Gia Lai reveals itself through several distinctive facets: a highland plateau, a lake in an extinct volcanic crater, protected forest landscapes, historic memorial sites and gong culture. The landscape, history and cuisine each offer a different way to explore the region. You can shape your itinerary around the discoveries that interest you most.

Highlands and seasonal planning

Gia Lai lies on a plateau at an average elevation of 700 to 800 metres above sea level. Its elevated location brings noticeably cooler conditions in summer than in the coastal plains. The dry season lasts from November to April; weather conditions vary from year to year. Check the latest forecast for your travel dates.

Pleiku Airport has daily flights from Đà Nẵng and Ho Chi Minh City. As routes and frequencies may change, check flight schedules before you travel.

Crater lake, waterfall and forest areas

T’Nung Lake, also known as Bien Ho, lies in an extinct volcanic crater and is poetically known as the “Eye of Pleiku.” Phú Cường Waterfall is about 45 metres high. Its water cascades into La Peet Stream, which flows into the Ayun River. The waterfall is in the Phú Cường quarry area, in Dun Commune in Chư Sê District. It is about 3 kilometres from Chư Sê town and about 45 kilometres from Pleiku. The flow of water may vary depending on the season.

Kon Chư Răng Nature Reserve is one of the two core zones of the Kon Hà Nừng Biosphere Reserve, recognised by UNESCO. A 2021 inventory reports that more than 60 percent of the protected area consists of productive or primary forest. Several waterfalls are located in the area, including Waterfall 50. The recorded biodiversity includes 1,602 animal and plant species and 66 species of ascomycete fungi; later surveys may change these figures.

Kon Ka Kinh National Park is another of Gia Lai’s nature conservation highlights. Its endangered species include the yellow-cheeked gibbon, the douc langur and the Truong Son muntjac. These examples give an impression of the wildlife that distinguishes the park, but do not guarantee sightings during a visit.

History and memorial sites

Cứ điểm 42 Biển Hồ–1972 is a provincially recognised historic monument in Biển Hồ Commune. It lies east of National Highway 14 and more than 10 kilometres north of central Pleiku. Historically, it was a large fortified military base with several rows of fences, bunkers, trenches and artillery bunkers in a densely layered defensive system.

Incense-offering and memorial ceremonies are held at the memorial site on public holidays, during Tết, on 27 July and to mark the annual anniversary of the battle. Check the specific dates and local visitor information before your visit.

Gong culture and community life

Gia Lai is an important custodian of the cultural space of gong culture. In the villages, bronze gongs accompany traditional dances; performances depend on the communities and the events taking place. Traditional rong houses in Gia Lai serve as places for village councils, sacred rituals and community festivals. Their function reflects how closely community and cultural concerns are intertwined in village life.

The Wildflower Festival is held at the Rong House in Ia Gri Village, near Chư Đang Ya Volcano. The programme includes gong exchanges, brocade-weaving demonstrations, rice wine tasting and lively community activities by the Jrai and Bahnar. The programme may vary from one edition to another. Check the event date and announced activities before you travel.

Coffee and regional cuisine

Gia Lai is one of Vietnam’s leading coffee-growing regions, and coffee from Pleiku is highly regarded nationwide. Regional cuisine includes grilled chicken with sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, as well as dry phở. The latter is also called phở hai tô or “two-bowl phở.” The preparation and availability of dry phở may vary from one establishment to another. Coffee and these dishes offer different ways to experience local produce and food traditions.

Discover more destinations: Pleiku City, Can Thơ, Sóc Trăng, Da Nang, Hà Nam, Lam Dong, Bình Dương, Lạng Sơn.

For the main travel overview: Vietnam.