Pleiku is a city that you may have never heard of, but it is one of the most fascinating and rewarding destinations in Vietnam. Located in the central highlands of Vietnam, Pleiku was a major military base during the Vietnam War, and witnessed some of the fiercest battles and bombings in the country's history. Today, Pleiku is a peaceful and prosperous city, that serves as a gateway to the ethnic minority villages and natural attractions in the region. If you are looking for a hidden gem and a cultural paradise in Vietnam, then Pleiku is the place for you.
In this article, you will learn about the history, culture, attractions, and travel tips for Pleiku, and how to experience the real Vietnam in this amazing city.
History
Pleiku has a long and turbulent history, that reflects the diversity and complexity of Vietnam. Before the colonial period, Pleiku was the home of the Montagnards or Degar people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of the central highlands of Vietnam. The Montagnards comprise of several ethnic groups, such as the Jarai, the Bahnar, the Sedang, and the Mnong, who have their own languages, religions, customs, and crafts. The Montagnards have a strong sense of identity and autonomy, and have resisted the domination and assimilation of the Vietnamese, the French, and the Americans, throughout the history.
During the colonial period, Pleiku was occupied by the French, who exploited the natural resources and the labor of the Montagnards, and built roads, railways, and plantations, in the region. The French also established a military presence in Pleiku, and used it as a base to control the central highlands and the border areas with Cambodia and Laos. The French faced resistance from the Viet Minh, who fought for the independence of Vietnam, and the Montagnards, who fought for their own rights and interests. The French were defeated by the Viet Minh in the First Indochina War, and withdrew from Vietnam in 1954.
During the post-colonial period, Pleiku became a strategic and symbolic city in the Vietnam War, or the Second Indochina War, that involved the North Vietnamese, the South Vietnamese, the Americans, and their allies. Pleiku was the capital of the Gia Lai province, which was part of the South Vietnam, and was supported by the Americans. Pleiku was also the location of the Camp Holloway, which was a major airbase and headquarters of the US Army and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN). Pleiku was the target of several attacks and bombings by the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong, who wanted to overthrow the South Vietnamese government and reunify the country. One of the most notable events in the history of Pleiku was the Pleiku Incident, which occurred on February 7, 1965, when the Viet Cong attacked the Camp Holloway, killing eight Americans, wounding more than a hundred, and destroying several aircrafts. The Pleiku Incident triggered the Operation Flaming Dart, which was the first large-scale bombing campaign by the Americans against the North Vietnamese, and escalated the involvement and the intensity of the Vietnam War.
During the modern period, Pleiku has undergone a remarkable transformation and development, after the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Pleiku is now a peaceful and prosperous city, that has a population of about 260,000 people, and is the economic, cultural, and political center of the Gia Lai province. Pleiku is also a tourist hub, that attracts visitors from Vietnam and abroad, who want to explore the ethnic minority villages and natural attractions in the region. Pleiku is also a city that faces many challenges, such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and social unrest, that require the cooperation and the participation of the government, the civil society, and the international community.
Culture
Pleiku is a city that offers a unique and authentic experience of the culture and traditions of the ethnic minorities in the central highlands of Vietnam. The ethnic minorities, who are also known as the Montagnards or the Degar people, comprise of several groups, such as the Jarai, the Bahnar, the Sedang, and the Mnong, who have their own languages, religions, customs, and crafts. The ethnic minorities have a strong sense of identity and autonomy, and have preserved and promoted their culture and heritage, despite the pressures and influences of the Vietnamese, the French, and the Americans, throughout the history. Here are some of the aspects of the culture and traditions of the ethnic minorities in Pleiku, that you can learn and enjoy during your visit.
The Jarai People
The Jarai people are the largest and the most influential ethnic group in the central highlands of Vietnam, and they live mainly in the Gia Lai and the Kon Tum provinces. The Jarai people have their own language, which belongs to the Austronesian family, and their own religion, which is a form of animism, that worships the spirits of the ancestors, the nature, and the objects. The Jarai people have a rich and diverse culture, that is expressed in their music, dance, literature, and art. One of the most distinctive and fascinating aspects of the Jarai culture is their funeral customs and rituals, which are known as "To Die Jarai". The Jarai people believe that the dead have a soul, that needs to be guided and protected by the living, until it reaches the land of the ancestors. The Jarai people honor their dead in graveyards, where they place carved wooden figures and jars, that represent the deceased and their belongings. The Jarai people also hold ceremonies and festivals, that involve the sacrifice of animals, the offering of food and drinks, and the performance of songs and dances, to appease and celebrate the spirits of the dead. The Jarai funeral customs and rituals are a unique and interesting way of understanding the Jarai worldview and values, and you can visit the Jarai graveyards and villages, to witness and participate in these events.
