Gia Lai Travel Guide

1. Where is Gia Lai?

Gia Lai is a province in the Central region of Vietnam. It has a diverse terrain, from highlands, plateaus to plains and coastal areas. With an area stretching from the western border of the Central region, located in the north of the Central Highlands to the south central coastal region of Vietnam. It is about 1,080 km southeast of Hanoi and about 600 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. With its geographical location:

• The North borders Quang Ngai province.
• The East borders the East Sea.
• The West borders Cambodia.
• The South borders Dak Lak province.

2. How is Gia Lai unique?

Gia Lai possesses a wild, strong beauty like a vibrant mountain girl. When mentioning Gia Lai, people cannot help but be impressed by the majestic, vast and captivating natural scenery. The terrain here is quite diverse, stretching from high mountains, low hills interspersed with valleys. To fertile plains and pristine coastlines, creating a vivid and attractive natural picture. In particular, Gia Lai is home to many ethnic groups such as Ja-rai, Ba-na, Xo-dang, Thai, Muong, … This cultural exchange has formed a diverse culture. In particular, the most prominent is the Central Highlands Gong Cultural Space – an intangible cultural heritage of humanity recognized by UNESCO. Not only that, Gia Lai is also marked by a long history, once part of the brilliant Sa Huynh culture. And it bears the mark of the ancient Champa kingdom through unique architectural works such as Do Ban citadel and ancient Cham towers. Currently, Gia Lai owns a rich historical – cultural relic system with many national and provincial relics. It clearly reflects the cultural depth of this land. All these factors have created a Gia Lai that is both rustic and majestic, rich in identity. It deserves to be an ideal destination for those who love to explore nature, culture and history.

3. When is the best time to visit Gia Lai?

Gia Lai is located in a tropical monsoon climate zone, with high humidity and heavy rainfall. But it is less affected by storms and frost. The climate here is divided into two distinct seasons: rainy season and dry season, with an average annual temperature ranging from 20°C to 25°C. Dry season (from November to April of the following year): This is the most ideal time to travel to Gia Lai. The weather is dry, sunny, clear blue sky, favorable for sightseeing, exploring nature and learning about local culture. Some notable times you should note:

• November – December: The season of wild sunflowers with brilliant yellow color throughout the Central Highlands mountains and forests. It creates a poetic and charming scene.
• February – April: The season of coffee flowers blooming white in the sky, covering all the fields. It brings a pure and romantic beauty.
• March: The golden time to admire the golden fields of royal poinciana flowers and the unique festival season of the indigenous people.

In general, Gia Lai’s climate is quite mild, each season has its own beauty. However, to have a smooth, complete journey and easily participate in outdoor activities. You should prioritize traveling to Gia Lai in the dry season. Note: The rainy season (from May to October) often has prolonged rains, making it difficult to travel and visit. However, if you love the vibrant beauty of nature, you can also come to Gia Lai at the beginning of the rainy season. During this time, the trees are lush green and nature seems to be “revived”.

4. How to get to Gia Lai?

Gia Lai is located in the Central region of Vietnam, with a convenient traffic location, easily connecting with many provinces in the two regions of Vietnam. Thanks to the developed transportation system, you have many options for transportation to and from Gia Lai.

4.1 Traveling to Gia Lai

4.1.1. By plane

Gia Lai has Pleiku airport, only about 4 km from Pleiku city center. There are currently many direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and some other major cities to Pleiku. Operated by airlines such as Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Jetstar Pacific. Traveling by plane will help you save time and is an ideal choice for those who want to get to Gia Lai quickly and conveniently.

4.1.2. By bus

The bus is a suitable choice if you want to save costs. From major cities and provinces, you can easily catch a bus to Gia Lai with many bus companies, types of buses and diverse time frames. However, ticket prices will vary depending on the departure point, vehicle quality and travel time.

4.1.3. By train

If you depart from provinces with the North – South railway line in Vietnam. You can choose to take the train to nearby stations such as Dieu Tri (Binh Dinh). Then, you continue to take a bus or taxi to Gia Lai. Although the travel time is longer, in return, you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery on both sides of the road.

4.1.4. By motorbike

Motorbikes are an ideal means of transport for those who are passionate about adventure and exploring nature. However, this form of transport is only suitable for those who are in good health, have a steady hand and have a lot of time. Before the trip, you need to carefully prepare your luggage, check the vehicle carefully and monitor the weather conditions.

