TRAVEL GUIDE TO GIA LAI: EXPLORE TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN THIS HIDDEN GEM

Gia Lai is a province of Pleiku city, filled with natural beauty, ethnic diversity, and cultural heritage, nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. This place will bring you many special travel experiences that only appear in this poetic city. In this guide, I will introduce you travel guide to Gia Lai and the top 10 must-see attractions.

Traveling in spring and summer, you will admire all the beauty of Gia Lai

1. Where is Gia Lai?

Gia Lai is situated in the northern part of Vietnam’s Central Highlands and is the country’s second-largest province, following Nghe An. It shares borders with Quang Ngai to the northeast, Binh Dinh to the east, Phu Yen to the southeast, Cambodia’s Ratanakiri province to the west, Dak Lak to the south, and Kon Tum to the north. The provincial capital is Pleiku.

Most of Gia Lai’s tourist attractions are found in Pleiku city and the surrounding areas, typically within a 20 to 30-kilometer radius.

Gia Lai always has attractive tourist destinations, so this is a place you cannot miss when coming to Vietnam.

Gia Lai preserves its untouched and rustic charm, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. If you’re planning a trip to this fascinating region, the following tourist spots in Gia Lai are sure to make your journey full of unforgettable memories!

2. How to get there?

You can travel to Gia Lai by several transportation options:

-By Plane: The easiest way to get to Gia Lai is by flying to Pleiku Airport (PXR). There are direct flights from major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Pleiku Airport is about 7 km from the city center, travel time by car is about 15 minutes.  You should book in advance the ticket plane to get the best price.

-By Bus: Buses regularly operate from nearby provinces, as well as from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The journey by bus can take between 10-12 hours, depending on your starting location. Some bus companies for you to choose from: Quan Trung, Hong Hai, Mai Linh, Nam Phong, Viet Tan Phat. Reference ticket prices range: Hanoi – Pleiku: 550.000 VND/way (22 USD), and HCMC – PleiKu: 250.000 VND/way (10 USD).

-By Car/Motorbike: For the more adventurous travelers, renting a motorbike or car is a great way to explore the province at your own pace. From Ho Chi Minh City, you follow CT02 and QL14. The distance is about 500 km, average travel time is 10 hours.

3. The ideal time to visit Gia Lai

Gia Lai belongs a tropical monsoon climate with high humidity and significant rainfall, but it is free from storms and frost.

The weather is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season, which runs from May to October, and the dry season, lasting from November to April. The average annual temperature is typically between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

The best time to visit Gia Lai is during the dry season, especially between November and March. During this time, the weather is cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing.

Additionally, this is when local festivals, like the Bahnar and Jarai traditional events, take place, offering a chance to experience the province’s rich cultural heritage.

4. Top attractions in Gia Lai that you must visit

4.1. Chu Dang Ya Volcano

Chu Dang Ya Volcano with a history of violent eruptions, making it the oldest in Gia Lai. Over millions of years, the thick layer of lava has transformed this area into highly fertile red basalt land. The local residents have leveraged this rich soil to cultivate various food crops and plants. Beyond its impressive stature, the Chu Dang Ya volcano is further enhanced by the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, creating a stunning landscape of the mountain peak.

People grow food crops around the foot of the mountain.

Not only that, Chu Dang Ya volcano is also considered the most attractive and appealing destination of the Central Highlands. In 2018, Chu Dang Ya volcano was voted by Daily Mail, a prestigious magazine in the UK, as one of the 10 most beautiful mountains in the world.

Chu Dang Ya volcano is one of the 10 most beautiful mountains in the world.

If you visit Chu Dang Ya volcano in mid-November, you’ll have the chance to take part in the Chu Dang Ya Wild Sunflower Festival, which features a variety of exciting and unique activities. Alongside enjoying the beautiful flowers and hiking up the mountain, you can also immerse yourself in the rhythmic sounds of traditional gongs played by the indigenous people and savor delicious dishes from the Central Highlands.

Chu Dang Ya mountain top is covered with wild sunflowers.

