Buzz
The tourist spots in Gia Lai are becoming increasingly popular on the travel map. This has led to a growing number of tourists flocking here. What makes this land so attractive to visitors? What fun and interesting things does this place have to offer for travelers to stop by? To find out the answer to this, let's follow the article below by Mytour!
Introduction to Tourism in Gia Lai
Gia Lai is located in the northern part of the Central Highlands. It is also the second largest province in the country, after Nghe An. The provincial capital of Gia Lai is Pleiku. Gia Lai has a tropical monsoon climate with high humidity and heavy rainfall. There are hardly any storms or salt fog.
Gia Lai derives its name from the word 'Jarai', which is the name of the indigenous people living here. Despite undergoing many ups and downs in history, the people here still maintain their traditional cultural customs. Most notably, the cultural space of Gong Chime in the Central Highlands.
Gia Lai - A recent favorite check-in spot loved by tourists (Source: Collection)
The ideal time to explore Gia Lai is from November to April next year. This is when Gia Lai enters the dry season with pleasant, airy, and rainless weather. In particular, November and December are almost the most favored months due to the cool weather, golden sunshine. This is also the season of ripe rice, wild sunflowers, and blooming Bauhinia flowers. From February to September will be the season of white coffee flowers against the sky.
In addition, the period from May to October is the rainy season in Gia Lai. From July to September, prolonged rainy spells often occur. Due to its characteristic plateau climate, the humidity here is very high, with heavy rainfall. So you should avoid coming here during this time. Because it will be very difficult to fully explore the tourist attractions in Gia Lai.
Famous tourist spots in Gia Lai you can't miss
Knowing the beautiful landscapes of Gia Lai will bring you a complete journey. If you're still unsure where to go when you arrive in Gia Lai, check out the suggestions below!
1. T'Nưng Lake - Gia Lai tourist destination
T'Nưng Lake is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Gia Lai. The lake was formed by three interconnected dormant volcanoes. These volcanoes ceased erupting millions of years ago. The site is named a 'lake' because of its extremely vast area.
This place covers an area of up to 220 hectares and is renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Central Highlands. T'Nưng Lake attracts tourists with its azure color and crystal-clear water. Many liken its beauty to the clear eyes of a Pleiku girl. Some even call it the 'bottomless lake' because it's challenging to determine its depth.
The picturesque and romantic scenery at the lake will offer you stunning photographs (Image Source: Collection)
The most intriguing feature here is the narrow strip of land running through the heart of the lake, covered by lush forests. This creates an ideal viewpoint for visitors. The lake's shore is also the mouth of a volcano, rising high. From here, you'll have the opportunity to admire the panoramic view of T'Nưng Lake.
T'Nưng Lake is also one of the best spots to capture beautiful sunsets. If you cherish sunset moments, you can come here to witness the scene of the sun setting. In the evening, local residents often come here for jogging and exercise. The beautiful scenery and pleasant atmosphere at the lake will make you feel relaxed.
2. Gia Lai Tourist Destination - Unity Square
Though relatively new, Unity Square is greatly cherished in Gia Lai. This destination is often referred to as the heart of Pleiku town. The square was inaugurated in December 2012, covering an area of 12 hectares.
The highlight of the square is the statue of President Ho Chi Minh located in the central area. The statue stands 11 meters tall and weighs up to 16 tons, made of pure bronze. The statue of President Ho Chi Minh is crafted to the exact size of a real person. It can be said that this is the largest statue of President Ho Chi Minh in the world. It took more than 2 years to complete the statue.
A spacious area at the square (Image Source: Collection)
Behind the statue is a stone stele engraved with the letter Uncle Ho sent to the Great National Assembly of Southern Ethnic Minorities. The event was solemnly organized here in 1946. Another impressive feature of the square is the Central Highlands gong ensemble. This bronze gong ensemble is the largest in our country.
This is an ideal exchange space for tourists and locals of Gia Lai. Local people often come here for group exercises every morning and afternoon. In the evenings or weekends, the square is bustling and lively. There are also many snack stalls around for you to enjoy while strolling around.
3. Gia Lai Tourist Destination - Sky Hole
Sky Hole is located in An Khe district and exudes a rustic beauty. It is one of the Gia Lai tourist destinations with a peaceful, simple, and rustic beauty. When standing on Sky Hole and looking down below, you may feel a bit scared at first. But as you get used to it, you will find this scenery breathtaking.
