Pleiku Travel Guide

1. Discover the natural beauty of Bien Ho and the majestic waterfalls

When visiting Pleiku, you cannot miss Bien Ho (T’Nung Lake) – the “eyes of Pleiku”- with a blue sky, immense like a giant mirror reflecting the sky, surrounded by rows of rustling pine trees. This place brings a rare feeling of relaxation and freshness. Not far away, waterfalls such as Phu Cuong Waterfall or K50 Waterfall hidden in the middle of the forest demonstrate the majestic power of nature, with white water pouring down, foaming, the sound of water echoing throughout the mountains and forests, creating a scene that is both spectacular and pristine, full of challenges for those who love to explore.

2. Admire the volcanic landscape and wild sunflower hills

Pleiku possesses unique volcanic vestiges, notably Chu Dang Ya Volcano with a round crater, covered with green trees and colorful terraced fields. More specifically, in the dry season, the surrounding hillsides and on the way to Chu Dang Ya volcano are lit up with a carpet of bright yellow wild sunflowers stretching as far as the eye can see. Standing in the middle of a golden flower field, breathing the fresh air of the plateau, will be an unforgettable memory, both wild and poetic.

3. Learn about the ethnic villages’ culture and historical sites

Your exploration of Pleiku will be perfect when touching typical cultural identities in mountainous villages. Visiting Plei Op Village, you can stand in front of the unique Rong house, a symbol of the Jrai community, and learn about the traditional art of brocade weaving. A gong show for vibrant sounds in the Rong house is a great experience to enjoy, especially during Tet holidays, when village festivals are held, or when booked in advance.

4. Enjoy the unique cuisine of Gia Lai

The flavor of Pleiku, Gia Lai, combines forestry tastes and the indigenous people’s eating. Don’t forget to try the famous “two bowls” Pho, also called Gia Lai Dry Pho: one bowl contains dry, chewy noodles with oil and herbs, and another contains hot, fragrant broth, exclusive to this dish. Or, the rustic grilled chicken is marinated and grilled over hot coals, served with fragrant sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes. Other dishes, such as one-sun beef with yellow salt or vermicelli with fish sauce, will also leave you with a lasting memory of the typical flavors of the plateau.

5. Explore the central market and the night market of Pleiku

To best experience the life of the highland people, visit the markets in Pleiku. The central market (49 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Pleiku) is lively during the day, selling fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as a variety of forest products and household goods, creating a colorful atmosphere. You can smell the scent of spices, listen to the funny bargaining, and immerse yourself in the daily atmosphere of buying and selling. When night falls, the Pleiku night market lights up with a sparkling look from warm yellow lights. This street food paradise is where the locals often come to enjoy hot, tasty dishes typical of the mountain town, such as dry Pho or grilled chicken.

6. Discover the unique architecture of religious buildings in Pleiku

If you love exploring architecture with a strong cultural identity, Pleiku in the Central Highlands of Vietnam will surprise you with its unique religious works. PleiChuet Church – also known as the communal house church – stands out with the shape of a tall Jrai communal house, in the middle of a peaceful mountain town. Not far away, Minh Thanh Pagoda is majestic with curved roofs, red walls, and is located in the city center, but quiet as a Zen monastery. In particular, Buu Minh Pagoda – in the middle of a windy pine hill – has a beauty that combines Vietnamese, Japanese, and Taiwanese, making people’s hearts easily sink into a rare serenity.