The Bahnar People
The Bahnar people are the second largest and the most widespread ethnic group in the central highlands of Vietnam, and they live mainly in the Gia Lai, the Kon Tum, and the Dak Lak provinces. The Bahnar people have their own language, which belongs to the Mon-Khmer family, and their own religion, which is a form of animism, that worships the spirits of the ancestors, the nature, and the objects. The Bahnar people have a rich and diverse culture, that is expressed in their music, dance, literature, and art. One of the most distinctive and fascinating aspects of the Bahnar culture is their architecture and village planning, which are known as "Rong". The Rong is a communal house, that is built on stilts, and has a high and steep roof, that resembles a horn or a boat. The Rong is the symbol and the center of the Bahnar village, where the villagers gather for meetings, ceremonies, festivals, and social activities. The Rong is also the place where the Bahnar people display their artistic and technical skills, such as carving, weaving, painting, and decorating. The Rong is a unique and interesting way of understanding the Bahnar social and political organization and values, and you can visit the Bahnar villages and Rong, to see and experience these structures.
The Sedang People
The Sedang people are the third largest and the most isolated ethnic group in the central highlands of Vietnam, and they live mainly in the Kon Tum and the Quang Ngai provinces. The Sedang people have their own language, which belongs to the Mon-Khmer family, and their own religion, which is a form of animism, that worships the spirits of the ancestors, the nature, and the objects. The Sedang people have a rich and diverse culture, that is expressed in their music, dance, literature, and art. One of the most distinctive and fascinating aspects of the Sedang culture is their musical instruments and songs, which are known as "T'rung". The T'rung is a bamboo xylophone, that is made of different lengths and sizes of bamboo tubes, that are arranged horizontally and vertically, and are played by hitting them with wooden sticks. The T'rung produces a melodious and harmonious sound, that reflects the natural and musical environment of the Sedang people. The Sedang people also have a variety of songs, that accompany the T'rung, and that express their emotions, stories, and beliefs. The T'rung and the songs are a unique and interesting way of understanding the Sedang aesthetic and spiritual values, and you can listen and learn the T'rung and the songs, from the Sedang people.
The Mnong People
The Mnong people are the fourth largest and the most integrated ethnic group in the central highlands of Vietnam, and they live mainly in the Dak Lak and the Lam Dong provinces. The Mnong people have their own language, which belongs to the Mon-Khmer family, and their own religion, which is a form of animism, that worships the spirits of the ancestors, the nature, and the objects. The Mnong people have a rich and diverse culture, that is expressed in their music, dance, literature, and art. One of the most distinctive and fascinating aspects of the Mnong culture is their elephant hunting and domestication, which are known as "Lak". The Lak is a tradition and a skill, that involves the hunting, taming, training, and caring of theelephants, and that reflects the close and respectful relationship between the Mnong people and the elephants. The Lak is also a source of pride and prestige, that determines the social and economic status of the Mnong people. The Mnong people also hold ceremonies and festivals, that involve the participation and the performance of the elephants, such as the elephant race, the elephant blessing, and the elephant wedding. The Lak and the elephants are a unique and interesting way of understanding the Mnong ecological and cultural values, and you can watch and interact with the elephants, from the Mnong people.
Things to Do
Pleiku is a city that offers a variety of things to do, that cater to different tastes and preferences of the travelers. Whether you are looking for natural or cultural sights, adventure or relaxation activities, history or modernity experiences, Pleiku has something for everyone. Here are some of the things to do in and around Pleiku, that you should not miss during your visit.
Bien Ho Lake
Bien Ho Lake, or Sea Lake, is a natural lake that is located about 7 km from the center of Pleiku. The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption, and has a surface area of about 230 hectares, and a depth of about 40 meters. The lake is surrounded by pine forests, and has a serene and scenic atmosphere, that is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the nature. You can take a boat ride on the lake, and admire the views of the water, the sky, and the mountains. You can also visit the nearby villages of the Jarai and the Bahnar people, and learn more about their culture and traditions. Bien Ho Lake is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Pleiku, and you should visit it during the sunrise or the sunset, to witness the stunning colors and reflections of the lake.