Sky Hole is a system consisting of 14 cascades located between two mountain valleys. Surrounding this location is enveloped by vast green forests. This site originates from the Bon stream of Hoa Binh village flowing into Binh Dinh. Among them, cascade number 2 is considered the tallest, towering up to 70 meters.
Looking down from the mountain top, you will feel deeply mesmerized. And from below the waterfall looking up, you will feel immensely high. Perhaps because of this characteristic, this place is called Sky Hole. It can be said that this is one of the Gia Lai tourist spots that still retains its pristine, mysterious charm.
Sky Hole is located deep in the mountainous area, so the road can be difficult and dangerous. Therefore, you need to consider your exploration time wisely. If possible, it's best to visit during the dry season to ensure your safety. And don't forget to thoroughly research the routes, as well as pay close attention and be cautious during your journey.
4. Famous Gia Lai Tourist Destination - Chư Đăng Ya Volcano
Chư Đăng Ya Volcano is one of the must-visit Gia Lai tourist destinations. This volcano conceals the T’Nưng lake and has been inactive for millions of years. In the past, the volcano was extremely active, leaving behind a crater that exists to this day.
Chư Đăng Ya Volcano boasts picturesque and peaceful scenery. When you come here, you will have the opportunity to admire vast expanses of fields spread out before your eyes. Along with that are tall ancient trees standing majestically against the sky. Setting foot here, you will feel the insignificance of humans amidst the majestic nature.
The majestic beauty of Chư Đăng Ya Volcano when viewed from above (Photo source: Collection)
The best time to visit here is from late October to early December. This is also the time when wild sunflowers bloom brilliantly yellow across the mountainside. It's not an exaggeration to say that the Chư Đăng Ya Volcano area is the paradise of wild sunflowers. The yellow hue of the flowers blending with the green of the grass and trees creates a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.
5. Gia Lai Tourist Attraction - Tea Lake
A Gia Lai tourist spot highly favored by visitors is Tea Lake. This destination will take you to majestic mountain ranges. They follow the red dirt road and create a feeling of enveloping, embracing the tea hills. A cool, fresh, and airy space will bring you moments of relaxation.
Upon arrival, you will see endless tea hills. The green tea color seems to spread to the horizon. To capture outstanding photos, remember to choose suitable clothing! Avoid clothes with colors that match the color of the grass to avoid blending into the landscape.
Tea Lake with its lush green color (Photo source: Collection)
Tea Lake is a tea plantation established by the French in 1920. The tea bushes here are mainly irrigated from the T’Nưng Lake. You can visit the tea hills at any time of the year, but the most beautiful times are during the wild sunflower season in October and November, and the coffee flower season in February and March.
Due to its highland terrain, the climate here is very fresh and pleasant. The tea hills are close to the lake, so you can plan your visit accordingly. It's best to come here early in the morning for the most beautiful photos. At this time, the lingering mist still hangs in the air. When the sun rises, shining its first rays of light, the tea hills suddenly become more beautiful than any other time of the day.
6. Famous Tourist Destination in Gia Lai - Minh Thanh Pagoda
Minh Thanh Pagoda is not only a spiritual destination but also a very famous tourist spot in Gia Lai. The pagoda is located at 348 Nguyen Viet Xuan Street, in Pleiku City. This temple impresses visitors with its architectural style similar to that of Japan.
The pagoda sits atop a hill about 2 km from the city center. This spiritual complex covers a total area of 20,000 m2 and was built in 1964. It features several distinct areas with incredibly spacious surroundings. During major festivals, the pagoda is always filled with the scent of incense.
The scenic beauty of Minh Thanh Pagoda is truly outstanding (Source: Collection)
As you enter the pagoda, you'll see the statue of Quan Yin Bodhisattva placed at the entrance. The landscaping within the compound is meticulously designed with stone pillars, greenery, and more. Along the way to the main hall, you'll encounter large paintings depicting the teachings of the Buddha for sentient beings and disciples.
The spacious courtyard, the fragrant scent of incense... all add to the serene atmosphere. You'll have moments of extreme relaxation and tranquility when you set foot here. Visiting the pagoda, you'll feel as if you've wandered into a temple somewhere in the mythical land of Shangri-La.
7. Gia Lai Tourist Destination - Pleiku Prison
Pleiku Prison is a must-visit destination when you come to Gia Lai. Stepping foot here, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of the nation's glorious history. Built by the French colonialists in 1925, it was erected with the purpose of imprisoning Communist soldiers and patriotic citizens.
