About Place
- "A hidden gem in Vietnam’s Central Highlands."
- "The gateway to the land of ethnic minorities and coffee plantations."
- "A serene town surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls."
Reasons to Visit
- Cultural Diversity and Rich Heritage : Pleiku is a gateway to the Central Highlands, home to various ethnic minorities such as the Bahnar and Jarai people. This cultural richness is evident in local traditions, festivals, and the unique stilt houses that dot the landscape. A visit to Pleiku offers a rare opportunity to experience the vibrant cultures that are distinct from the mainstream Vietnamese society.
- Stunning Natural Beauty : Pleiku is surrounded by a rugged landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and stunning waterfalls. The T’Nung Lake, also known as the Sea Lake, is a volcanic crater lake that offers a serene setting for relaxation and photography. The Chu Dang Ya Volcano, with its picturesque surroundings, is another natural wonder that attracts adventurers and nature lovers.
- Coffee Culture : Pleiku is part of Vietnam’s coffee-producing region, and the area around the town is dotted with coffee plantations. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and visiting local coffee farms offers insight into the production process. Pleiku’s coffee culture is an integral part of its identity, and enjoying a cup in one of the town’s quaint cafes is a must-do activity.
Visa
- United States, Canada, EU, Australia, and UK Citizens : These citizens can obtain an e-visa for Vietnam, which allows for a 30-day stay. The e-visa application is done online, and approval usually takes 3 working days.
- ASEAN Countries : Citizens from ASEAN countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
- Other Nationalities : Other nationalities can either apply for an e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival. Visa exemption is available for citizens from select countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Russia for short stays (15-30 days).
Travel Expenses
- Travel to & from Destination :
- Estimated round-trip flight cost from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Pleiku: $150 per person (total $300 for two).
- Hotel Cost :
- Average hotel rate in Pleiku: $40 per night.
- Total cost for 3 nights for two people: $120.
- Food Cost :
- Average meal cost per person: $10.
- Total cost for 6 meals for two people: $120.
- Activity Cost :
- Boat ride at T’Nung Lake: $10 per person.
- Entrance fee to Chu Dang Ya Volcano: $5 per person.
- Kon Tum excursion (including transport and guide): $50 per person.
- Total activity cost for two people: $130.
Near Destination Travel Cost :
- Car rental for 3 days : $100.
Total Estimated Travel Cost : $770.
Best Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival and Exploring Pleiku Town Arrive in Pleiku and check into your hotel. Start your day with a visit to the Pleiku Cathedral, a beautiful French-style church with a unique wooden structure. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Hoa Mai Restaurant, where you can try the local dish Bún Mắm Nêm (rice vermicelli with fermented fish sauce). In the afternoon, visit the Pleiku Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Central Highlands. Spend the evening at Le Plateau Café, sampling the region’s renowned coffee. For dinner, savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Xưa & Nay Restaurant, followed by a walk around the town’s serene streets.
Day 2 : T’Nung Lake and Chu Dang Ya Volcano Begin your day with a visit to T’Nung Lake, also known as the Sea Lake. Spend the morning exploring the scenic surroundings and take a boat ride on the tranquil waters. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or head to Sea Lake Restaurant for a meal of fresh fish and local vegetables. In the afternoon, drive to Chu Dang Ya Volcano, where you can hike around the ancient volcanic crater and enjoy the breathtaking views. In the evening, return to Pleiku and dine at Ngoc Linh Restaurant, known for its delicious Central Highland dishes like gà nướng sa lửa (charcoal-grilled chicken).
Day 3 : Kon Tum Excursion Embark on a day trip to Kon Tum, a town known for its stunning wooden church and rich ethnic culture. Start with a visit to the Kon Tum Wooden Church, an architectural marvel. Lunch at Indochine Hotel Restaurant in Kon Tum, where you can try the local specialty cơm lam (bamboo rice). Spend the afternoon visiting the villages of the Bahnar people to learn about their customs and way of life. Return to Pleiku in the evening for a relaxing dinner at Nhà hàng Tre Xanh, and unwind with a quiet night in.
Safety Tips
- Always carry a copy of your passport and visa.
- Be cautious when traveling at night.
- Drink only bottled or boiled water.
- Use registered taxis or car rental services.
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Avoid discussing sensitive political topics.
- Keep your belongings secure in crowded places.
- Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.
- Stay updated on local news and weather forecasts.
Flights
- Vietnam Airlines : Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Pleiku, 1.5-hour flight, estimated cost: $150 per person.
- Bamboo Airways : Similar route, similar cost.