Address: Ploi Lagri Town, Chu Dang Ya Commune, Chu Pah District, Gia Lai Province.

Opening Hours: 4:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

4.2. Kon Ka Kinh National Park

Kon Ka Kinh National Park is a prime eco-tourism destination, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the majestic greenery of nature. At Kon Ka Kinh, visitors can marvel at nature’s wonders, with a network of rivers, streams, waterfalls, and rapids, such as Waterfall 95, Dak Pooc Waterfall, Knia Stream, and Dak Ko Bung, showcasing both wild and poetic beauty.

Summer is the ideal time for visit Kon Ka Kinh.

It’s not only an ideal spot for a peaceful vacation to enjoy the lush green surroundings but also a perfect destination for adventure lovers who wish to explore the diverse ecosystem and experience the unique cultural activities of the Ba Na people.

Visitors are extremely impressed with the majestic space at the top of the mountain.

If you come during the Kon Tum New Rice Festival or Puh Ho Drih Festival, you can also freely participate and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the festivals.

Address: Ayun Commune,Mang Yang District, Gia Lai Province.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 60.000 VND/person (2.4 USD)

4.3. Phu Cuong Waterfall

Phu Cuong Waterfall is located about 45 kilometers southeast of Pleiku city center. This stunning waterfall reaches a height of 45 meters and cascades down the lava bed of an extinct volcano.

Beauty of Phu Cuong Waterfall.

Alongside Kon Bong Waterfall (also known as Thach Tang Waterfall), Phu Cuong is recognized as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Gia Lai.

The bridge leading to the foot of Phu Cuong Waterfall.

Surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Central Highlands, Phu Cuong Waterfall boasts an impressive ecosystem filled with lush vegetation and picturesque streams. It offers visitors the chance for delightful exploration and relaxation in a serene natural setting. Additionally, you can engage in various outdoor activities, such as capturing memorable photos, boating around the lake, and enjoying enjoyable picnics.

Here, you can enjoy many interesting activities.

Address: Dun Commune, Chu Se District, Gia Lai Province.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 15.000 VND/person (0.6 USD)

4.4. T’Nung Lake

T’Nung Lake is a must-visit tourist spot in Gia Lai. The lake was formed by three interconnected volcanic craters that have been inactive for millions of years. Often referred to as “Sea Lake” due to its vast area, it captivates visitors with its clear blue water, which many compare to the bright eyes of a Pleiku girl. The lake is also called the “bottomless lake” because its depth is difficult to determine.

T’Nung Lake

One of the lake’s most fascinating features is the narrow strip of land running through it, covered in forest, creating an ideal spot for sightseeing. The lake’s shoreline, which is part of the raised crater, offers visitors a panoramic view of T’Nung Lake.

T’Nung is also a great place to “hunt” for stunning sunsets, making it perfect for sunset lovers. In the evenings, many locals come here for jogging and exercise, enjoying the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere that make the lake a truly relaxing destination.

Rowing is an exciting activity at Pleiku Lake.

Address: Bien Ho Commune, 7 km northwest of Pleiku city, Gia Lai province.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.

4.5. Pleiku Prison

Pleiku Prison is an essential destination to visit when in Gia Lai. Here, you can expand your understanding of the nation’s heroic history. Established by French colonialists in 1925, the prison was originally built to detain communist soldiers and patriotic individuals.

Pleiku Prison

To honor its historical significance, Pleiku Prison has been designated as a historical relic. It is open to visitors free of charge every day of the week. The management has recreated the brutal torture methods used by the two invading forces, providing visitors with a clearer perspective on the war and the sacrifices made by previous generations.

Pleiku Prison – a heroic historical relic of the nation.

The prison is enclosed by a 3-meter-high wall, surrounded by multiple layers of sturdy barbed wire fences. This site stands as a testament to the atrocities committed during the Vietnam War, allowing visitors to gain insight into the difficult lives of political prisoners.

Address: Yet Kieu Street, Dien Hong Ward, Gia Lai Province.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.