4.2 Transportation in Gia Lai

When arriving in Gia Lai, traveling within the city and to tourist attractions is quite convenient:

• Renting a motorbike: This is a popular choice, helping you to be proactive with your time and easily explore beautiful roads. The rental price ranges from 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day/vehicle.
• Taxi or renting a car: Suitable for large groups of friends or families, convenient when traveling long distances or to tourist attractions in the suburbs.
• Bus and electric cars: In the center of Pleiku city, you can also use the bus or electric car service to visit at a reasonable cost.

5. Sightseeings in Gia Lai

5.1 T’ Nung Lake

About 7 km from Pleiku city center, T’Nung Lake is the largest lake in the whole region with a huge volume of water. Although there are no rivers or streams flowing in, the average depth is about 16 – 20m. These are three ancient volcanoes that stopped working hundreds of millions of years ago and are connected to each other. Especially, the blue lake surface and clear water are the reason why Lake T’Nung entered poetry with the beautiful name “Pleiku eyes”. So, T’nung Lake is a tourist destination that anyone must visit if coming to Gia Lai.

5.2 Ham Rong Mountain

With a height of over 1000m above sea level, Ham Rong Mountain is famous for the “roof of Pleiku”. When you come here, you will enjoy the cool and pleasant atmosphere of the Central Highlands mountains and forests. Coming here in the early morning, you can admire the chilly air and the mist drifting in a very special way.

5.3 Minh Thanh Pagoda

Minh Thanh Pagoda is an extremely famous spiritual tourist destination in Gia Lai province. Besides, this place has ancient beauty with curved temple roofs and many miniature scenes creating an extremely peaceful space. If you have the opportunity to come to Gia Lai, don’t forget to save moments of peace and tranquility inside the temple!

5.4 The Yaly hydroelectric reservoir

The Yaly hydroelectric reservoir is the second largest hydroelectric plant in Vietnam, after Hoa Binh hydroelectric plant on Da river. This work is related to Yaly waterfall – one of the largest waterfalls in Vietnam with a height of up to 42 meters. White water foam under the sunlight forms beautiful rainbow stripes. Coming here, you will feel the energy being loaded into your body, a source of fresh and vital energy.

5.5 Phu Cuong Waterfall

Phu Cuong Waterfall is considered the most majestic and magnificent waterfall in Gia Lai. Phu Cuong Waterfall has a height of 45m, pouring into the white, fast-flowing water originating from La Peet stream and flowing into the Ayun River. When coming here, you will admire the poetic scenery of nature when golden rays of sunlight penetrate the white flow of the waterfall. For tourists who love adventure, they can experience climbing up a few high rocks and jumping down into the cool water.

5.6 Ho Che lake

Ho Che laid is like a natural picture combining a vast tea hill with an irrigation lake. Ho Che Lake has an area of ​​up to 1,000 hectares stretching to the horizon, surrounded by straight roads, which will be an extremely enchanting “background” for anyone who loves taking photos.

5.7 Chu Dang Ya volcano

Chu Dang Ya is also a volcano that stopped working millions of years ago. After spending millions of years, Chu Dang Ya’s lava layer has “enchanted” this place into a fertile red basalt land. The best time to visit this place is when the mountain is covered with vast green fields of taro and sweet potatoes. Or the season of wild sunflowers that cover this volcano in a bright yellow color.

5.8 Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve

Known as the precious gem of the Central Highlands mountains and forests. Coming here, you can admire 12 majestic waterfalls with a height of 10 meters and many rare plants.

5.9 Pulse Khoeng Waterfall

Pulse Khoeng Waterfall has a height of 40m, creating fast-flowing streams of white foam from day to night. You can sit on the rocks at the foot of the waterfall to dip your feet in the cool water and enjoy the fresh, pleasant air of the mountains and forests. If you are passionate about exploring, you can move to nearby Chu Ho Rong mountain to climb to conquer an altitude of 1,600m. This is also a place where visitors can sit and watch the waterfall, take photos and enjoy the harmony of the mountains and forests here.

5.10 Kon Ka Kinh National Park

Kon Ka Kinh has been honored as one of the ASEAN Heritage Parks since 2003. If you are a nature lover and like to explore, do not miss Kon Ka Kinh. On the trekking route, you will witness the rich flora and fauna and beautiful natural landscapes here. In particular, when reaching the top of Kon Ka Kinh, the majestic scenery of the Truong Son range will be captured in your sight.

