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From the fires of persecution, a venerated church arose
Around 1840, as the Nguyen Kings banned Christianity in Vietnam, the Western missionaries moved to the faraway highlands in Kon Tum Province on the Mid-Vietnam plateau. From Hue Capital through lowland provinces to Kon Tum, they took the 120km long, so-called ‘salt, ceramics and gongs’ trading route.
The stretch of road from Quang Ngai to Kon Tum at the time was very desolate, bumpy and perilous. To evangelize the rustic highland tribes of Kon Tum, the first thing the missionaries did was build a primitive church from trees and leaves.
Without knowledge of local languages and customs, they had a lot of troubles. However, with perseverance and patience, the Western missionaries have managed to introduce Christianity to the ethnic minorities here.
In 1913, as more people began turned Christian, Brother Joseph Décrouille, head of Kon Tum parish, decided to build a more robust church. He mobilized the parishioners and their elephants to gather necessary hardwood from the forest.
Having amassed a large amount of wood, he invited famous carpenters from the lowlands to work with local masters. In 1918, the 500-seat wooden church was completed. Since then, the wooden church had survived two long bloody wars and the harsh Kon Tum weather.
In 1995, the wooden church was expanded to double the old capacity. The old and new parts matched well, and the whole structure looks like a huge cross.
Today, Kon Tum wooden church stands on Nguyen Hue Street of Kon Tum city. Apart from the main building, it has also a 25m tall Cross Tower, a reception house, a showroom exhibiting ethnic and religious products, a typical local tribal communal house, an orphanage, a brocade weaving and sewing shop, and a carpentry workshop.
In the church’s garden, there is a statue of Virgin Maria holding newborn Jesus, made of a single log in the rustic style of Tay Nguyen ethnic tribes. Culturologists say that Kon Tum wooden church was designed and built in Roman style combined with elements of Tay Nguyen stilted house architecture.
The exterior and interior decoration is also a mixture of Western and local ethnic cultures. The Website of Vietnam air travel Tourism Authority asserts, ‘The Kon Tum wooden church is a masterpiece of architecture, where Romantic style mixes in harmony with Ba Na stilted house model.’
During Christmas, the minority parish artisans use timber, brocades and tree bark to decorate the wooden church in typical Tay Nguyen colours and motifs. In the outdoor space they plant many festive trees – a spiritual symbol of Tay Nguyen peoples’ life. On High Masses, multitudes of people of Ba Na, Xe Dang, Gia Rai, Ro Mam, B’rau and tribes from deep mountains come to receive God’s grace and blessing. They fill up the church’s 7000m2 premises.
Not far away from the wooden church is the Kon Tum seminary constructed during 1935-1938 by the first bishop of Kon Tum episcopate. Built from precious wood and stones, the seminary has the same style as the church but is much bigger.
The upper floor of the seminary has a showroom exhibiting the missionary history of Kon Tum since the mid-19th century, personal items and handwritten documents of priests and missionaries, and images and texts related to the establishment and development of Kon Tum episcopate.
Meticulously carved in wood, items showcased at the seminary are very valuable. This can be considered as a small museum of life utensils, farming tools and cultural artefacts of the ethnic minorities living in this province.
Vietnam Airlines, a world-class airline, owns the most modern and highest quality of Boeing and Airbus fleets. Being a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Vietnam Airlines honourably receives certificate from The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and is certificated as a 4-star airline. Providing 3 different classes, Vietnam Airtravel is ready to take passengers to 21 international and domestic destinations.
Around 1840, as the Nguyen Kings banned Christianity in Vietnam, the Western missionaries moved to the faraway highlands in Kon Tum Province on the Mid-Vietnam plateau. From Hue Capital through lowland provinces to Kon Tum, they took the 120km long, so-called ‘salt, ceramics and gongs’ trading route.
The stretch of road from Quang Ngai to Kon Tum at the time was very desolate, bumpy and perilous. To evangelize the rustic highland tribes of Kon Tum, the first thing the missionaries did was build a primitive church from trees and leaves.
Without knowledge of local languages and customs, they had a lot of troubles. However, with perseverance and patience, the Western missionaries have managed to introduce Christianity to the ethnic minorities here.
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In 1913, as more people began turned Christian, Brother Joseph Décrouille, head of Kon Tum parish, decided to build a more robust church. He mobilized the parishioners and their elephants to gather necessary hardwood from the forest.