Entrance Fee: Free

4.6. Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve

Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, featuring a stunning network of vibrant ecosystems. The combination of mountains, rivers, and streams here attracts tourists seeking unforgettable experiences.

Beauty of Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve

The area is characterized by its rapids, rivers, streams, and mountains set within a tropical forest, creating a breathtaking natural landscape. This setting is particularly appealing to nature lovers eager to immerse themselves in the forest environment.

The nature reserve is home to a rich variety of plant and animal life, including many rare species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and globally. The forests predominantly consist of old-growth and primary forests, complemented by hills, rivers, streams, and rapids, resulting in a vivid and captivating natural scene.

In addition, you can experience Hang En Waterfall, Ba Tang Waterfall, exchange and learn about Ba Na ethnic culture.

Majestic Hang En Waterfall in the middle of the jungle.

Ba Tang Waterfall

Address: Son Lang Commune, K’Bang District, Gia Lai Province.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.

4.7. Ho Che Beach

Ho Che Beach features a beautiful setting with a fresh and tranquil atmosphere. This tea plantation was originally established by the French between 1919 and 1920.

The deep green space at Bien Ho Che makes many people fascinated.

Today, Ho Che spans an impressive area of around 1,000 hectares. Its charm lies in the harmonious blend of tea fields, lakes, and fresh, pleasant air. To fully appreciate the scenic tea hills shrouded in gentle morning mist, it’s best to visit Bien Ho Che early in the morning.

Farmers take advantage of the opportunity to pick and weed tea.

Ho Che Beach is truly an interesting spot that you should not miss in your Travel Guide.

Address: Nghia Hung Commune, Chu Pah District, Gia Lai Province.

4.8. Minh Thanh Pagoda

Minh Thanh Pagoda is situated on a hill just 2 kilometers from the city center. Established in 1964, it has become a well-known site for pilgrimage and worship among the local community. Covering an area of 20,000 square meters, the pagoda features several buildings with gracefully curved roofs, reminiscent of Japanese architectural styles.

Minh Thanh Pagoda

At the entrance, there stands a statue of Bodhisattva Guanyin, surrounded by lush greenery, stone pillars, and a beautifully crafted stone unicorn statue that is 7.5 meters tall and weighs 40 tons.

Minh Thanh Pagoda

The spacious temple courtyard is adorned with miniature landscapes, stone statues, and intricately carved wooden features. Additionally, the pagoda includes a tranquil green space designed by the monks, filled with trees and miniature landscapes, contributing to a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Address: No. 348, Nguyen Viet Xuan, Gia Lai Province.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

4.9. Hundred-Year-Old Pine Trees

Hundred-Year-Old Pine Trees are located near Bien Ho Che, approximately 12 kilometers from the center of Pleiku. This picturesque road stretches nearly 1 kilometer under a canopy of pine trees, which were planted in 1917 and number 101 in total. The area is popular among tourists and young people who come to take photos, and local residents often jog around this scenic spot for exercise.

Hundred-Year-Old Pine Trees

The ideal time for capturing beautiful pictures along this road is early in the morning, when dew is still present and sunlight filters through the leaves. Along the path, you’ll find a few mobile cafes set up in redecorated old cars, providing a relaxing spot for visitors to unwind.

Address: Town 1, Nghia Hung Commune, Chu Pah District, Gia Lai Province.

4.10. Yaly Hydroelectric Plant             

Yaly Hydroelectric Plant is on the Se San River and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Gia Lai province, located about 40 kilometers from Pleiku city. The journey to the hydroelectric plant offers beautiful views of primeval forests, hills, and rivers. Built in 1993, Yaly is the second-largest hydroelectric project in Vietnam, following the Da River project.

The plant is linked to Yaly Waterfall, which was once among the tallest and most picturesque waterfalls in Vietnam, standing at 42 meters high with stunning scenery.

Discover the impressive Yaly Hydropower Plant on the Se San River.

Visitors can tour the plant during office hours, with the route covering the main gate, spillway, dam, and memorial area.

Yaly Hydroelectric Plant

Address: Chu Pah District, Gia Lai Province.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Entrance fee: 50.000/person (2 USD).