5.11 Kon Jang Rang Nature Reserve

Kon Jang Rang Nature Reserve is considered a precious gem of the Central Highlands mountains and forests. This place is famous for having the most diverse ecosystem in the country. The reserve includes 1.6 million hectares of primeval forest with many rare plants. Coming here, you can also admire 12 majestic waterfalls with a height of 10 meters.

5.12 Ghenh Rang Tien Sa

Ghenh Rang Tien Sa is one of the attractive tourist destinations in Gia Lai. The destination is only about 3km southeast of Quy Nhon city. With a charming natural landscape and beautiful rocky beaches along Xuan Van mountain. In addition, this place also has famous destinations, suitable for you to combine sightseeing. Such as: Hoang Hau beach, the tomb of poet Han Mac Tu, Ghenh Rang church, … In particular, from the top of Ghenh Rang, you can see the whole view of Quy Nhon city and the beautiful Vang Trang Khuyet beach.

5.13 Cu Lao Xanh

Cu Lao Xanh is one of the famous scenic spots in Gia Lai, about 30 minutes by canoe from Quy Nhon city. In particular, the island will make you “overwhelmed” by its pristine and majestic natural scenery. Along with the clear blue sea, clean white sand and fresh, fresh air. In addition, the highlights of the island also come from the ancient lighthouse over 100 years old, the peaceful fishing village and the interesting experience of diving to see coral, …

5.14 Eo Gio – Ky Co

Eo Gio is 20km from the center of Quy Nhon, a charming blue strait surrounded by rocky mountains with unique shapes. Not far from Eo Gio is the tourist destination Ky Co – a famous natural wonder with majestic mountains and blue sea and sky. Moreover, the sea in Ky Co and Eo Gio is extremely poetic with fine golden sand, many unique rocks. It is suitable for swimming, taking photos, camping and diving to see coral, …

5.15 Hon Kho

Hon Kho island tourist destination is also known as Hon Kho Islet, located in a complex of 32 islands near the shore, 19km from Quy Nhon. Regardless of the rainy or sunny season, the island has a beautiful landscape with blue sea and white waves. In addition, the special attraction of Hon Kho tourism also comes from the walking path on the sea. It stretches more than 500m connecting Nhon Hai fishing village and the wooden bridge running along the strait. This is the most popular “check-in” coordinate in Gia Lai with a “super cool” background. With the majestic rocky mountain scenery next to the poetic blue sea.

5.16 Thi Nai Lagoon

Thi Nai Lagoon is the largest saltwater lagoon in Gia Lai, once an important seaport formed by the Ha Thanh and Kon rivers. When you come here, you can participate in rowing activities to explore the rich, peaceful landscape. However, the lagoon is only flooded when the tide is high and leaves mud when the water recedes. In addition, this Gia Lai tourist destination is where you can enjoy delicious specialty fish. Such as: mackerel and spiny mackerel, …

5.17 Quy Nhon Beach

Quy Nhon Beach adorns the landscape of Gia Lai with a long, winding stretch of golden sand, blue sea water and surrounded by mountains. In particular, the beach here has a unique crescent shape, stretching about 5km along the coast. Therefore, this tourist destination also attracts visitors because of its convenient location and diverse entertainment and dining services nearby.

5.18 Famous sacred pagodas

In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, Gia Lai is also a historical land with a long-standing culture. It is also home to many ancient and sacred pagodas. Below are 3 attractive suggestions for you to visit and make a pilgrimage during your trip to Gia Lai:

• Long Khanh Pagoda: Long Khanh Pagoda is located at 141 Tran Cao Van Street, Le Loi Ward. The pagoda is over 300 years old with a peaceful campus, a solemn main hall and stands out with many ancient Buddha statues.
• Ba Nuoc Man Pagoda: Ba Nuoc Man Pagoda is located in An Hoa village, Phuoc Quang commune, Gia Lai province. The pagoda is not only famous for its sacredness but also the place where the unique annual Do Thi Nuoc Man festival takes place.
• Minh Tinh Pagoda: Minh Tinh Pagoda is located at 35 Ham Nghi street, Ngo May ward, Quy Nhon city on an area of ​​1ha. Built in 1917, the pagoda belongs to the Northern section with ancient architecture and solemn decoration style.