To commemorate a bygone era, Pleiku Prison has been recognized as a historical relic. This site is open to visitors free of charge every day of the week. The management has recreated the horrific torture methods used by the invading superpowers. Through this, visitors will gain a clearer insight into the war and the sacrifices of their ancestors.
A destination imbued with rich historical values (Source: Collection)
The prison is surrounded by a 3-meter-high fortress wall. Outside, there are multiple layers of steel fences, incredibly sturdy. This stands as a historical testament to the atrocities of the Vietnam War. Passing through, you'll somewhat feel the hardship of political prisoners' lives.
Although the prison is no longer intact, it still preserves many valuable artifacts. In 2015, a memorial monument for Pleiku prisoner of war camp was built on the foundation of the old prison. This structure serves as a tribute to those who sacrificed themselves for the nation's independence and freedom.
8. Gia Lai Tourist Destination - Yaly Hydroelectric Reservoir
Yaly hydroelectric reservoir is a popular Gia Lai tourist spot that many travelers check-in. It is a hydroelectric system on the Sesan River and is also the second largest hydroelectric plant in Vietnam. The scale of the project is only behind the Da River hydroelectric plant. The scenery along the road leading to the hydroelectric reservoir is also beautiful, with forests, rivers, and hills.
Yaly Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Vietnam, reaching a height of 42 meters. The majesty of this waterfall has captivated many distant travelers. Standing on the dam, you can see Ngoc Linh Mountain from afar. In the evening, it's the perfect time to take a canoe ride to admire the beauty of the Sê San River.
When in Gia Lai, don't forget to visit the Yaly hydroelectric plant! (Source: Collection)
Please note that this destination is only open for visits during office hours. You will be able to visit the main gate of the plant, the spillway, the dam crest, and the memorial area. Therefore, you need to schedule your itinerary accordingly to ensure you can visit this place!
9. Gia Lai Tourist Destination - Hang Én Waterfall (K50)
When it comes to the Central Highlands, you must have heard of Hang Én Waterfall, also known as K50 Waterfall. This waterfall is located in the Kon Chư Răng nature reserve in K’Bang district, Gia Lai. Conquering this waterfall will take you 1 to 3 days. If you're an adventurer, you can't miss this place.
The waterfall is called Hang Én because it's home to many species of swallows. There are now many concrete roads for motorcycles to reach the foot of the waterfall. After the concrete road, you'll need to walk another 20 minutes to get there. Despite the challenging journey, when you arrive, you'll find it extremely rewarding.
K50 Waterfall with its pristine beauty amidst the mountains (Source: Collection)
The waterfall boasts a majestic beauty, resembling a giant white silk strip. The waterfall is the source of the Côn River and is hidden deep in the primeval forest. It is about 50 meters high and 100 meters wide. That's also why it's called the K50 Waterfall.
The forest path to the waterfall is quite challenging. There are no hotels or homestays near this area. Therefore, you can only rest in the forest and camp overnight. If you want to visit here, you need to go with a local guide. Also, remember to bring long-sleeved shirts, high socks, walking sticks, insect repellent to avoid insects and snakes.
10. Famous Tourist Destination in Gia Lai - Dragon's Jaw Mountain
Dragon's Jaw Mountain is a famous tourist destination in Gia Lai. Visiting here, you will have the opportunity to admire the scenery of the Central Highlands forest full of vitality. The peaceful and cool natural scenery will mesmerize tourists. Additionally, you will have the chance to experience many exciting activities on the journey to the mountain peak.
This is an ancient volcano in Gia Lai with a height of about 1,028 meters. This mountain is also the 'roof' of this mountainous city. Dragon's Jaw Mountain has a unique shape. When viewed from above, you will see the mountain like an inverted giant funnel.
Exploring Dragon's Jaw Mountain is an exciting journey (Source: Collection)
Although there are no lakes or rivers around, the vegetation here is very lush. The strong vitality and lush nature are what you will feel most clearly when visiting Dragon's Jaw Mountain. If you come here in October or November, you will have the opportunity to admire the wildflowers blooming all over the mountain.
11. Famous Tourist Destination in Gia Lai - Kon Ka Kinh National Park
Kon Ka Kinh National Park is a perfect tourist destination in Gia Lai for those who love to explore. Visiting here, you will have the opportunity to embark on a 'hunt' for rare species of animals. Besides, you can immerse yourself in the fresh, cool air of the national park.
