Gia Lai is known for its breathtaking highlands, dotted with rolling hills, majestic waterfalls, and picturesque coffee plantations. If you’re considering a trip to this delightful province, make sure to check out our Gia Lai Travel Guide to make the most of your journey.
Where is Gia Lai?
Gia Lai is a beautiful mountainous province in the northern part of Vietnam’s Central Highlands region. It holds the distinction of being the second largest province in Vietnam.
Gia Lai is about 1089 km from Hanoi, 340 km from Da Nang, and 650 km from Ho Chi Minh City. It shares borders with Quang Ngai in the northeast, Binh Dinh in the east, Phu Yen in the southeast, and Cambodia in the west. Gia Lai offers stunning landscapes and a unique cultural experience.
When is the best time to visit Gia Lai?
The best time to visit Gia Lai is during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and pleasant, making it ideal for travel. In November and December, you’ll be greeted with vibrant yellow rice fields, blooming wild sunflowers, and colorful cassava flowers. From February to April, the province is adorned with white coffee flowers, creating a picturesque scene.
Towards the end of the year, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in traditional festivals celebrated by the local ethnic minorities. These festivals include the new rice festival, the harvest festival, the gong festival, the village worship festival, the buffalo crash festival, and more. It’s a great chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous people.
From May to October, Gia Lai experiences the rainy season, with July to September having prolonged rains. Due to its tropical monsoon climate, Gia Lai tends to have high humidity and rainfall during this time. It’s not recommended to visit during the rainy season, as it can be challenging to move around and explore the landscapes.
How to go to Gia Lai?
Traveling by plane
The quickest way to reach Gia Lai is by airplane. Flights between Hanoi and Pleiku, as well as between Ho Chi Minh City and Pleiku, operate daily. The route from Da Nang to Pleiku has flights on all days except Monday and Wednesday. Here are the estimated prices for specific flight routes:
- The average airfare from Hanoi to Pleiku ranges from 676,000 VND to 1,038,900 VND.
- The average airfare from Ho Chi Minh City to Pleiku ranges from 574,000 VND to 752,900 VND.
- The average airfare from Hai Phong to Pleiku is around 1,018,900 VND.
Pleiku Airport is located approximately 3 kilometers from the city center. Upon arrival, you can arrange for an airport shuttle or take a taxi to reach the city center.
Traveling by coach
Gia Lai has a well-developed road transport system, primarily consisting of national highways. This means you can easily travel to Gia Lai by coach, with ticket prices starting from as low as 250,000 VND.
However, it’s important to note that traveling by coach is an economical option, but it may take longer. If you’re departing from Hanoi, the journey can take approximately 20 hours. You can buy tickets at Giap Bat, Nuoc Ngam stations.
Some garages for your reference:
| Coach Company | Phone Number | Ticket Price |
| Thien Trung Garage | 0906 700 999 | 800,000 – 900,000 VND |
| Thuan Tien Garage | 0905 079 596 | 650,000 VND |
| Thuan Y Garage | 0903 572 855 | 630,000 VND |
| Hong Anh Garage | 0986 000 078 | 700,000 VND |
If you depart from Mien Dong bus station in Ho Chi Minh City, the travel time is around 8 hours. Some garages for your reference
| Coach Company | Phone Number | Ticket Price |
| Le Cuong | 0935 769 769 | 250,000 VND |
| An Phat | 1900 272 708 | 350,000 VND |
| Thuan Tien | 0971 137 585 | 250,000 VND |
| Duc Dat | 0935 417 379 | 200,000 VND |
The travel time from Da Nang to Pleiku is about 10 hours. You can buy tickets at Central station
| Coach Company | Phone Number | Ticket Price |
| Thanh Dat | 02623 949 777 | 300,000 VND |
| Thuan Tien | 0978 914 895 | 300,000 VND |
| Anh Vu | 1900 272 708 | 250,000 VND |
| Cao Nguyen | 0964 202 094 | 250,000 VND |
Booking directly can sometimes be difficult because of the language barrier. If you want a more convenient option, you can book online using your phone with Bookaway.