5.19 Lang Song Church

Lang Song Church is also known as Lang Song Minor Seminary, located in Phuoc Thuan commune, Gia Lai province. It is about 10km from Quy Nhon city center. This is one of the first 3 national language book printing establishments in Vietnam. The church has impressive European Gothic architecture with an ancient appearance and a large, cool campus.

5.20 Tran Hung Dao Statue

The statue of Saint Tran Hung Dao is located on Hai Minh Hill, next to the sea gate, on Phuong Mai Peninsula. After the project was completed in 1973, it became a symbol and pride of the martial arts land. During your trip to Gia Lai, take the time to visit the statue of the national hero and combine sightseeing and photography.

5.21 Hoi Van Hot Spring

Hoi Van Hot Spring, located in Cat Trinh Commune, Gia Lai Province, 48km northwest of Quy Nhon City. This is an interesting tourist destination with magical natural scenery created by natural hot water and rocky shores, fine white sand. Moreover, this is also an ideal place for you to relax, rest and heal your body in the fresh nature.

5.21 Vi Rong Mui

Mui Vi Rong or Mui Rong. This is a famous scenic spot located about 20km east of Phu My town, Gia Lai province. The destination is a natural rock mountain rising from the sea shaped like a giant dragon. In addition, this is also a great tourist destination for you to own unique check-in photos. And admire the vast sea and sky in the middle of wild and majestic nature.

5.22 Ham Ho

Ham Ho is an eco-tourism destination in Tay Phu commune, Gia Lai province. It is located about 50km from the center of Quy Nhon city. In particular, the tourist area impresses with large and small rocks stacked on top of each other and surrounded by endless green forests and clear, cool water. All create a beautiful natural landscape, suitable for you to come to relax and participate in exciting activities. Such as: boating, kayaking, camping, fishing, enjoying local specialties, etc.

5.23 Thi Nai Bridge

Thi Nai bridge or Nhon Hoi bridge is the longest bridge crossing the sea in Vietnam, located in the system of bridges Nhon Hoi road. It is nearly 7 km long, connecting Quy Nhon city with Phuong Mai peninsula (Nhon Hoi economic zone) over 2.5 km of Thi Nai Lagoon, 5 small bridges crossing the Ha Thanh River and the two leading bridges.

5.24 Cham tower system in Binh Dinh

Gia Lai is home to many Cham towers, with 8 clusters of monuments and 14 towers scattered across the boundaries of Tay Son, Tuy Phuoc, An Nhon and Quy Nhon City. The period of Cham towers is determined from the 11th to 12th century. The Cham towers in Gia Lai are almost intact, diverse and hold many records in Southeast Asia as well as the National site. Most visitors will choose Cham tower as an important place to visit.

5.25 Hai Giang Island

It is a small oasis located on the peninsula of Nhon Hai, is a sparsely populated fishing village. However, Hai Giang has quite unique terrain, between mountains and sea, located separated from Quy Nhon city by mountain ranges. To travel here, you can go by boat departure from Ham Tu. To Hai Giang you can go hiking, scuba diving and enjoy fresh seafood on the island.

5.26 Gia Lai Museum

Gia Lai Museum with an area of ​​3,673m2 is located in the most beautiful site of Quy Nhon city. It has 5 booths displaying over 1,000 documents and objects. It gives viewers a look both general and specific about Gia Lai people through the period of history.

6. Specialties when traveling to Gia Lai

6.1 Wild vegetable leaf hotpot

Wild vegetable leaf hotpot is a special gift from nature to humans. With a rustic, authentic flavor, this is not only a delicious Gia Lai specialty, but also a culinary experience not to be missed for visitors. Wild leaf hot pot is a delicate, traditional combination of indigenous ethnic people. These leaves not only bring a unique flavor but also contain valuable nutrients that are good for health. Combined with meat sauce and spring rolls, the spicy taste of the leaves, the strong taste of meat sauce, and the dry taste of spring rolls create a unique culinary experience.

6.2 Yellow ant salt

Yellow ant salt is one of the specialties only available in Gia Lai. The main ingredient is yellow ants roasted with spices. People have to go to Krong Pa to find big, fat yellow ants, then bring them back to wash, dry, roast them with spices such as lemongrass, salt, é leaves,… then pound them. The flavor is very strange, stimulating the taste buds.

