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Anyone who has visited Gia Lai will be astonished by the vastness and majesty of this place, a mountainous region with villages and the wild rhythms of traditional gongs, truly possessing impressive natural landscapes. Visit and discover Gia Lai now with VNTRIP.VN through this comprehensive travel guide!
Ideal Timing
Being in a tropical monsoon climate zone, the weather here is characterized by frequent rain and high humidity. The climate can be divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season, lasting from May to October, and the dry season from November to April of the following year. If you're traveling to Gia Lai, it's advisable to avoid the rainy season as the mountainous terrain becomes dangerous during heavy rains. The best time to visit Gia Lai is probably in November when the wildflowers bloom brightly across the land.
Transportation
By Plane: You can book flights with reputable airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, or Jetstar to travel to Gia Lai, as there are currently two airports serving transportation. You can find budget-friendly tickets, such as a round-trip from Hanoi to Pleiku for only 560K and from Ho Chi Minh City to Pleiku for around 800K.
By Bus: Besides flights, you can also travel from Hanoi to Pleiku by bus, which takes quite a long time, approximately a day, with ticket prices ranging from 550K-600K for one-way. For a bus journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Gia Lai, the fare varies from 200K – 250K with a travel time of about 11 hours.
Ideal Sightseeing Spots
Biển Hồ (T’Nưng Lake)
Biển Hồ (T’Nưng Lake) is located in the Northwest of Pleiku city, approximately 7 km from the city center along National Highway 14, and is renowned as one of the most naturally beautiful and picturesque lakes, bestowed by nature. Formed from a volcanic crater, T’Nưng Lake is often metaphorically referred to as the “eyes of Pleiku” as standing here and gazing into the distance, one sees no end, much like a pair of distant and contemplative eyes.
Breathtaking scenery (Photo: ST)
The myriad shades of blue in the lake will make you feel incredibly small, blending into nature. Situated on a mountain, when standing on the shore, the sea breeze blends with the forest breeze, creating a unique and different sensation. Riding a bike through the forests to explore the eyes of Pleiku, you will truly find it fascinating. Moreover, this is also a freshwater lake that provides the main water supply for Pleiku city.
Lost amidst the vast and miraculous nature (Photo: ST)
Tea Lake
Located on the northern shore of Tea Lake, Tea Lake is one of the prominent destinations that travelers eagerly seek when visiting Gia Lai due to its magnificent and romantic beauty. Established since the 1920s, it is one of the first tea plantations in Vietnam, cultivated by the French.
A “hot” spot for photo enthusiasts (Photo: ST)
Beyond the tea hills with the vast, expansive greenery, one feels as if on a beach surrounded not by water but by lush, green tea trees. The pathway leading to Tea Lake is also a scenic route highly favored by travelers.
An endless and majestic “tea sea” (Photo: ST)
Yaly Hydroelectric Plant and Suspension Bridge
Yaly Hydroelectric Plant is located in Ialy commune, Chu Pah district, Gia Lai province. To reach the Yaly Hydroelectric Plant, a significant milestone in the hydroelectric dam system on the Se San River, you must traverse the red dirt road starting from National Highway 14. Yaly Hydroelectric Plant is the second largest hydroelectric project in Vietnam (after Hoa Binh hydroelectric plant). If you have the opportunity to visit the Central Highlands, exploring the place that supplies electricity to the entire region is a meaningful experience in your journey.
Scenery of Yaly Hydroelectric Plant (Photo: ST)
This suspension bridge isn't made of concrete or wood but rather consists of strands of rope stretched from one side of the river to the other. Walking on this bridge, you'll truly have an interesting experience with a range of diverse emotions—simultaneously anxious, fearful, and thrilled, making it a memorable adventure.
Suspension bridge (Photo: ST)
Phu Cuong Waterfall
Phu Cuong Waterfall is located in Dun commune, Chu Se district, Gia Lai province, approximately 3 km from Chu Se town and 45 km southeast of Pleiku City. This place is poetically referred to as the 'white silk strip of the central plateau.' Phu Cuong Waterfall vividly embodies the Central Highlands with its majestic 45m-high flow and foaming white water blending harmoniously with the melodious chirping of birds.
Phu Cuong Waterfall (Photo: ST)
On both sides of the stream is the habitat of the Ba Na and Gia Rai ethnic groups. Engaging in activities such as fishing and harvesting medicinal leaves with the local people here will provide you with diverse insights into life that you won't find in any book or classroom.
Dong Xanh Tourist Area
Situated amidst An Phu rice fields and located on National Highway 19, Dong Xanh is a place preserving the unique cultural features of the Central Highlands ethnic groups from ancient times, featuring the Green Pond Park. Home to the melodious music of Central Highlands gongs, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this place allows you to vividly experience the atmosphere, lifestyle, and culture of the Central Highlands.