Having amassed a large amount of wood, he invited famous carpenters from the lowlands to work with local masters. In 1918, the 500-seat wooden church was completed. Since then, the wooden church had survived two long bloody wars and the harsh Kon Tum weather.
In 1995, the wooden church was expanded to double the old capacity. The old and new parts matched well, and the whole structure looks like a huge cross.
Today, Kon Tum wooden church stands on Nguyen Hue Street of Kon Tum city. Apart from the main building, it has also a 25m tall Cross Tower, a reception house, a showroom exhibiting ethnic and religious products, a typical local tribal communal house, an orphanage, a brocade weaving and sewing shop, and a carpentry workshop.
In the church’s garden, there is a statue of Virgin Maria holding newborn Jesus, made of a single log in the rustic style of Tay Nguyen ethnic tribes. Culturologists say that Kon Tum wooden church was designed and built in Roman style combined with elements of Tay Nguyen stilted house architecture.
The exterior and interior decoration is also a mixture of Western and local ethnic cultures. The Website of Vietnam air travel Tourism Authority asserts, ‘The Kon Tum wooden church is a masterpiece of architecture, where Romantic style mixes in harmony with Ba Na stilted house model.’
During Christmas, the minority parish artisans use timber, brocades and tree bark to decorate the wooden church in typical Tay Nguyen colours and motifs. In the outdoor space they plant many festive trees – a spiritual symbol of Tay Nguyen peoples’ life. On High Masses, multitudes of people of Ba Na, Xe Dang, Gia Rai, Ro Mam, B’rau and tribes from deep mountains come to receive God’s grace and blessing. They fill up the church’s 7000m2 premises.
Not far away from the wooden church is the Kon Tum seminary constructed during 1935-1938 by the first bishop of Kon Tum episcopate. Built from precious wood and stones, the seminary has the same style as the church but is much bigger.
The upper floor of the seminary has a showroom exhibiting the missionary history of Kon Tum since the mid-19th century, personal items and handwritten documents of priests and missionaries, and images and texts related to the establishment and development of Kon Tum episcopate.
Meticulously carved in wood, items showcased at the seminary are very valuable. This can be considered as a small museum of life utensils, farming tools and cultural artefacts of the ethnic minorities living in this province.
Vietnam Airlines, a world-class airline, owns the most modern and highest quality of Boeing and Airbus fleets. Being a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Vietnam Airlines honourably receives certificate from The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and is certificated as a 4-star airline. Providing 3 different classes, Vietnam Airtravel is ready to take passengers to 21 international and domestic destinations.
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It feels like sports travel is getting bigger every year. Recent reports show that sports tourism continues to grow as families are willing to travel farther and stay longer to support teams and attend major events. Youth and school sports are a big part of that trend, bringing visitors to cities that many families might never have considered visiting otherwise.
What's interesting is that these trips often become mini vacations. Families explore local restaurants, museums, parks, and attractions between games. A football matchup might be the reason for the trip, but the memories usually come from everything that happens around it. Sports tourism has become one of the fastest-growing parts of the travel industry, with destinations investing heavily in facilities and events to attract teams and fans.
Even major football events today are showing how closely sports and travel are connected, with fans planning trips across cities and countries just to follow their teams. Travel costs, accommodations, and event schedules have become a huge part of the experience.
For anyone interested in this connection between sports and travel, I found this article on High School Football Rankings: Impact on Travel Plans, which looks at how rankings can influence where families go and how they plan their seasons.
What's interesting is that these trips often become mini vacations. Families explore local restaurants, museums, parks, and attractions between games. A football matchup might be the reason for the trip, but the memories usually come from everything that happens around it. Sports tourism has become one of the fastest-growing parts of the travel industry, with destinations investing heavily in facilities and events to attract teams and fans.
Even major football events today are showing how closely sports and travel are connected, with fans planning trips across cities and countries just to follow their teams. Travel costs, accommodations, and event schedules have become a huge part of the experience.
For anyone interested in this connection between sports and travel, I found this article on High School Football Rankings: Impact on Travel Plans, which looks at how rankings can influence where families go and how they plan their seasons.
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Hey fellow travelers! I just found an amazing way to save on flights with the discount code ttweakflight, and I had to share it with you all. I recently booked a trip and got a great deal using this code—super easy and hassle-free!