This destination has been honored as one of the ASEAN heritage parks since 2003. During trekking, you will have the opportunity to admire a diverse ecosystem. Especially when reaching the summit, the majestic scenery of the Truong Son mountain range will unfold before your eyes.
If you are someone who loves to explore and learn about nature, you must visit this place (Source: Collection)
The national park covers a total area of 42,000 hectares and spans 5 communes: Kron Pne, Dak Roong, K’Bang, Mang Yang, and Dak Doa. The trekking journey will take you to the wilderness of the highland. This place has been listed in Vietnam's special-use forest list since 1986 with its rich vegetation system.
This national park is famous for its system of rivers, waterfalls, and streams. For example, Knia stream, Dak Pooc waterfall, 95 waterfall... The highest peak in Kon Ka Dinh is 1,748 meters above sea level. Other mountain ranges range from 1,200 to 1,500 meters high, gradually decreasing from north to south.
12. Gia Lai Tourism Destination - Đăk Đoa Pink Grass Hill
If you love the pink grass hills in Dalat, then in Gia Lai, there's also a pink grass hill. This is a Gia Lai tourism destination highly favored by tourists in November. Pink grass is a wild grass that grows amidst pine forests with a dreamy purple color. The entire hill covered in pink looks incredibly romantic and charming.
Đăk Đoa Pink Grass Hill is about 20 km from the center of Pleiku. From the city center, take QL19 towards the central roundabout of Đăk Đoa town. Then, turn right to enter Glar commune. From here, it's just another 500 meters to reach the destination. This spot is also known by many as the 'Glar Pink Grass Valley'.
The Gia Lai Pink Grass Hill boasts an incredibly romantic landscape (Source: Collection)
During the pink grass season, this place is bustling with tourists. You'll find many young people coming to check-in, have fun, while others are families camping. Besides this hill, there's another pink grass hill in Chư Sê district. The best time to visit and explore here is early in the morning or at sunset.
13. Gia Lai Famous Tourist Spot - Sê San Fishing Village
Sê San Fishing Village is a beloved destination for many tourists due to its uniqueness. Amidst the peaceful plateau, few know that Gia Lai also has a place with a strong Western riverside character. And that place is the Sê San Fishing Village. It's where the local residents live by fishing for seafood.
This destination is along provincial road DT664 and about 100 km from downtown Pleiku. About 10 years ago, when the Sê San hydropower reservoir was just formed, the fishing village began to emerge. Initially, there were only 1 or 2 households, but over time, it gradually formed into the fishing village as it is today.
Sê San Fishing Village offers a unique perspective on Gia Lai's mountainous landscape (Source: Collection)
Most of the fishermen here come from Huế, An Giang, Hậu Giang... Visiting the fishing village, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the locals' way of life here. Along with that is the chance to admire the rare beauty of labor in the riverside area of the plateau.
14. Famous Gia Lai Tourist Spot - Hundred-Year-Old Pine Trees
A rather romantic Gia Lai tourist spot you'll enjoy is the hundred-year-old pine trees. Almost no one knows the exact age of the pine trees here. They only know that they began to appear when the French arrived here and established the Tra Department. That was the first tea plantation in Pleiku, Gia Lai, built at the beginning of the 20th century.
The pine trees were nurtured by workers from the Tra Department. Over time, they grew and formed a picturesque countryside road. This place is about 15 km from the city center and close to other attractions. Such as the Chư Đăng Ya volcano, Buu Minh pagoda...
The beauty of the pine trees will leave you in awe (Source: Collection)
This place is also known as the “Korean Road”. The romantic scenery along this road will provide you with extremely impressive check-in photos. Couples and young people often come here to take many photos, making this place even more famous.
15. Famous Gia Lai Tourist Spot - Pleichuet Church
One Gia Lai tourist spot that Mytour wants to introduce to you is Pleichuet Church. The church is located on Truong Dinh Street, in Pleiku City. The impressive highlight of this structure is its architectural style, reminiscent of the traditional longhouses of the Central Highlands.
This religious structure has a large area, five times larger than ordinary longhouses. It serves as the place of worship for over 1,400 parishioners. However, tourists can also visit and explore, especially during festivals and holidays. This is also the first church built to serve the Jrai ethnic group.