Preserving the distinctive culture of the Central Highlands (Photo: ST)
In addition, visitors can enjoy can wine made from cassava, rice, and natural ingredients. Drinking can wine and listening to the locals tell stories, you'll learn that the significance of can wine lies in the slow descent from the neck to the stomach, gradually warming the body, signifying that the people of the Central Highlands will always protect you, and Giang will warm your soul.
Dong Xanh Park (Photo: ST)
Minh Thanh Pagoda
Minh Thanh Pagoda boasts a unique architecture in Pleiku, blending Chinese and Japanese design elements. Visiting here, you'll truly marvel and feel like you're wandering in a temple in China or the land of cherry blossoms, Japan.
A glimpse of Chinese influence… (Photo: ST)
…Harmonizing with the charm of Japanese temples (Photo: ST)
Built in 1964 by Venerable Thich Giac Dao, Minh Thanh Pagoda has undergone several renovations due to historical changes. When exploring the unique gong culture in Pleiku, don't miss the distinctive features of Little Vehicle Buddhism practiced here!
Great Unity Square
If Biển Hồ is the 'eyes of Pleiku,' then Great Unity Square is the 'heart of Pleiku.' Situated in the city center, near National Highway 14, it's a key landmark with an area of 12 hectares. The focal point is the statue of President Ho Chi Minh leaning against the Dragon's Jaw. Behind the statue, bas-reliefs depict the daily life of the Central Highlands. Truly a breezy spot to enjoy the tranquil scenery amid the vast and mysterious Central Highlands.
Great Unity Square (Photo: ST)
Chư Đăng Ya Volcano
Chư Đăng Ya, in the J’rai language, means wild ginger root. Here, traces of a volcano that was active millions of years ago can still be found, with a funnel-shaped crater and basaltic rocks scattered in the rich red basaltic soil.
Chư Đăng Ya aerial view (Photo: ST)
Travel enthusiasts are likely familiar with this place, especially from November onwards when wild sunflowers bloom. What makes Chư Đăng Ya unique is the vibrant and late blooming wild sunflowers, enriched by the fertile red soil. Beyond the wild sunflowers, reaching the summit of Chư Đăng Ya offers visitors the opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in lush green meadows reminiscent of European prairies.
A mountain that is both majestic and strangely serene (Photo: ST)
The season of wild sunflowers in full bloom on the mountain (Photo: ST)
Meadows of grass as beautiful as those in European prairies (Photo: ST)
Heaven's Pit
Heaven's Pit is the name of a large pit formed by the long-running flows of the waterfalls. To explore the bottom, you need to use a rope and cling to the moss-covered rock walls. Extreme caution is required when venturing into Heaven's Pit to avoid any unnecessary mishaps!
Kon Ha Nung Moist Tropical Forest
When in Gia Lai, you cannot miss the opportunity to explore the Kon Ha Nung moist tropical forest. Covering an area of about 160,000 hectares, Kon Ha Nung consists of two natural reserves: Kon Chrang and Kon Ka Kinh.
Kon Ha Nung Moist Tropical Forest (Photo: ST)
Moist tropical forest Kon Ha Nung conserves numerous valuable wood species such as ironwood, ebony... It is also the habitat for 60 species of mammals, 160 bird species, and many endangered species like elephants, leopards, bears, red wolves, and black gibbons.
Nhon Hoa Elephant Village
Located in Nhon Hoa commune, Chu Se district, Gia Lai province, Nhon Hoa Elephant Village is an ideal place to learn about elephants and experience what it's like to ride these fascinating creatures. What makes the elephants in Nhon Hoa special is that they were purchased in Buon Don after being tamed for transporting goods. The elephant owner only leads the elephant when requested by tourists.
Nhon Hoa Elephant Village (Photo: ST)
Ayun Ha Lake
Ayun Ha Lake is an artificial lake created for the construction of the Ayun Ha irrigation project. Nestled in a pristine forest with a length of 20km, winding through the valley and along numerous villages of ethnic minorities, this lake serves as a water source for irrigating 13,500 hectares of rice fields. Additionally, it provides a significant hydropower source for the Ayun Ha hydroelectric plant.
Artificial Ayun Ha Lake (Photo: ST)
9-story Waterfall
The 9-tier waterfall located in Ia Sao commune, Iagrai district, 20 km from Pleiku city. The waterfall flows along rugged cliffs and is divided into 9 separate tiers, resembling an elongated staircase when viewed from one side, covered in water.
Nine-tier Waterfall (Photo: ST)
Ham Rong Peak
Ham Rong Mountain, also known as Chư Hơ Đông or Dragon Jaw Mountain, stands at an elevation of 1000m. It is home to the most famous volcano in the Central Highlands and features lush red basaltic soil. In December, vibrant yellow wildflowers paint the entire mountain, creating a picturesque scene for this peak.