Phu Cuong Waterfall
Phu Cuong Waterfall, or Fire Waterfall, is a waterfall that is located about 45 km from the center of Pleiku. The waterfall is about 40 meters high, and 100 meters wide, and flows from the Ia Puch stream, which originates from the Chu Dang Ya Volcano. The waterfall is named after the phenomenon of the water turning red, when the sunlight hits it at a certain angle, creating a spectacular and fiery effect. The waterfall is also surrounded by green fields, and has a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere, that is ideal for swimming and picnicking. You can also visit the nearby villages of the Jarai and the Bahnar people, and learn more about their culture and traditions. Phu Cuong Waterfall is one of the most impressive and spectacular places in Pleiku, and you should visit it during the dry season, from November to April, to see the best of the waterfall.
Chu Dang Ya Volcano
Chu Dang Ya Volcano, or Wild Ginger Flower Volcano, is a volcano that is located about 30 km from the center of Pleiku. The volcano is about 1,000 meters high, and has a crater of about 800 meters in diameter. The volcano is inactive, and has not erupted for thousands of years, but has left behind a unique and diverse landscape, that is composed of lava, rocks, soil, and vegetation. The volcano is also home to many species of plants and animals, and has a colorful and vibrant atmosphere, that is ideal for hiking and exploring the nature. You can also visit the nearby villages of the Jarai and the Bahnar people, and learn more about their culture and traditions. Chu Dang Ya Volcano is one of the most interesting and diverse places in Pleiku, and you should visit it during the rainy season, from May to October, to see the best of the volcano.
Minh Thanh Temple
Minh Thanh Temple, or Golden Pagoda, is a temple that is located in the center of Pleiku. The temple was built in 1964, and is one of the most important and sacred places for the Buddhists in the region. The temple is a masterpiece of architecture and art, that combines the styles and elements of the Vietnamese, the Chinese, and the Thai cultures. The temple has a golden dome, that is decorated with dragons, lotuses, and Buddhas, and that dominates the skyline of the city. The temple also has a garden, that is filled with flowers, trees, and statues, and that creates a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, that is ideal for meditating and praying. You can also visit the nearby museum, that displays the relics and the artifacts of the temple, and the history and the culture of the Buddhists in the region. Minh Thanh Temple is one of the most beautiful and spiritual places in Pleiku, and you should visit it during the morning or the evening, to witness the ceremonies and the rituals of the temple.
Thien Duong Giac Son
Thien Duong Giac Son, or Paradise of the Enlightened Mountain, is a park that is located about 5 km from the center of Pleiku. The park was opened in 2018, and is one of the most modern and innovative places in the region. The park is a complex of attractions and activities, that are designed to entertain and educate the visitors, about the history, culture, and nature of the central highlands of Vietnam. The park has a museum, that showcases the artifacts and the stories of the ethnic minorities, the Vietnam War, and the development of the region. The park also has a zoo, that houses many species of animals, such as elephants, tigers, bears, and monkeys, and that offers the opportunity to interact and feed them. The park also has a cultural village, that recreates the traditional houses and lifestyles of the ethnic minorities, and that offers the chance to watch and join their music, dance, and crafts. The park also has a lake, that provides various water sports and activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Thien Duong Giac Son is one of the most fun and educational places in Pleiku, and you should visit it during the day, to enjoy the best of the park.
Kon Ka Kinh National Park
Kon Ka Kinh National Park, or Kon Ka Kinh Biosphere Reserve, is a national park that is located about 50 km from the center of Pleiku. The park was established in 2002, and is one of the most important and protected areas in the region. The park covers an area of about 42,000 hectares, and has a diverse and rich ecosystem, that is composed of forests, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. The park is also home to many species of plants and animals, some of which are rare and endangered, such as the gray-shanked douc, the yellow-cheeked gibbon, the giant muntjac, and the orchid. The park is also a cultural and historical site, that preserves and promotes the culture and traditions of the ethnic minorities, who live in and around the park, such as the Sedang and the Mnong people. The park is also a destination for adventure and ecotourism, that offers various activities and services, such as trekking, camping, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and homestaying. Kon Ka Kinh National Park is one of the most natural and authentic places in Pleiku, and you should visit it during the dry season, from November to April, to see the best of the park.
