Travel Guide to Gia Lai from A to Z

Gia Lai Province is considered one of the most attractive destinations in the Central Highlands. Let's explore this land with Mytour to prepare for an upcoming trip to Gia Lai!

Travel Guide to Gia Lai from A to Z

Overview of Gia Lai Tourism

Gia Lai Province is a place where backpackers should embark on a travel journey immediately, as you will be captivated by the majestic, pristine landscapes of nature and the picturesque scenes of mountainous villages. Gia Lai is a mountainous province located in the northern part of the Central Highlands at an average elevation of 700 – 800 meters above sea level. To the north, Gia Lai borders Kon Tum province, to the south it borders Dak Lak province, to the west it borders Cambodia, and to the east it borders Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, and Phu Yen provinces. The province has 17 administrative units, including the city of Pleiku, 2 towns An Khe, Ayun Pa, and 14 districts including Chu Pah, Chu Prong, Dak Doa, Chu Se, Chu Puh, Phu Thien, Mang Yang, Krong Pa, Kong Chro, Kbang, Ia Pa, Ia Grai, Duc Co, Dak Po.

Best Time to Visit Gia Lai

Gia Lai is charming and attractive throughout the year, but from November to April, the dry season, is considered the best time to travel to Gia Lai. November and December feature golden sunlight, with Gia Lai adorned in the yellow of ripened rice fields and vibrant wild sunflowers, creating an ideal period for stunning photos. From February to April, the mountainous landscape is blanketed in the pure white of blooming coffee flowers.

From May to October is the rainy season in Gia Lai. Especially from July to September, there are prolonged rain spells, so you might want to avoid visiting Gia Lai during this time if you're not a fan of unexpected rain.

Transportation When Traveling to Gia Lai

By Bus

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Gia Lai

You can purchase seat or sleeper tickets at the Miền Đông Bus Station. The travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Gia Lai is approximately 8 hours.

Here are some bus companies for your reference:

• Lê Cương – phone number: 0935 769 769; ticket price: 250,000 VND/person.
• An Phát – phone number: 1900 272 708; ticket price: 350,000 VND/person.
• Thuận Tiến – phone number: 0971 137 585; ticket price: 250,000 VND/person.
• Đức Đạt – phone number: 0935 417 379; ticket price: 200,000 VND/person.

Traveling from Hanoi to Gia Lai

You can purchase bus tickets at the Giáp Bát or Nước Ngầm Bus Stations. The travel time from Hanoi to Gia Lai is approximately 20 hours.

Here are some bus companies for your reference:

• Thiên Trung Bus Company – phone number: 0906 700 999; ticket price: 800,000 – 900,000 VND/person.
• Thuận Tiến Bus Company – phone number: 0905 079 596; ticket price: 650,000 VND/person.
• Thuận Ý Bus Company – phone number: 0903 572 855; ticket price: 630,000 VND/person.
• Hồng Anh Bus Company – phone number: 0986 000 078; ticket price: 700,000 VND/person.

Traveling from Da Nang to Gia Lai

You can purchase bus tickets at the Central Bus Station. The travel time from Da Nang to Pleiku is approximately 10 hours.

Here are some bus companies for your reference:

• Thành Đạt – phone number: 02623 949 777; ticket price: 300,000 VND/person.
• Thuận Tiến – phone number: 0978 914 895; ticket price: 300,000 VND/person.
• Anh Vũ – phone number: 1900 272 708; ticket price: 250,000 VND/person.
• Cao Nguyên – phone number: 0964 202 094; ticket price: 250,000 VND/person.

By plane

Gia Lai has Pleiku Airport located only about 4km from the city center. There are flights to Pleiku from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and you can book air tickets with airlines such as Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, Bamboo Airways, etc. If you want to save time, travelers can choose to fly. Check out great flight deals at Mytour.

Motorbike

Motorbikes are the choice for those who love adventure. If you want to conquer challenges while exploring the beauty throughout your journey to Gia Lai, you can choose this means of transportation. However, traveling by motorbike is only suitable for those with good health, stable riding skills, and have a long travel time. Before you go, plan and prepare all the necessary equipment, and don't forget to check the weather forecast!