Ham Rong Mountain from a distance (Photo: ST)
Ha Tam Pine Hill
Ha Tam Pine Hill is located about 5 km from National Highway 19, with an average elevation of 1150 m above sea level. It is known as another version of the pine forest in Da Lat. The pine trees here are tall, straight, and some have diameters exceeding 1m, showcasing diverse shapes.
Ha Tam Pine Hill (Photo: ST)
Dien Hong Park
Dien Hong Park is a space that recreates the cultural essence of the Central Highlands ethnic groups amidst the lush nature, and the main area is the Dien Hong Lake tourist village. You can stop at traditional Indian-style Bungalows here to enjoy coffee and admire the picturesque scenery.
Dien Hong Park captured from a drone (Photo: ST)
Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve
Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve is a place with a rich and diverse plant system due to the transitional ecosystem between the East and West of the Truong Son range. In addition, Kon Chu Rang is also home to many majestic waterfalls, including the famous 50 Waterfall, one of the most attractive destinations in Gia Lai.
Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve (Photo: ST)
Kon Ka Kinh National Park
Kon Ka Kinh National Park is recognized by ASEAN as an ASEAN heritage park with a rich plant system and unique forest animals for both Vietnam and Indochina. Kon Ka Kinh plays a significant role in protecting the headwaters for major rivers, providing irrigation for pepper fields, coffee forests, and contributing water to the Yaly hydropower plant.
Kon Ka Kinh Nature Reserve (Photo: ST)
Must-Try Delicacies
Double Bowl Pho (Dry Pho)
Double Bowl Pho, also known as Dry Pho, is perhaps the first dish that comes to mind when mentioning Gia Lai cuisine. It's called double bowl pho because when you eat, you'll have two bowls, one with broth and one with separate pho noodles, not mixed together as we usually have. The pho noodles are made from spicy rice flour, with small, perfectly cooked strands to avoid being too chewy or mushy. Additionally, it includes ingredients such as finely minced pork, shredded chicken, and crispy dried onions.
The broth is made from chicken broth, rare or tendon beef, corn or beef balls... Accompanying vegetables for dry pho include lettuce, basil, and bean sprouts.
Double Bowl Pho (Photo: ST)
Crab Paste Vermicelli
Crab paste vermicelli is a specialty of Pleiku, but not everyone can get used to the taste of this dish as it has a unique, intense flavor of pure fish sauce and fermented crab water. Similar to durian, if you can 'appreciate' this dish, you might get 'addicted' to it.
Crab Paste Vermicelli (Photo: ST)
The ingredients to create crab paste vermicelli are quite elaborate and diverse, including field crab, vermicelli, pork belly, bamboo shoots, sausage or fermented pork roll, crispy fried pigskin, various spices, and chili fish sauce. Crab vermicelli has the salty taste of fish sauce, the aromatic flavor of vegetables, the spiciness of chili, all mixed with the distinctive richness of crab vermicelli, creating a very enticing and delicious dish.
Fermented Fish Vermicelli
Not as elaborate as crab paste vermicelli, fermented fish vermicelli is made from vermicelli and fermented fish sauce with a few raw vegetables. The fermented fish sauce is the main ingredient, made from clean rice fish, marinated with salt in a certain ratio, then sealed in a jar for about 7 to 9 days. The sauce will be added to various spices such as lime, garlic, chili, sugar, and finely chopped pineapple to soften the salty taste when eaten with vermicelli.
A bowl of vermicelli filled with fresh vegetables layered at the bottom, topped with fresh vermicelli, followed by boiled meat, sausage, fermented pork roll, a few slices of cucumber, and a bowl of fermented fish sauce will satisfy the taste buds of visitors to Pleiku.
Sun-Grilled Beef
This uniquely named dish is a specialty of Pleiku with its irresistible allure lying in the beef. The beef used for this dish must be young, freely grazed in nature to ensure firmness. The meat is carefully prepared, removing the skin, cleaning, and slicing it into thin pieces. It is then marinated briefly with spices such as sugar, salt, seasoning powder, finely ground chili, and sesame. After that, it is sun-dried for a day.
When eating, simply take each piece of meat, place it on the grill, and cook over a charcoal stove. The grilled meat turns golden and crispy on both sides, and when rolled with fresh vegetables, it creates an unforgettable dining experience.
Sun-Dried Beef (Photo: ST)
Forest Leaf Salad
Forest leaf salad is a rustic dish with the essence of the Central Highlands forests. Various types of forest leaves are carefully selected, ensuring they are free of toxins, do not react with each other, and have nutritional value beneficial to health. Minced meat and crispy fermented pork rolls are rolled with these leaves and dipped in a sauce, creating a delightful and unique taste with the spicy bitterness of fresh leaves and the rich flavors of minced meat and crispy fermented pork rolls.