- Book bus/flight ticket from Ho Chi Minh city to Gia Lai
- Book flight ticket from Hanoi to Gia Lai
- Book bus ticket from Da Nang to Gia Lai
Traveling by motorcycle
If you’re up for an adventurous journey, you can organize a motorcycle group to travel to Gia Lai from nearby provinces. If you’re coming from Da Nang or Hanoi, you’ll ride along the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail, passing through Kon Tum city until you reach Pleiku.
On the other hand, if you’re starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll take Highway 14, passing through Binh Phuoc, Dak Nong, Buon Ma Thuot, and eventually arriving in Pleiku city. It’s a thrilling route that offers beautiful landscapes and the opportunity to explore different regions of Vietnam.
Just make sure to prepare well, follow traffic regulations, and enjoy the exhilarating ride!
How to move around Gia Lai?
Motorcycle
If you have plenty of time and good health, renting a motorbike in Gia Lai is an amazing idea that lets you design your own adventure and discover the mesmerizing landscapes of this central region.
Some suggested motorbike rental shops for you
| Unit Name | Phone | Address | Manual Bike Rental Price | Scooter Rental Price |
| Motorbike Rental in Gia Lai | 0869 697 981 | 290 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Phu Dong, Pleiku City, Gia Lai | from 80,000 VND/day | N/A |
| Pleiku Motorbike Rental | 096 610 87 77 | 35C Nguyen Tat Thanh, Hoa Lu Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai | 100,000 VND/day | 150,000 VND/day |
| Anh Duc | 098 864 44 46 | 420 Truong Chinh Street, Tra Ba Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai | 150,000 VND/day | N/A |
| IFT Gia Lai | 094 101 00 33 | 107 Le Thanh Ton Street, Dien Hong Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai | from 80,000 VND/day | N/A |
| Anh Phong | 0848 792 379 | 01 Phu Dong, Pleiku City, Gia Lai | 120,000 VND/day | 150,000 VND/day |
| Motorbike Rental Gia Lai – Door-to-door Delivery | 0888 527 981 | 12 Ly Nam De, Phu Dong, Pleiku City, Gia Lai | 150,000 VND/day | 200,000 VND/day |
| Motorbike Rental on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street | 0834 271 888 | 37 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Hoa Lu Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai | 150,000 VND/day | N/A |
Taxi
In Gia Lai, you’ll find convenient taxi services that can enhance your travel experience and make getting around the province hassle-free. Taxis are a popular choice for tourists due to their reliability, comfort, and convenience. Whether you’re arriving at the airport, exploring the city, or venturing to nearby attractions, taxis offer a convenient and efficient mode of transportation.
- Mai Linh Gia Lai Taxi: 0269.38.38.38.38 – 0269.3.717,979 VND
- Sun Taxi Gia Lai: 0269.3.77.88.99
- Taxi Hung Nhan: 0269.3.71.71.71
- Taxi Phu Cuong: 0269.3.888.999 VND
- Taxi Phu Quy: 0269.3.872.777 VND
- Taxi Huy Hoang: 0269.3.75.75.75
- Taxi Quy: 0269.3.715,715
- Taxi Cong Hau: 0269.3.719,719
- Taxi Tre Xanh: 0269.3.716.666
What to do for the first time in Gia Lai?
T’Nung Lake
T’Nung Lake is truly a sight to behold. With its crystal-clear blue surface, it has earned the poetic nickname “Pleiku eyes.” This enchanting lake was actually formed by three ancient craters that became dormant millions of years ago. Locals often refer to T’Nung as the “bottomless lake” because its depth remains a mystery. It’s also called “Sea Lake” due to its vast expanse, spanning over 220 hectares.
Chu Dang Ya Volcano
Chu Dang Ya, another inactive volcano from ancient times, offers a mesmerizing experience. The best time to visit this place is when the mountain is adorned with sprawling green fields of taro and sweet potatoes. From late October to early December, the mountainside comes alive with vibrant yellow wild sunflowers. Most backpackers who come to Gia Lai during this period of the year describe this place as a paradise of wild sunflowers.