6.3 Gia Lai dry pho

When mentioning Gia Lai cuisine, it would be a pity to ignore dry pho. A proper and complete dry pho dish can’t lack the sweet and chewy pho noodles mixed well, supplemented with minced meat, shredded chicken and fried onions,… All are skillfully prepared by the chef. Delicious and beautiful. Served with a bowl of dry pho is a bowl of sweet broth simmered from chicken, pork or beef for many hours to get a delicious, well-rounded broth. Vegetables are an indispensable part that makes the dish more attractive.

6.4 Fire chicken

One of the Central Highlands dishes that cannot be ignored is “chicken hoa sa”. The chicken is grilled to a golden brown, cooked evenly, the aroma of meat mixed with the aroma of lemon leaves, lemongrass,… will definitely satisfy any picky diner.

6.5 Melon striped pig

Striped pigs originated from wild boars domesticated by indigenous people. But because the Bahnar and Jrai ethnic people still raise them freely like wild boar, the meat is firm, fragrant, and sweet just like wild boar. Chefs can prepare 6 dishes including: batch-cooked pork; fried pork with fish sauce; steamed pork; Crispy grilled pork belly; bitter heart: bones cooked with bamboo shoots.

6.6 One sunny cow

Sun-dried beef is one of the dishes that can’t be missed when arriving in this land. Gia Lai beef is raised and glazed freely in the forests, which is why the beef here is very chewy, sweet and delicious. After being slaughtered, cows will be able to choose the freshest pieces of tenderloin and muscle meat to prepare sun-dried beef. The beef is washed, cut into rectangular slices, marinated with ground chili, onions, fish sauce, salt, etc. for 15 minutes to let the meat absorb the spices, then dried in the sun.

6.7 Bun mam crab

Bun mam crab brings a new flavor to Gia Lai cuisine with a rich broth in fish sauce and crab. After cleaning and removing the crab’s shell, grind it and filter to get the juice. This water will then be fermented for 1 day and 1 night and then cooked with bamboo shoots and boiled duck eggs.

6.8 Noodles with fish sauce

The blend of spices will create a unique flavor for the dish. The condiment served with vermicelli that gives the vermicelli its name is seasoning sauce. When enjoying it, peple usually add the seasoned fish sauce with lemon, garlic and chili, to reduce the saltiness of the fish sauce and bring out the aroma of the seasoned vermicelli and fish sauce. They often serve a bowl of vermicelli with spring rolls, pork sausage, pork belly, rolled eggs, fried onions… and some accompanying vegetables such as bean sprouts, lettuce, cucumber,… Mix all the spices and herbs well and add them to the bowl of vermicelli with fish sauce. You will feel the greasy smell of meat, the rich aroma of fish, the delicate smell of vegetables…

6.9 Wild sour bamboo shoots

Gia Lai is famous for the legendary wild bamboo shoot dish. In the rainy season, wild bamboo shoots appear quite a lot, so people pick them, wash them, slice them thinly, and soak them with hot chili, garlic, ginger, salt, and a little sugar. Wait until the sour bamboo shoots are delicious to taste before using. When eaten, the bamboo shoots have absorbed the moderate taste, have the sour and sour taste of bamboo shoots, are crunchy, have the spicy taste of chili on the tip of the tongue, and have the fragrant aroma of ginger.

6.10 Stir-fried Noodle Leaves with Bitter Tomato

Stir-fried Noodle Leaves with bitter tomato is a traditional dish of the indigenous people of Gia Lai, standing out for its creativity and sophistication in using unique ingredients. The cassava leaves used for cooking are cotton noodles, delicious to eat without getting sick. Bitter eggplant is a type of eggplant with a characteristic bitter taste that is suitable for stir-frying with cassava leaves to create a unique and mouth-watering dish. To prepare Stir-fried Noodle Leaves with Bitter Tomato. Firstly, they wash and chop noodles, then stir-fried with spices such as onions, garlic, chili and fresh meats. Such as beef, pork or shrimp.

6.11 My Cang jumping shrimp pancake

Jumping shrimp pancake is a unique delicacy of Gia Lai, famous for its thin, crispy crust and fresh, sweet shrimp filling. When enjoying, pancakes are often wrapped in soft rice paper with raw vegetables, mango, thinly sliced ​​cucumber and dipped in a rich sweet and sour fish sauce.