Ingredients that make up the forest leaf salad (Photo: ST)
A rolled piece of the salad (Photo: ST)
Bamboo-tube Rice and Grilled Chicken
Traditionally known as a signature dish of the Northwest ethnic groups, bamboo-tube rice is also a popular dish in the Central Highlands. The rice, made from glutinous rice poured into young bamboo tubes, is then grilled. To enjoy bamboo-tube rice, you peel off the outer layer, similar to bamboo-tube rice in the Northwest, but it carries the distinctive flavor of the Central Highlands forests.
The unique feature of Central Highlands bamboo-tube rice is its pairing with grilled chicken. The free-range chicken, known for its firm and lean meat, is marinated with a bit of salt for richness, along with chili, lemongrass, and a touch of honey. The chicken is then carefully grilled on bamboo sticks, ensuring it is not burnt, and when done, it has a golden and tender appearance.
Bamboo-tube Rice enjoyed with Grilled Chicken (Photo: ST)
Mì Quảng with Fish Cake
The Mì Quảng dish here differs from Mì Quảng in other places in that it includes fish cake, creating a very distinctive flavor. The price of a bowl of Mì Quảng with fish cake in Pleiku will surprise you, as it's only around...10K for you to enjoy this enticing dish.
Gia Lai-style Mì Quảng with Fish Cake (Photo: ST)
Grilled Skewers
This is a popular snack in Pleiku, and when you're here, you shouldn't miss it. The grilled skewers are crispy and crunchy, dipped in sour tamarind sauce, creating a unique and delightful flavor. It's a perfect snack during your journey to explore the famous places in Gia Lai.
Grilled Skewers (Photo: ST)
Famous Coffee Spots to Explore
Maya Coffee
Highly praised by customers, Maya Coffee in Pleiku City, the coffee capital, offers an ideal space for coffee enthusiasts. The coffee drinks here will satisfy the taste buds of those passionate about trying a cup of coffee right in its homeland. The tranquil atmosphere and soothing music are added bonuses for you to enjoy the perfect coffee experience.
Savoring a cup of coffee at Maya Coffee (Photo: ST)
Cafe Cuội
Cafe Cuội is a coffee shop immersed in nature with a water pond, artificial stream, greenery, providing an ideal setting for a contemplative time. In addition to relishing the taste of pure coffee, you can also listen to acoustic music by singers with robust Central Highlands voices that truly captivate you.
The distinctive ambiance of Cafe Cuội (Photo: ST)
Cafe Thu Hà
Simple yet stylish, Cafe Thu Hà is a renowned coffee shop located at the beginning of Nguyễn Thái Học street. Established in 1971, visitors come here simply to await a small drip coffee, observe the street, and feel the tranquil life around. Many come for the essence of the coffee and, more importantly, the humble way of enjoyment that Cafe Thu Hà provides.
Savoring a drip coffee while overlooking the street at Cafe Thu Hà (Photo: ST)
Accommodation Choices
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Khánh Linh Hotel
Address: 232 Nguyễn Tất Thành, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Rating: 3 stars
Khánh Linh Hotel, a 3-star hotel, is situated in the heart of Pleiku City, just 7 km from Pleiku Airport. Positioned on a main traffic route in the city center, you'll spend minimal time reaching various attractions and shopping areas. With a total of 52 rooms equipped with all personal amenities and featuring TVs, WiFi coverage across different room types at varying prices, Khánh Linh Hotel promises to delight you with its luxurious ambiance.
Overview of Khánh Linh Hotel (Photo: ST)
Elegant dining room (Photo: ST)
Green Bamboo Hotel
Address: 18 Lê Lai, Tây Sơn, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Rating: 3 stars
Situated in the heart of Pleiku City, this hotel is an ideal resting place for both tourists and business travelers. The hotel provides full amenities such as wifi, cable TV, as well as restaurants, cafes, laundry services... The simple yet elegant decor and the professional, friendly service of the staff are reasons to choose Green Bamboo Hotel as your accommodation.
Accommodation at Green Bamboo Hotel (Photo: ST)
Queen Hotel
Address: 63 Nguyễn Tất Thành, Pleiku City, Gia Lai
Rating: 2 stars
Also located in the city center, from Queen Hotel, you can easily move to tourist attractions or stroll and shop. Queen Hotel is suitable for those who want to stay in a place that is not too expensive but still ensures good quality. The bedrooms at Queen Hotel are decorated quite luxuriously and warmly, creating a comfortable, private feeling. To choose comfortable accommodations at a 'budget-friendly' price in Pleiku, this is the destination you should consider.
Bedroom at Queen Hotel (Photo: ST)
VNTRIP.VN hopes that this Gia Lai travel guide will give you a clearer view of Gia Lai, its famous dining and sightseeing spots. Wish you enjoyable journeys!
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