Getting There
Pleiku is a city that is easily accessible, by different modes of transportation, from various cities in Vietnam. Whether you prefer to travel by air, bus, or motorbike, you can find a convenient and affordable way to get to Pleiku, and enjoy the scenery and the experience along the way. Here are some of the options and tips on how to get to Pleiku, from different cities in Vietnam.
By Air
The fastest and easiest way to get to Pleiku, is by air, from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Pleiku has an airport, that is located about 5 km from the center of the city, and that has daily flights to and from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The flight time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the ticket price is about 1,000,000 VND (43 USD) for a one-way trip. You can book your flight online, through the websites of the airlines, such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways, or through the websites of the travel agencies, such as Skyscanner, Kayak, and Expedia. You can also take a taxi or a bus, from the airport to the city, for about 50,000 VND (2 USD) for a taxi, and 10,000 VND (0.4 USD) for a bus.
By Bus
The cheapest and most common way to get to Pleiku, is by bus, from Da Nang or Nha Trang. Pleiku has a bus station, that is located about 3 km from the center of the city, and that has daily buses to and from Da Nang and Nha Trang. The bus time is about 6 hours from Da Nang, and 8 hours from Nha Trang, and the ticket price is about 200,000 VND (9 USD) for a one-way trip. You can book your bus online, through the websites of the bus companies, such as The Sinh Tourist, Hanh Cafe, and Futa Bus, or through the websites of the travel agencies, such as 12Go Asia, Baolau, and Bookaway. You can also take a taxi or a bus, from the bus station to the city, for about 50,000 VND (2 USD) for a taxi, and 10,000 VND (0.4 USD) for abus.
By Motorbike
The most adventurous and exciting way to get to Pleiku, is by motorbike, from any city in Vietnam. Pleiku is connected by the Ho Chi Minh Highway, which is a scenic and historic road, that runs along the Truong Son mountain range, and passes through many attractions and landmarks, such as the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the Khe Sanh Combat Base, the Dak To Battlefield, and the Dray Nur Waterfall. The motorbike time and price depend on your starting point, your route, your speed, and your stops, but you can expect to spend at least a few days and a few million VND (hundreds of USD) for a one-way trip. You can rent a motorbike online, through the websites of the motorbike rental companies, such as Tigit Motorbikes, Flamingo Travel, and Style Motorbikes, or through the websites of the travel agencies, such as Vietnam Coracle, Vietnam Bike Tours, and Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert. You can also take a guided tour, that provides you with a motorbike, a guide, a mechanic, and a support vehicle, for a more comfortable and safe experience. You can also take a taxi or a bus, from the city to the Ho Chi Minh Highway, for about 100,000 VND (4 USD) for a taxi, and 20,000 VND (0.8 USD) for a bus.
Where to Stay
Pleiku is a city that offers a range of accommodation options, that suit different budgets and preferences of the travelers. Whether you are looking for luxury or budget hotels, homestays or hostels, Pleiku has something for everyone. Here are some of the places to stay in Pleiku, that you should consider during your visit.
HAGL Hotel Pleiku
HAGL Hotel Pleiku, or Hoang Anh Gia Lai Hotel Pleiku, is a luxury hotel that is located in the center of Pleiku. The hotel is a part of the HAGL Group, which is one of the largest and most reputable corporations in Vietnam, and has branches in many cities and countries in the region. The hotel is a four-star hotel, that offers 162 rooms and suites, that are spacious, elegant, and comfortable, and that have modern amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, minibar, and wifi. The hotel also offers a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, a spa, a gym, a pool, a tennis court, and a conference room, that provide quality and convenience for the guests. The hotel also offers a free shuttle service, to and from the airport and the bus station, for the guests. The hotel is one of the best and most popular places to stay in Pleiku, and the price is about 1,500,000 VND (65 USD) per night, for a standard room.
Tre Xanh Hotel
Tre Xanh Hotel, or Green Bamboo Hotel, is a budget hotel that is located in the center of Pleiku. The hotel is a family-run hotel, that offers 30 rooms, that are simple, clean, and cozy, and that have basic amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, fridge, and wifi. The hotel also offers a restaurant, a laundry service, a tour desk, and a bike rental service, that provide convenience and value for the guests. The hotel is one of the best and most affordable places to stay in Pleiku, and the price is about 300,000 VND (13 USD) per night, for a standard room.