If you’re looking for cheap flights, especially last-minute deals, this might help. Has anyone else tried it? Would love to hear your favorite flight hacks or discount tips. Let’s share and save together!
If you’re looking for cheap flights, especially last-minute deals, this might help. Has anyone else tried it? Would love to hear your favorite flight hacks or discount tips. Let’s share and save together!
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I dream of visiting Kerala, a land renowned for its mountains, traditional foods, and holy sites. I previously traveled to India and visited Kainchi Dham. This time, I’ve booked an India tour package to explore Kerala’s rich heritage and natural beauty. I am excited to experience its unique culture, spiritual places, and scenic landscapes, making my upcoming trip a memorable adventure.
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If you want to explore Shimla beyond Mall Road, there are plenty of quieter and more scenic experiences to enjoy. Kufri is a great choice for mountain views, short walks and outdoor activities. You can also visit Jakhoo Temple for panoramic views of Shimla and the surrounding hills.
For a peaceful experience, head towards Mashobra or Naldehra, where you can enjoy pine forests, fresh air and beautiful landscapes away from the busy town centre. Chail is another excellent option for a relaxed day trip, especially if you enjoy nature and forest roads.
If you are planning a longer Himachal holiday, a manali tour from delhi can also be combined with Shimla to explore more mountain destinations in one trip.
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Hi everyone! I’m looking for some inspiration for luxury travel in 2026. I’m particularly interested in destinations that combine beautiful scenery, unique local experiences, excellent hotels, and great food.
I’d love to hear from travelers who have recently visited a luxury destination that genuinely impressed them. What destination would you recommend, and what made your trip special?
I’m also interested in discovering lesser-known destinations rather than only the usual luxury hotspots.
For additional luxury travel inspiration and destination ideas, you can also visit The Luxe Travel Box: https://theluxetravelbox.com/
Thanks in advance for your recommendations!
I’d love to hear from travelers who have recently visited a luxury destination that genuinely impressed them. What destination would you recommend, and what made your trip special?
I’m also interested in discovering lesser-known destinations rather than only the usual luxury hotspots.
For additional luxury travel inspiration and destination ideas, you can also visit The Luxe Travel Box: https://theluxetravelbox.com/
Thanks in advance for your recommendations!
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Planning a memorable wildlife safari in Kanha National Park starts with choosing the right time to visit, selecting suitable safari zones, and booking your jeep safari in advance. The best experience comes from exploring the forest with an experienced guide who can help you spot tigers, deer, barasingha, and many beautiful bird species. For a smooth trip, check the safari timings, carry your ID proof, wear comfortable clothes, and bring a camera and binoculars. Kanha National Park Safari Booking is an important part of your planning, especially during peak tourist seasons when permits can fill up quickly. You can also choose accommodation near the park to enjoy a relaxed stay and reach your safari gate on time. Follow forest rules, avoid loud noises, and respect wildlife to make your Kanha safari memorable, enjoyable, and responsible.
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Hi everyone!
I’m planning a trip to Bali from Australia and would love some advice from people who have visited recently.
Which areas are best to stay in, and is it better to book a holiday package or arrange flights and accommodation separately? I’m also interested in finding reliable travel agencies that offer good value without compromising on the overall experience.
Would love to hear your recommendations, budget tips, and experiences!
I’m planning a trip to Bali from Australia and would love some advice from people who have visited recently.
Which areas are best to stay in, and is it better to book a holiday package or arrange flights and accommodation separately? I’m also interested in finding reliable travel agencies that offer good value without compromising on the overall experience.
Would love to hear your recommendations, budget tips, and experiences!
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The answer might surprise you! Find out how airline pricing works in 2026 and when you may have the best chance of finding a better fare:
https://flightskynet.com/do-flights-get-cheaper-closer-to-date/
https://flightskynet.com/do-flights-get-cheaper-closer-to-date/
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Hello all forum members here at forum4travel. I love traveling and always like to have a conversation about travel with people from different parts of the world. This is my first post here and I am really looking forward to meeting some travel lovers here to make my future trips more enjoyable and convenient.
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Hello. Im new to visiting Canada. Wanted some info on which area to stay in while traveling down to Toronto- Brompton, Mississauga, or Markham? Is one safer than others.
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