Pleiku is a city which is not much talked about and less frequented yet is one of the most captivating places in Vietnam. Nestled amidst the central highlands of Vietnam, Pleiku was once popular as a pivotal military base at the time of the Vietnam War leading to some of the major battles and shootings. At present, Pleiku is a city with serenity residing in all its corners serving as an entry point for the local minority villages and tourist attractions in this area. Nothing less than a fantasyland, Pleiku is a hidden gem that you must explore if you are tired of overcrowded tourist destinations.
Best Time To Visit Pleiku In Vietnam
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Like most of the cities, Pleiku City in Vietnam also has an equatorial monsoon climate with two different seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season starts in November and lasts till April whereas the rainy season dominates from the months May to October. There’s not much difference in the temperature in Pleiku as it keeps fluctuating between 18 to 28 degrees Celsius all year round.
If you’re wondering if Pleiku is worth a visit, you must plan your trip during the most suitable season. The dry season is the best time to visit Pleiku because of the suitable weather conditions. Major festivals and celebrations here are also conducted during the dry season which is another reason for visitors to visit Pleiku anytime between November to April.
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Places To Visit In Pleiku
Start your exploration of Pleiku by visiting some of the top attractions to visit in Pleiku which showcase the overall vibe and essence of the place. We have compiled a list of 5 places which you shouldn’t miss.
1. Bien Ho Che
If spending time in nature is your first preference, the Bein Ho Che must be first in your list of places to explore. Also known as Sea Lake and located just next to the Bien Ho Lake, it is spread over an area of 1,000 hectares and covers the bottom areas of the surrounding mountains creating a stunning picture of nature at its best. Tea cultivation was established by the French in 1919, and to date, locals rely on it for employment. The mist surrounding the area and the bottom of the mountains is an unbelievable picture.
Address: 32H3+5CH, Đường liên, Nghĩa Hưng, Chư Păh, Gia Lai, Vietnam
Timings: 24 Hours
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2. De K’tu Village
Image Credit: Lấy từ ảnh của Gary Cantrell for Wikimedia Commons
The De K’tu village, 35 km away from Pleiku houses one among the four Ba Na tribes in the Kon Dong town. The main attraction of this village is the house of De K’Tu Rong which is beautifully adorned with a conical roof and traditional Na Na ethnicity patterns. Rong house is a typical communal house exclusive to Central Highlands. It is the place where the nearby villagers come and gather to celebrate all the significant festivities.
Address: 35 Km from Pleiku
Timings: 24 Hours
3. Minh Thanh Pagoda
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Minh Thanh Pagoda is a temple famous for its architecture, which is a perfect blend of Chinese and Japanese styles. Built-in 1919, this temple appears nothing less than a hand-painted palace nestled in the middle of mountain trails from a distance. The temple houses a beautiful idol of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the central sanctum and is beautified with lush greenery all around. The pagoda also houses a yard with plants and beautifully engraved wooden and stone statues.
Address: 348 Nguyễn Viết Xuân, P. Hội Phú, Thành phố Pleiku, Gia Lai 600000, Vietnam
Timings: 24 Hours
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4. Thien Duong Giac Son
Out of all the traditional and vintage places resting in Pleiku, Thein Duong Giac Son is the modern marvel and gives you a break. The park was established in 2018 and features all sorts of activities and attractions to keep the locals and visitors entertained. It also educated the people about the history, culture and natural resources of the entire Vietnam. Not just the fun things, the park aims to showcase every detail that played a role in shaping Vietnam’s history.
Address: W2RH+VVQ, Chi Lăng, Thành phố Pleiku, Gia Lai 600000, Vietnam
Timings: 24 Hours
5. Pleiku Prison
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Visiting a country which went through from being colonised to being independent is nothing short of revisiting history. Pleiku prison is one place where you must pay a visit. The prison was established by the French colonisers in 1925 where they practised inhumane treatments on the local people who were considered as criminals. Later in 1940, it was converted into a prison for the nationalist people who were a part of the revolutionary movements.