Getting around Pleiku

Getting around Gia Lai is also quite convenient. You can easily rent a motorbike or bicycle at guesthouses or hotels for more flexibility in transportation and time. Additionally, if you want to travel to other cities or further destinations, you can choose to take a taxi, rent a car, or use the bus.

Some addresses for motorbike rental in Gia Lai:

– Motorbike rental services in Gia Lai:

• Address: 11A Truong Son Street, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province.
• Phone: 0869 697 981.

– Motorbike For Rent:

• Address: 370/72C Pham Van Dong Street, Hoa Lu Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province.
• Phone: 0888 527 981.

– Anh Phong:

• Address: 01 Phu Dong Street, Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province.
• Phone: 0848 792 379.

A Must-Visit Checklist in Gia Lai

T’ Nưng Lake

T’ Nưng Lake is the largest body of water in the region, holding a massive volume of water without any rivers or streams flowing into it, with an average depth of about 16 – 20m. This natural lake was formed by the convergence of three ancient volcanic craters, creating three deep funnels. The lake's mouth, originally a volcanic vent, is easily visible even from a distance. The abundant fresh water and various fish species in the lake are essential for the daily life of the local ethnic communities, making it a fascinating destination for many travelers.

Kon Chư Răng Nature Reserve

Kon Chư Răng Nature Reserve is considered the precious gem of the Central Highlands. Here, you can witness 12 majestic waterfalls, each about 10 meters high, along with a variety of rare and precious plant species.

Chư Đăng Ya Volcano

Chư Đăng Ya is also a dormant volcano that ceased activity millions of years ago. The best time to visit is when the mountain is covered with fields of taro and sweet potatoes, creating a lush green landscape or during the wild sunflower season, painting the surroundings in vibrant yellow.

Hàm Rồng Mountain in Gia Lai

Hàm Rồng Mountain is often referred to as the 'roof of Pleiku' with an elevation of over 1000m above sea level. From above, the mountain top resembles a giant green funnel with misty clouds swirling around. To fully appreciate its beauty, visitors should go early in the morning to experience the cool air and gentle, ethereal mist, creating a truly special atmosphere.

Minh Thành Pagoda

Minh Thành Pagoda is a renowned spiritual destination in Gia Lai, exuding ancient beauty with its curved roofs and numerous landscaped features that create an incredibly tranquil space, offering visitors a serene and peaceful environment.

Yaly Hydroelectric Reservoir

Yaly Hydroelectric Reservoir is the second-largest hydroelectric plant in Vietnam after Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Plant on the Da River. This project is closely associated with Yaly Waterfall – one of the largest waterfalls in Vietnam with a height of up to 42 meters. The white water foam under the sunlight forms beautiful rainbows. While the Central Highlands climate can be dry and hot, just standing by this reservoir and enjoying the cool breeze blowing across the water can dispel all the heat and breathe in the fresh, mountainous air. Visitors will feel a surge of energy, a fresh and vibrant source of vitality.

Phu Cuong Waterfall

Phu Cuong Waterfall is considered the most majestic and magnificent waterfall in Gia Lai. Here, visitors immerse themselves in the forested landscape with lush green trees, rocky mountains, and a focal point of a waterfall pouring down from above, creating a wide area of splashing white foam. Adventure enthusiasts can climb onto the rocks, high jump into the refreshing water or simply sit at the foot of the waterfall to chat and relax.

Xung Khoeng Waterfall

Xung Khoeng Waterfall provides a soothing and peaceful atmosphere for visitors. The flowing water from the waterfall merges with the surrounding grass and trees, forming a large pond. It becomes a favorite destination for those who want to relax and immerse themselves in nature. This is also a place for visitors to sit, admire the waterfall, take photos, and enjoy the harmonious mountainous music.

Ha Tam Pine Hill

Ha Tam Pine Hill boasts a diverse system of various pine species with vigorous vitality, distributed at different ages, from newly planted saplings to ancient trees that have become venerable, with a trunk diameter so large that it takes several people to embrace. This will be a cool and ideal destination for hot days, providing a refreshing escape.