6.12 Jellyfish noodle soup

Gia Lai jellyfish noodle soup promises to bring you an unforgettable culinary experience. Moreover, the dish conquers diners with the unique sweet and sour taste of the broth along with crunchy fresh jellyfish and many delicious fish cakes. Jellyfish noodles are often eaten with fresh and cool vegetables and a bowl of rich fish sauce.

6.13 Crab noodles

Crab noodles are the next delicious specialty that you must try when traveling to Gia Lai. This special dish has the main ingredient from Tra O lagoon crab, which is ground, filtered to get the meat and cooked, then seasoned to taste. In addition, the broth of noodles has a rich, sweet and fatty flavor and is often eaten with small crab noodles, raw vegetables and grilled rice paper.

6.14 Banh hoi chao long

Banh hoi chao long is an attractive dish for breakfast during a trip to Gia Lai. People made it from rice flour, has thinner noodles than vermicelli charcoal and is marinated with chive oil, served with sliced ​​pork and intestines. The dish is even more delicious when combined with hot porridge and delicious chili fish sauce.

6.15 Gia Lai Tre

Tré is shaped like broomsticks/small bundles of straw, sold in many sausage shops and restaurants. This is a popular snack in the region, often combined with Bau Da wine. In particular, this Gia Lai specialty is made from pig ears, pig head meat, pork belly and spices such as sesame, rice powder, galangal, chili, young guava leaves and garlic. In addition, Tré has a diverse flavor, combining salty, sweet, fatty, sour, spicy and astringent, and is a popular appetizer at parties and snacks.

6.16 Eel salad

Gia Lai eel salad is a famous specialty with delicious flavor and sophisticated preparation. After cleaning, they cut eel into thin slices and then they soaked it in a mixture of lemon and sugar until half-cooked. Then, the eel is thoroughly mixed with galangal, garlic, coconut, ginger and onion to create a unique flavor. Eel salad is often eaten by scooping it into crispy grilled rice paper. Or rolled in rice paper with many kinds of raw vegetables and dipped in delicious ginger fish sauce.

6.17 Fish cake rolled with Vietnamese coriander

Fish cake rolled with Vietnamese coriander is a super attractive snack for the culinary journey in Gia Lai. The dish has simple ingredients but creates an extremely attractive flavor. The fish cake pieces are pressed thinly, fried crispy and fragrant, served with fragrant Vietnamese coriander and unique dipping sauce.

6.18 Fish cake noodles

Gia Lai fish cake noodles leave an impression with their delicious and rich flavor. The main ingredients of the dish are sweet and chewy fish cake and soft, small noodles. Moreover, the highlight of this Gia Lai delicacy also comes from the sweet and harmonious broth because it is cooked from fish bones and heads. A bowl of fish noodle soup is usually served hot, combined with many refreshing vegetables and rich dipping sauce to create an irresistible delicious flavor.

6.19 An My Sea Urchin Sauce

An My Sea Urchin Sauce is one of the unique fish sauces of Gia Lai people. They make this type of sauce by fermenting sea urchin meat in a ceramic jar with a little salt for 10 to 15 days. The finished product is a soft, smooth, opaque red sauce with a characteristic aroma. When enjoying it, people mixed sea urchin sauce with garlic and whole pepper to create a unique sauce. It blends the flavors: salty, sour, spicy, sweet. This Gia Lai specialty is often eaten with vermicelli or used to dip rice paper rolls with pork and raw vegetables.

6.20 Nem Cha Cho Huyen

Nem Cha Cho Huyen is a very famous specialty of Gia Lai with a unique flavor, not as soft as spring rolls Thu Duc and not as sweet as spring rolls Lai Vung or spring rolls An Cuu. Nem of the martial land have a chewy, crunchy, sour and sweet taste. In particular, the spring roll inside is pink, wrapped in a layer of guava leaves. And the outermost layer is fresh green banana leaves. Nem Cho Huyen is fragrant when grilled on charcoal and eaten with coriander, perilla, and dipping sauce. In addition, people also wrapped Nem Cha Huyen in rice paper with vegetables and spring rolls.

