system play an important role in emergency and rescue services in case of emergency.
Every year, all staffs of the CBCE can participate in professional training courses in tourist guides organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Kon Tum province. The center registers employees to participate in course on “Responsible Tourism” and course “Community Tourism”.
The advantage of CMRNP is the convenient transportation system with 79.5 km of provincial roads and National Highways running through the park. Provincial road 675 from Kon Tum city – Sa Thay town – Sa Nhon commune – Ro Koi commune – Ngoc Vin pass intersection; provincial road 674 connecting Sa Thay town – Sa Son – Mo Rai; and National Highway 14C connecting Mo Rai commune, Sa Thay district to Ngoc Hoi district has been upgraded to facilitate traffic. The 50 km long (special-use road) border patrol route running along the western boundary of the Park is reinforced with concrete. Routes for forest inspection, patrol and protection and forest fire prevention, combined with eco-tourism in the park are more than 90 km long.
The convenient transportation system makes it easy to access and connect attractions in the CMRNP. In addition, the transport system also connects tourist routes outside the boundary of CMRNP to other attractions and tourist attractions in Sa Thay, Ngoc Hoi or Kon Tum districts. Modes of using means of transport such as small cars, motorbikes and bicycles can easily access and move between areas of the park.
6.7.3 Energy and communication facility
CMRNP and buffer zone communes are using the national grid system. Some forest management and protection stations in border areas use solar power systems. The clean water system is being built according to the common water use system of the whole Sa Thay district in the near future. Areas outside residential areas use water from wells, springs and rainwater.
The communication system has telephone coverage in most of the CMRNP. Popular phone networks such as Viettel, Mobiphone and Vinaphone provide phone service, 3G and 4G wifi to most of the park area.
6.7.4. Accommodation facilities
The headquarter of CMRNP is located in Sa Thay town (Sa Thay district). There are about 50 guest rooms belonging to 1 hotel and 3 motels in the town. The distance from the town center to the headquarters of the park is about 3 km. Visitors can also stay in accommodations located in Kon Tum city, about 30 km from CMRNP.
In Sa Thay district, there are 3 restaurants and event venues capable of welcoming tourists. The largest restaurant can accommodate about 800 guests. In CMRNP, there are currently 4-storey buildings in the premises of the park headquarter, which compesed of a guest house with rooms, which was built in 2004. When the demand for guests increases, the form of community accommodation will be organized and served in the direction of community-based tourism combining local historical and cultural tourism. The residential communities in the buffer zone located less than 10 km from the tourist destinations.
At present, the CBCE of CMRNP has not collected service, entrance and tourism fees. Due to the low number of tourists coming in the year (about 1800 guests in 2020), the tourist reception activities are normally self-organized and spontaneous. The center has not directly organized the reception of visitors.
Tourists coming to CMRNP can organize their own stay at Sa Thay town or in Kon Tum city. Their visit is normally short stay and usually a day tour. Only a very small number of scientific researchers and students from Universities and Colleges stay for the purpose of research and study for a longer period of time. Currently, the ecotourism development plan of the CMRNP in the period of 2021-2030 was approved by People’s Committee of Kon Tum Province.
CMRNP is located quite far from the center of big cities. The source of local tourists is mainly from Kon Tum province and neighboring provinces of the Central Highlands. In recent years, although the number of tourists recorded to CMRNP has increased but it is still relative low (Table 16). Most of the tourists to the CMRNP are domestic, with only 40 foreigners visiting the park in 5 years.
Table 16. Number of visitors to CMRNP from 2016-2020
| Year | Visitors | ||
| Total number of visitors | Domestic visitors | International visitors | |
| 2016 | 04 | 04 | 0 |
| 2017 | 35 | 27 | 04 |
| 2018 | 1,442 | 1.432 | 10 |
| 2019 | 2.306 | 2,280 | 26 |
| 2020 | 1.865 | 1.865 | 0 |
| Total | 5.648 | 5.608 | 40 |
Since the data source on visitors to CMR AHP is still limited to a small number, limited research on market data is available.
There is also little data available at the time of field survey.
The number of tourists visiting Chu Mom Ray National Park in recent times has been presented, but there is not enough data to to draw conclusions about the negative impacts of tourism on the park.