Signature Delicacies of Gia Lai

Forest Leaf Hotpot

This forest leaf hotpot is a skillful combination by Gia Lai locals. Each type of forest leaf contributes to human health. When enjoying the forest leaf hotpot, it's best to use fragrant and delicious nem (fermented pork rolls), wrapping it in forest leaves, and dipping it in fish sauce with meat. This dish is mouthwatering from the very first taste.

Golden Ant Salt

Golden ant salt is one of the specialties unique to Gia Lai. The main ingredient is golden ants roasted with various spices. Locals go to Krong Pa to find large, plump golden ants, then bring them back, clean, dry, roast them with spices such as lemongrass, salt, and wild betel leaf, and grind them into a fine powder. The taste is unique and stimulates the taste buds.

Delicious Gia Lai Dry Pho

When it comes to Gia Lai cuisine, missing out on the dry pho is truly a regret. The dry pho noodles, made from rice flour, are chewy, similar to hủ tiếu, served with a flavorful broth. It's expertly simmered with bones to achieve a fragrant and sweet taste, and the broth is rich with beef, beef tendons, and chicken, allowing customization based on individual preferences for meat in the broth.

Gia Lai Dry Pho is often enjoyed with flat rice noodles, shredded chicken, minced beef, lettuce, and basil. This dish is incomplete without the traditional sauce from each eatery or can be savored with black soy sauce and chili sauce, elevating the dish to a whole new level of delight.

Sun-Dried Gia Lai Beef

Sun-dried beef is a must-try when visiting this region. Gia Lai cattle are raised freely in the forests, resulting in exceptionally tender and flavorful beef. After slaughtering, the best cuts of beef, like sirloin and tenderloin, are selected to make sun-dried beef. The meat is cleaned, cut into rectangular pieces, marinated with ground chili, onions, fish sauce, salt, etc., for 15 minutes, and then sun-dried.

When serving, grill the beef on charcoal until it releases a tantalizing aroma. The cooked meat exudes a delightful fragrance, making it irresistible. Pair it with fresh herbs, soy sauce, and a touch of chili to enhance the already delectable flavor.

Crab Fermented Fish Noodles

Crab fermented fish noodles bring a unique flavor to Gia Lai's culinary scene with a rich broth infused with the essence of fish sauce and crab. After cleaning the field crab, removing the shell, it is ground to a fine paste, and the liquid is filtered. This liquid is then fermented for 24 hours before being cooked with bamboo shoots and boiled duck eggs.

A bowl of crab fermented fish noodles consists of noodles, a dash of rendered fat, crispy shallots, peanuts, topped with a hot broth containing bamboo shoots and boiled duck eggs. This dish becomes even more delightful when enjoyed with a handful of fresh vegetables, enhancing the harmony and fragrance of the meal.

Seasoned Fermented Fish Noodles

The blend of various spices creates a distinctive flavor for this dish. The specific seasoning that accompanies the noodles is known as seasoned fermented fish sauce.

When paired with noodles, the seasoned fish sauce is usually complemented with lime, garlic, and chili to balance the saltiness and add a fragrant touch to the seasoned fermented fish noodles. A bowl of noodles is served with sausage, pork knuckles, pork belly, rolled eggs, crispy shallots, and various accompanying vegetables such as bean sprouts, lettuce, cucumber, etc. Mix all the ingredients and herbs into the bowl with seasoned fish sauce. You will experience the rich, savory aroma of meat, the profound fragrance of fish, and the crisp freshness of the vegetables.

Bamboo Rice with Spicy Fire-Grilled Chicken

Bamboo rice paired with spicy fire-grilled chicken is a dish that leaves diners in awe. The rice is cooked with mountain glutinous rice, encased in the ash of red charcoal until the bamboo tube turns a faded yellow, releasing a delightful aroma.

The chicken, chosen for its size, firmness, and weighing nearly 1kg, is meticulously seasoned with salt and various spices. It is then clamped onto bamboo sticks and grilled to create a seductive, irresistibly attractive aroma. The meat, after grilling, retains moisture and a sweet, firm texture. Dipping it in salt and enjoying it with a piece of bamboo rice is an unparalleled delight.