Yaly Hydroelectric Lake
The Yaly hydropower lake is the second largest hydroelectric plant in Vietnam, right after the Hoa Binh hydropower plant on the Da River. This impressive structure is closely tied to the magnificent Yaly waterfall, one of Vietnam’s largest waterfalls, boasting a staggering height of 42 meters.
Standing on the dam and gazing into the distance, visitors are treated to a panoramic view of the lush Ngoc Linh mountain, adorned with countless trees. Coming here, you can also explore the 600-meter long underground road that cuts through the mountain bed, where colossal ventilators and machinery are placed.
Kon Jang Rang Nature Reserve
The Kon Jang Rang Nature Reserve is renowned for hosting the most diverse ecosystem in the country. Encompassing 1.6 million hectares of pristine forest, the reserve is home to a wide variety of rare plants. One highlight of this nature reserve is the 12 majestic waterfalls, which all stand at an impressive height of 10 meters.
Kon Ka Kinh National Park
If you’re a nature enthusiast craving an adventure, Kon Ka Kinh National Park should be on your must-visit list. Since 2003, Kon Ka Kinh has been recognized as one of the ASEAN Heritage Parks.
Along your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the richness of flora and fauna, as well as captivating natural landscapes. Furthermore, once you reach the summit of Kon Ka Kinh, your eyes will be captivated by the majestic scenery of the Truong Son mountain range. It’s truly a paradise for those seeking the untamed beauty of nature.
The mentioned tourist attractions are ideal for a short trip in Gia Lai. However, if you’re planning to extend your stay, we suggest taking a look at our latest post for additional Gia Lai tourist attraction.
What to eat in Gia Lai?
Wild Leaf Hot Pot
Wild leaf hot pot is a delicious dish from Gia Lai. Each forest vegetable used in this hot pot carries its own health benefits. When indulging in this flavorful hot pot, the best way to enjoy it is by wrapping the delicious spring rolls in the forest leaves and dipping them into the fermented sauce. It’s a delightful and nutritious experience!
Fermented Crab Noodle Soup
Fermented crab noodle soup is a dish that originates from the culinary traditions of the Binh Dinh people who migrated to Gia Lai. The key ingredient in this dish is the fermented crab sauce.
To make this dish, first, crabs are carefully selected, cleaned, and pounded, and their juice is extracted to create a flavorful fermented sauce. The fermented crab sauce may have a slightly pungent smell, so it’s an acquired taste.
Fermented crab noodle soup is typically served with pork belly, vermicelli, bamboo shoots, spring rolls, prawn crackers, deep-fried pork skin, and fresh vegetables. It’s a combination of savory and aromatic flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Grilled Chicken
In the past, grilled chicken was a special dish reserved for treating guests or celebrating important occasions like weddings, anniversaries, or housewarmings in Gia Lai. But nowadays, it has become a signature delicacy of this mountainous town. Those who have traveled to Gia Lai know that you can always find this dish on the menus of local restaurants.
The chicken is grilled to perfection over glowing embers until it turns a mouthwatering golden brown. When paired with lemongrass salt, fresh green chili, and crushed basil leaves, the flavors truly come alive. It’s a must-try specialty that captures the essence of Gia Lai cuisine.
Papaya And Yellow Ant Salad:
Yellow ants are found in the Ayun Pa and Krong Pa areas of Gia Lai. The dry season is the prime time for hunting these ants because they are plump and fat during this period. Initially, yellow ants have a tangy sour taste that gradually transitions into a delightful sweetness. Gia Lai locals have discovered various ways to incorporate yellow ants into their dishes, with papaya yellow ant salad being a standout.
To prepare this salad, green papaya is peeled, grated, and thoroughly washed. It’s then pounded in a mortar with chili and basil leaves. The mixture is combined with salted yellow ant to enhance the flavors. When you indulge in this dish, you’ll experience the distinct bitterness of the papaya mingling with the tangy sourness of the ants, complemented by the spicy kick of wild peppers and the aromatic fragrance of é leaves. One bite is never enough—you’ll find yourself wanting more.
Heo sọc dưa – A pig breed
Heo sọc dưa is a special breed that originates from wild boars tamed by the indigenous Bahnar and Jrai people. Unlike fully domesticated pigs, Heo sọc dưa is allowed to roam freely, resulting in meat that is reminiscent of the flavors of wild boar—tender, fragrant, and sweet.