The unique architecture of the church has attracted many tourists (Source: Collection)
However, as this is a religious site, visitors should dress modestly and respectfully. Additionally, the church may have specific regulations regarding the timing of services. Depending on the time, services may be conducted in different languages. So, if you plan to visit the church, be sure to inquire beforehand!
Essential Tips for Exploring Gia Lai Tourist Destinations
To fully experience the Gia Lai tourist destinations, careful planning is essential. Factors such as transportation, accommodation, and dining options all need to be considered. Here are some key points to help you plan your trip!
1. Transportation Options
If you're traveling from northern provinces, the quickest way to reach Gia Lai is by plane. Flights from Hanoi to Pleiku are available almost every day of the week. You can check flight prices on the Mytour website. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can also fly to Pleiku.
To snag good deals on tickets, it's advisable to purchase them a month before your departure. The airport is approximately 3 km away from the city center. Therefore, you can pre-book airport shuttle services or take a taxi or ride-sharing service into the city.
You can catch a ride to Gia Lai in the evening so that after sleeping a night on the bus, you'll arrive at your destination (Source: Collection)
Alternatively, a more budget-friendly option is to take a bus. There are bus routes from various provinces to Gia Lai. You can opt for an evening bus ride, so by the time you wake up after a night's sleep, you'll find yourself there. Or if you're up for an adventure, you can form a group and ride motorbikes together.
If you're not traveling by motorbike, upon arrival, you can rent a vehicle for sightseeing. You can rent a motorbike or opt for a taxi or self-drive car rental to visit Gia Lai tourist destinations. This allows you to have control over your time, itinerary, and exploration.
2. Accommodation
Most Gia Lai tourist destinations are not too far from the city. Therefore, you'll have plenty of accommodation options. Gia Lai offers many quality hotels for you to choose from. The average price ranges from 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND, offering a wide variety.
There are numerous accommodation options in Gia Lai at various price points (Source: Collection)
Alternatively, if you're looking for a unique experience, you can opt for homestay accommodation. This type typically costs around 300,000 VND per night. To find the perfect place to stay, it's best to consider feedback from previous travelers. This will ensure you have a fulfilling and enjoyable trip.
3. Must-Try Dishes
- Wild Vegetable Hotpot. Each wild vegetable in this dish offers unique health benefits. Enjoy by wrapping the vegetables with fermented meat, grilled fish, or grilled meat. It's even more delicious when dipped in fermented fish sauce.
- Gia Lai Dry Pho. This dish combines a bowl of dry pho with a side bowl of broth. The noodles are cooked to a creamy white color. The bowl includes shredded chicken, pork, or beef, topped with fried shallots, fat tops, and scallions. The sweet and clear broth is simmered for hours.
- Fermented Crab Noodle Soup, also known as Fermented Crab Noodle. The special fermented broth gives off a distinct aroma due to the fermented field crabs. This dish is quite selective but once you try it, you'll be captivated by its flavor. The crab noodles are cooked with pig skin, sausage, shrimp crackers, and pork belly.
- Golden Ant Salt. This unique seasoning is exclusive to Gia Lai and is prepared with great care. Locals climb mountains in Krông Pa to capture these ants. They are manually roasted until golden, then crushed and mixed with coarse salt. A touch of chili, dried shallots, and wild leaves are added.
4. Tips for Traveling in Gia Lai
- Most Gia Lai tourist spots are hilly, so if renting a motorbike, choose a gear-shift bike for convenience. Remember to adhere to speed limits and traffic rules!
- Don't forget to bring insect repellent, mosquito repellent, and basic medications!
- Take a brief look at the customs and practices of the Gia Lai people when visiting their villages.
- If participating in trekking at any Gia Lai tourist destination, adhere to the rules. Never wander off alone into the forest. It's best to travel in groups and have a local guide.
- Avoid visiting Gia Lai during the rainy season. If you do, refrain from visiting cliffs, waterfalls, or forests. This ensures safety for you and your companions.
It's essential to grasp the basic tips for a complete journey (Source: Collection)
Hopefully, the above information will bring you an enjoyable journey beyond expectations. Remember to prepare thoroughly before the trip and choose the suitable time for your adventure! Gia Lai's tourist destinations always hold many discoveries for you. Whether you travel independently or book a tour, there's joy to be found. If you need to book a tour, contact Mytour immediately via hotline Mytour!