Boston Hotel
Boston Hotel, or Boston Homestay, is a homestay that is located about 5 km from the center of Pleiku. The homestay is a cozy and friendly place, that offers 10 rooms, that are spacious, bright, and comfortable, and that have modern amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, kettle, and wifi. The homestay also offers a shared kitchen, a shared lounge, a garden, and a terrace, that provide a homey and relaxing atmosphere for the guests. The homestay also offers a free breakfast, a free shuttle service, and a free bike rental service, for the guests. The homestay is one of the best and most unique places to stay in Pleiku, and the price is about 500,000 VND (22 USD) per night, for a standard room.
Best Time to Visit
Pleiku is a city that has a tropical monsoon climate, that is characterized by two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from November to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to October. The temperature in Pleiku is relatively stable, and ranges from 18°C to 28°C throughout the year. The best time to visit Pleiku depends on your preferences and interests, as each season has its own pros and cons, such as the festivals, the crowds, the prices, and the activities. Here are some of the factors and tips that you should consider when planning your trip to Pleiku, according to the weather and seasons.
Dry Season
The dry season is the most popular and favorable time to visit Pleiku, as it offers the best weather and conditions for traveling and exploring the city and its surroundings. The dry season has sunny and clear days, with low humidity and rainfall, and moderate temperatures, that are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The dry season also coincides with the peak tourist season, and the festive season, in Vietnam, which means that you can enjoy the lively and vibrant atmosphere, and the cultural and religious events, that take place in Pleiku and the region. Some of the festivals that you can experience during the dry season are the Tet Festival, which is the Vietnamese New Year, and the most important and celebrated festival in the country, that occurs in late January or early February, and the Pleiku Buffalo Stabbing Festival, which is a traditional and unique festival of the Bahnar people, that involves the sacrifice and the stabbing of a buffalo, to pray for good luck and prosperity, that occurs in March or April. However, the dry season also has some drawbacks, such as the high demand and prices, for the flights, buses, hotels, and tours, that require you to book in advance and to bargain hard, and the large crowds and queues, that may affect your comfort and convenience, when visiting the attractions and landmarks.
Rainy Season
The rainy season is the least popular and favorable time to visit Pleiku, as it offers the worst weather and conditions for traveling and exploring the city and its surroundings. The rainy season has cloudy and wet days, with high humidity and rainfall, and variable temperatures, that are not ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The rainy season also coincides with the low tourist season, and the quiet season, in Vietnam, which means that you may miss the lively and vibrant atmosphere, and the cultural and religious events, that take place in Pleiku and the region. However, the rainy season also has some advantages, such as the low demand and prices, for the flights, buses, hotels, and tours, that allow you to book easily and to save money, and the small crowds and queues, that may enhance your comfort and convenience, when visiting the attractions and landmarks. The rainy season also has some beauty and charm, such as the green and lush scenery, the blooming and colorful flowers, and the refreshing and cooling showers, that may make your visit more enjoyable and memorable.
Conclusion
Pleiku is a city that offers a unique and authentic experience of Vietnam, with its rich history, culture, attractions, and travel tips. Whether you are interested in the natural or cultural sights, adventure or relaxation activities, history or modernity experiences, Pleiku has something for everyone. By visiting Pleiku, you will learn more about the diversity and complexity of Vietnam, and the ethnic minorities in the central highlands, who have preserved and promoted their culture and heritage, despite the pressures and influences of the Vietnamese, the French, and the Americans, throughout the history. You will also enjoy the lively and vibrant atmosphere, and the cultural and religious events, that take place in Pleiku and the region, such as the Tet Festival, and the Pleiku Buffalo Stabbing Festival. You will also discover the beauty and charm of the scenery and the nature, that surround Pleiku, such as the Bien Ho Lake, the Phu Cuong Waterfall, the Chu Dang Ya Volcano, and the Kon Ka Kinh National Park.
Pleiku is a city that will surprise and delight you, with its hidden gems and cultural paradises, and that will make you fall in love with the real Vietnam. Book your trip now and discover the amazing city of Pleiku.