These pigs typically weigh around 6-7 kg, making them ideal for serving a group of ten people. With this type of pig, chefs can create a variety of delicious dishes.
While the suggested culinary excitements above provide a tantalizing glimpse into the flavors of Gia Lai, there are even more Gia Lai local foods to be discovered if you have the luxury of time.
Hotels in Gia Lai
There are plenty of great tourist attractions in Gia Lai that are conveniently located near the city. You can spend your days exploring and sightseeing, and then easily return to Pleiku city at night to rest. And when it comes to accommodations, Gia Lai Province offers a variety of hotels with excellent service. Here are a few options you might consider:
- Hoang Anh Gia Lai Pleiku Hotel (01 Phu Dong, Phu Dong Ward, Pleiku)
- Mekong Gia Lai Hotel (114/2 Le Duan, Phu Dong Ward, Pleiku)
- Bee Gia Lai Hotel (264 Phan Dinh Phung, Yen Do Ward, Pleiku)
But that’s not all! In addition to hotels, you also have the option of staying at cozy homestays. Travelers who have been to Gia Lai recommend a few homestays that provide excellent services:
- Tithonia Homestay (580 Truong Chinh, Iakring, Chi Lang Ward, Pleiku)
- Homestay Ngoi Que Gia Lai (Village 5, Tra Da Commune, Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Tra Da Commune, Pleiku)
- Hani House (49/2 Phu Dong, Phu Dong Ward, Pleiku)
Now, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can try booking a 3-star or 2-star hotel room in advance, preferably before the tourist season starts. By doing so, you may be able to take advantage of special discounted prices. Happy planning!
How long should you stay in Gia Lai?
While the length of stay may vary depending on individual preferences and interests, I would recommend spending a minimum of 3 to 4 days in Gia Lai to fully experience its charm and immerse yourself in the local culture.
However, if you have more time available, extending your stay in Gia Lai to a week or longer would allow for a more relaxed and immersive experience. You can venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems, embark on multi-day trekking expeditions to remote villages, and truly connect with the natural surroundings and local communities.
ATM and Money Exchange in Gia Lai
Gia Lai is a big city with plenty of ATMs scattered along the main roads as well as major banks like Agribank, Vietcombank, or Sacombank. You’ll find various payment methods accepted here, and some tourist sites even take cards. However, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for small purchases at stalls or when you explore remote areas.
If you need to exchange money, you can find exchange services at certain resorts and hotels. Just make sure to use legal and trustworthy ones. To be extra safe, it’s recommended to exchange your money in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City before heading to Gia Lai. This way, you’ll have peace of mind during your trip and be prepared for any situation.
Local Emergency Contact for Tourists in Gia Lai
- Emergency Rescue: Dial 112
- Police: 113
- Fire Department: 114
- Ambulance and Medical support: 115
- Gia Lai Provincial Police: 0269.3823903 (Command Information Center) and 0269.3717440 (Provincial Police Inspector)
- Office of Provincial Traffic Safety Board: 02693.874806
- Traffic Police: 0694.329184
- Remember to save your hotel/homestays phone number in case of emergency
Other notes to ensure a wonderful trip beside of this Gia Lai travel guide
- Opt for a manual bike when renting a motorbike as the terrain is mainly hilly and steep. It will provide easier and safer mobility.
- Always maintain control of the motorcycle, travel at a suitable speed, and familiarize yourself with the uphill driving rules.
- To ensure better phone signal coverage, especially in forested and hilly areas, consider getting a Viettel SIM Card.
- Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent and insect repellent since Gia Lai is known for its dense primeval forests and abundant insects.
- It’s a good idea to pack high-calorie snacks, particularly for energy-intensive trips to the forest.
- Take the time to learn about the customs and traditions of the local people when visiting villages in Gia Lai.
- When trekking in the forest, prioritize safety by sticking together as a group and, if possible, seeking guidance from a local porter.
- It’s advisable to avoid visiting Gia Lai during the rainy season, especially for trips to the forest and waterfalls, as it can be risky without sufficient experience.