Hotels
- Hoang Anh Gia Lai Hotel : A centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
- Se San Hotel : Known for its serene ambiance and proximity to the lake.
- Khach San Tre Xanh Hotel : A mid-range hotel offering good value for money.
- Pleiku Hotel : Offers easy access to local attractions and dining options.
- Duc Long Gia Lai Hotel : A budget-friendly option with basic facilities.
Contacts
- Indian Embassy in Vietnam (Hanoi) : +84-24-3824-4982
- Police (Emergency) : 113
- Ambulance : 115
- Firefighters : 114
Country
Closet Airport
- Pleiku Airport (PXU)
Nearest City
- Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi
Heritage Sites
- T’Nung Lake (Sea Lake)
- Chu Dang Ya Volcano, although not UNESCO-listed, are natural heritage sites of significant cultural and ecological value.
Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- Bamboo Airways
- VietJet Air
Currency
- Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Languages Spoken
- Vietnamese (Ethnic minority languages: Bahnar, Jarai)
Real Story
The Battle of Pleiku (1965) : A Turning Point in the Vietnam War
The Battle of Pleiku, which occurred in February 1965, was a pivotal event in the Vietnam War, marking the beginning of a major escalation in U.S. military involvement. The battle was precipitated by an attack on Camp Holloway, a U.S. Army helicopter base near Pleiku, by Viet Cong forces. The surprise assault resulted in the deaths of eight U.S. servicemen, with many others wounded, and destroyed several helicopters. This event triggered a rapid response from the U.S. government, which saw it as a direct challenge by North Vietnamese forces.
President Lyndon B. Johnson, in response to the attack, ordered Operation Flaming Dart, a series of retaliatory airstrikes against North Vietnamese targets. This was one of the first significant U.S. military actions against North Vietnam and marked a sharp increase in American involvement in the conflict. The Battle of Pleiku and the subsequent airstrikes set the stage for the introduction of large numbers of U.S. combat troops into Vietnam, leading to a significant escalation in the war.
The battle and its aftermath were significant not just for their immediate military impact but also for their influence on U.S. public opinion and policy. The Johnson administration used the attack as a justification for expanding U.S. military presence in Vietnam, framing it as a necessary step to counter the threat posed by communist forces. This decision, however, led to a deepening of the conflict, with significant consequences for both the United States and Vietnam.
Today, Pleiku is a quiet town far removed from the turmoil of the war, but the legacy of this battle remains a poignant reminder of the town’s role in one of the most critical periods in Vietnam’s history.
Cuisine
Local Cuisine of Pleiku : Pleiku's cuisine is a reflection of its cultural diversity, blending Vietnamese flavors with the unique culinary traditions of the Central Highlands. One of the must-try dishes is Phở khô, also known as "dry pho," which is a specialty of the region. Unlike the traditional pho, this dish is served without broth, and instead, the noodles are topped with savory minced pork, fried onions, and herbs, with a side of broth. Another local delicacy is cơm lam, sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, which is often enjoyed with grilled meats. The region’s fertile land also produces excellent coffee, and a visit to Pleiku wouldn’t be complete without sampling the rich, aromatic brew that is central to local life.
Culture and History
Pleiku, a town in Vietnam's Central Highlands, is a vibrant cultural mosaic where the traditions of ethnic minorities blend with Vietnamese culture. The region is home to several indigenous groups, including the Bahnar and Jarai people, who maintain distinct cultural identities through their traditional music, dances, and crafts. The town itself, while modernizing rapidly, still retains elements of its cultural heritage, with local festivals and ceremonies providing a glimpse into the ancient customs.
The Central Highlands, where Pleiku is situated, is known for its unique stilt houses, which are emblematic of the region’s architectural style. These houses are often the center of community life in ethnic villages, serving as gathering places for cultural and social events. Visitors to Pleiku can witness traditional performances, where gong music—a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage—plays a central role. The gongs are believed to be sacred, connecting the living with the spiritual world, and are a key feature in the festivals of the Bahnar and Jarai.
The town’s coffee culture is another significant aspect of local life. Pleiku’s coffee plantations are among the most productive in Vietnam, contributing to the country’s position as one of the world’s largest coffee exporters. Coffee isn’t just an economic activity but a cultural one, with coffee-drinking rituals deeply ingrained in daily life. Cafés in Pleiku are often gathering spots for locals and provide visitors with an authentic experience of the region’s laid-back lifestyle.
The Central Highlands are also a region of historical importance. During the Vietnam War, Pleiku was a strategic military base, and the area witnessed significant battles. Today, remnants of this history can be found in the town and surrounding areas, where visitors can explore war memorials and museums dedicated to this tumultuous period.