Address: X2G2+GCG, P. Diên Hồng, Thành phố Pleiku, Gia Lai 600000, Vietnam
Timings:7.30 AM to 11.30 AM and 1.30 PM to 4.30 PM (closed on weekends)
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Things to Do in Pleiku
After visiting some of the iconic places to get the essence of the place, here are some top things to do in Pleiku:
1. Climbing The Ham Rong Mountain
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The Ham Rong Mountain, also called Dragon’s Jaw Peak, is 11 km away from Pleiku. One of the top attractions to visit in Pleiku, it is an ideal destination for a day trip from Gia Lai. Situated on National Highway 14B, this mountain is very feasible for climbers and trekkers. Once an active volcano, it now is covered in lush greenery. As it is located at an altitude of 1000m from the sea level, the top of the mountains with cloud-crowding feels magical.
2. Go For A Picnic At The Phu Cuong Waterfall
Image Credit: จิรศักดิ์ โตเลิศมงคล for Wikimedia Commons
Phu Cuong Waterfall is a picnic spot just 40 km away from Pleiku City. The water can be seen dripping from an elevation of 45 m and gathers into a small lake. The waterfall becomes more potent during the rainy season due to the large amount of water. However, in the dry season, it turns out as an ideal place to witness the beauty of nature with highlands and green trees in the surroundings.
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3. Enjoy The Leaving Tomb Festival
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Every year from March to April, post the harvesting season, the local people celebrate the Leaving Tomb Festival. In this festival, the soul of a dead person in a family is sent away. It is believed that after a family member dies, their soul remains in the family and they also take part in all activities in the family. During this festival, the family bids goodbye to the dead person and moves on in their individual lives. The local villages celebrate this festival for three days with a lot of happiness.
4. Boating In Bien Ho Lake
Image Credit: Phó Nháy (talk) for Wikimedia Commons
Bien Ho Lake, also named as the Sea Lake is a naturally formed lake located nearly 7 km away from the midpoint of Pleiku. The lake was created after a volcanic eruption and has expanded to almost 230 hectares. It is 49 metres deep and is covered with alpine trees making it a tranquil place to relax. For the best views and experience, it is recommended that you take a boat ride in the lake admiring the magnificent sky, mountains and the lake.
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5. Trek To The Kon Ka Kinh National Park
Image Credit: Paxson Woelber for Wikimedia Commons
Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Mang Yang District is 50 km away from Pleiku and is no less than a paradise for adventure freaks. Trekking to this national park is one of the most important things to do in Pleiku because of its magnificent scenery and intense wildlife. Spread across an area of 42,000 hectares, this national park is also counted as one of the ASEAN Heritage Parks apart from three more parks in Vietnam.
Further Read: Waterfalls In Vietnam
Pleiku City in Vietnam presents an indifferent and traditional picture of Vietnam including its rich history and diverse culture. Be it spending your leisure time or engaging in adventure activities, Pleiku has something to offer for all visitors. Your trip to Vietnam would remain unfinished without exploring the city of Pleiku!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pleiku
Why is Pleiku famous?
Pleiku is a worthy place to visit due to its rich culture and heritage, a brutal history of colonisation and coffee plantation.
What is the local cuisine served in Pleiku?
The local cuisine served here in Pleiku is Banh Mi, Pho and the natively cultivated coffee.
What kind of accommodations are available in Pleiku?
There are several accommodation facilities available within the town itself from budget to luxury options. It is advisable to check the rates before your visit as they keep changing as per the season.
Is it okay to visit Pleiku during the rainy season?
The rainy season is not ideal for visiting Pleiku as it restricts tourists from experiencing outdoor activities and travelling.
What is the best time to visit Pleiku?
The ideal time to visit Pleiku is from November to April which is considered a dry season as it gives you opportunities to explore all places and activities.
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