Sour Forest Bamboo Shoots

Gia Lai is renowned for the legendary forest bamboo shoots. During the rainy season, these bamboo shoots are harvested, cleaned, thinly sliced, and soaked with spicy chili, garlic, ginger, salt, and a hint of sugar. Once the bamboo shoots have the perfect balance of flavors, they are ready to be served. When consumed, the bamboo shoots have a well-soaked, crisp texture, a mildly sour taste, the spiciness of chili on the tip of the tongue, and the fragrant aroma of ginger.

Rượu cần

Rượu cần, a specialty not only of Gia Lai but also of the entire Central Highlands, has become a renowned beverage. It is brewed using high-quality sticky rice, large, round, plump grains with a delightful fragrance. The aroma of the wine is intoxicating even at first whiff, stored in traditional pottery jars. Unlike other wines poured into cups, cần wine is consumed using bamboo straws. A single jar of wine will contain numerous bamboo straws, often enjoyed collectively.

Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms have long been a natural gift to this region, harvested from pristine forests. These mushrooms maintain their freshness without any toxins. This natural herb has no side effects; it not only aids in recovering health but also boosts immunity and the human immune system.

What to Buy as Souvenirs in Gia Lai?

Civet Coffee

When visiting Gia Lai, one of the coffee capitals in the Central Highlands, don't miss out on civet coffee – a famous local delicacy. Civet coffee boasts high nutritional content and a rich, delightful flavor. Ensuring that a sip of civet coffee will leave a lasting impression of this exquisite taste.

Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms primarily grow in the pristine forests of Kbang district. Being naturally grown, these mushrooms retain the fantastic properties of wild reishi mushrooms, and their appearance differs from artificially cultivated varieties. Due to their natural growth, the price of reishi mushrooms is relatively high. Therefore, gifting them holds great meaning and prestige.

Sun-Dried Gia Lai Beef

The sun-dried beef here is not only delicious but also crafted with great skill. The beef is sourced from the Krong Pa mountain region, known for free-range cattle that graze on grass. This would make an ideal gift for friends and family after your visit.

Forest Honey

As one of the mountainous provinces in the Central Highlands, besides bamboo shoots, the region also offers an abundant forest with a special product that captivates many tourists visiting Gia Lai – forest honey. It's a natural gift bestowed upon Gia Lai by Mother Nature.

Forest honey offers numerous health benefits due to its pure nature, containing a wealth of nutrients beneficial to human health.

Cần Wine

Cần wine is meticulously crafted from various forest leaves, medicinal herbs, resulting in a distinct flavor, coupled with the unique fermentation process of the indigenous people. You can bring cần wine as a gift for relatives or friends.

Dried Sea Lake Shrimp

When visiting Gia Lai and unsure of what to buy as a gift for your family, consider purchasing dried Sea Lake shrimp, one of the renowned specialties here, perfect for presenting to your parents or gifting to friends. The Sea Lake shrimp is larger than typical dried shrimp, offering a delicious and fragrant taste.

Handcrafted Souvenirs

In addition to the unique local dishes suitable for bringing back as gifts, you can also purchase some handcrafted souvenirs here. There is a plethora of handcrafted souvenirs to choose from, offering a variety of options at affordable prices.

Hotels in Gia Lai

Khanh Linh Gia Lai Hotel

Mekong Gia Lai Hotel

Duc Long Gia Lai Hotel & Apartment

Things to Note When Visiting Gia Lai

- Gia Lai, with its abundant mountains and forests, calls for neat, sweat-absorbing attire. Pair it with durable sports shoes for convenient movement.

- Due to the hilly terrain, it's advisable to maintain a moderate speed and a steady grip on the handlebars when riding a motorbike for safety.

- Exploring the mountainous region, understanding the customs and traditions of ethnic minorities, is always an incredible experience. Therefore, don't miss out. Especially, do not enter farms without the consent of the locals.

According to Mytour

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide