Gia Lai is located deep in the Central Highlands of Vietnam with Pleiku as the provincial capital town. Gia Lai is bordered to the north by Kon Tum Province, to the east by Binh Dinh and Phu Yen Provinces, to the south by Dak Lak Province and to the West by Cambodia.

Like other provinces of the Central Highlands, Gia Lai is characterized by pristine nature with dense forests and coffee plantations. There are a number of national parks and nature reserves in the area. Nestled in the woods are ethnic communities who have called Gia Lai home for centuries. The province is inhabited by a number of ethnic minorities such as the Kinh, Bahnar, Giarai, Gie Trieng, Xo-Dang, Co Ho, Nhang, Thai, Muong......of which most preserve a very traditional culture that never fails to charm the visitors.

Gia Lai were completely hammered in the war. There were fierce battles taking place here and there of which the marks of war are still vivid today.

Thanks to the fresh nature, temperate climate and quiet traffic, Gia Lai Province and others in the Central Highlands of Vietnam are ideal for biking.

Gia Lai Major Tourist Attractions
To Nung Lake/ Bien Ho 6km north of Pleiku town is supposedly the remains of a once fierce volcano. It covers an area of 320 ha and has an average depth of 20m.

Xung Khoeng Waterfall, 30km southwest of Pleiku offers a stunning scene of thin strips of water dropping down from 40m then the water meanders its way through primary forests and rugged rock cliffs down the mountains.

Chu H'Rong Mountain, 10km southeast of Pleiku with the peak of around 1600 above the sea level. The mountain reward the adventure travellers with stunning view of the surroundings from above.
Former battlefields: Pleime, Cheo Leo and Ia Drang. Ia Drang Valley northwest of Pleime was where the US Army and the People's Army of Vietnam first encountered. The trails from Pleime to Dakto would bring you back to the most fierce battles.

Travel and Tours
Gia Lai is home to many ethnic minorities with well-preserved culture. Gia Lai is definitely an ideal destination for the adventure travellers, the culture-seekers and the eco tourists.

Accommodation
The only choice for the travellers to is some midrange hotels in Pleiku with very basic facilities. Alternatively you can choose to stay with a local ethnic family in one of their traditional houses. This way you can adventure back to their rich traditions and culture. The facilities are nothing, but the cultural experience can be unforgettable.

Getting there and away
By air: There are daily direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City - Pleiku and Da Nang – Pleiku. The direct flights take around 1 hour. The flight Ha Noi – Pleiku transit via Da Nang. The airport is 25km from the town.

By road: Pleiku is 186km from Quy Nhon, 197km from Buon Ma Thuot, and 550km from Ho Chi Minh City.