7. Gia Lai specialties to buy as gifts

Gia Lai is famous for many attractive specialties with unique flavors, suitable for you to buy to enjoy and give to friends and relatives. Below are some popular specialties as gifts that you can choose during your trip to Gia Lai:

• Bau Da Wine.
• Nem Cho Huyen.
• Banh it is gai, banh hong.
• Quy Nhon fish cake.
• Bun Song Than.
• Rice paper with coconut water.
• Squid with garlic and chili.

For places to buy Gia Lai specialties, you can go to local markets or reputable stores such as: Nem Nam Thu shop, Xu Nau service, Man Khoa, …

8. Accommodation when traveling to Gia Lai

Below are some suggested hotels and homestays for your reference if you want to stay in Gia Lai:

• Mekong Gia Lai Hotel. Address: 102/2 Le Duan, Phu Dong, Pleiku City, Gia Lai.
• Duc Long Gia Lai Hotel & Apartment. Address: 119 Tran Phu, Tay Son, Pleiku City, Gia Lai.
• Hoang Anh Gia Lai Hotel. Address: No. 1 Phu Dong Street, Pleiku City, Gia Lai.
• Boston Hotel. Address: No. 212 Su Van Hanh Street, Dien Hong Ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai.
• Green Bamboo Hotel. Address: 18 Le Lai, Pleiku City, Gia Lai.
• Crown Retreat Quy Nhon Resort. Address: Trung Luong Village, 1 DT640, Cat Tien, Gia Lai.
• AVANI Quy Nhon Resort & Spa. Address: Bai Dai, Ghenh Rang, Gia Lai.
• FLC Quy Nhon Luxury Resort. Address: Zone 4, Nhon Ly – Cat Tien Beach, Nhon Ly Commune, Gia Lai.
• Casa Marina Quy Nhon Resort. Address: National Highway 1D, Quarter 1, Bai Xep, Ghenh Rang Ward, Area 1, Gia Lai.
• Aurora Villas & Resort. Address: Km15 QL1D, Ghenh Rang, Gia Lai.
• Royal Hotel & Healthcare Resort Quy Nhon. Address: 01 Han Mac Tu, Ghenh Rang, Gia Lai.
• Anantara Quy Nhon Villas. Address: Bai Dai Bridge, Ghenh Rang, Gia Lai.
• Seaside Boutique Resort. Address: National Highway 1D, Bai Bang 2 Bridge, Xuan Hai Commune, Song Cau Town, Gia Lai.

9. Some special notes when traveling to Gia Lai

To have a complete and safe journey to explore Gia Lai, you should keep in mind some important notes below:

• Make a detailed plan before the trip: You should clearly define the schedule, destination, time and expected budget. Because tourist attractions in Gia Lai are often far from the city center. Therefore, reasonable planning will help save time and travel more conveniently.
• Book tickets and accommodation early: If traveling by plane or train, you should book tickets early to get preferential prices and good seats. At the same time, you should book a hotel room or homestay before arriving, especially during the peak tourist season to avoid room shortages.
• Prepare enough personal luggage: You should bring light, sweat-absorbent clothes, sneakers or hiking shoes for easy movement. Don’t forget to bring your ID, cash, train/bus tickets, sunscreen, hats, personal medicine and other necessary items.

It is worthy visiting Gia Lai

• Note when traveling by motorbike: Gia Lai’s terrain is mainly mountainous, with many steep and winding roads. If you drive a motorbike, you need to maintain a steady speed, have a steady grip on the wheel and always check your vehicle carefully before setting off.
• Respect local culture: Gia Lai is home to many ethnic minorities such as Jrai, Ba Na, Xo Dang, etc. When visiting villages, you should maintain a polite and friendly attitude and not enter people’s fields without permission.
• Limited tourism services and amenities: Some areas in Gia Lai are limited in terms of accommodation, food and amenities. Therefore, you should prioritize staying in the city center for more convenience in traveling, eating and shopping.
• Buying specialties as gifts requires careful selection: Gia Lai is famous for specialties such as coffee, wild honey, lingzhi mushrooms, cashew nuts, etc. If you want to buy them as gifts, you should choose to buy at reputable addresses and don’t hesitate to bargain to avoid overpaying.

10. Some essential items when traveling to Gia Lai

To make your trip to Gia Lai go smoothly and completely, you should fully prepare the following essential items:

• Clothes suitable for the weather: You should bring light, airy clothes if you go in the dry season (November to April). And a light jacket, raincoat if you go in the rainy season (May to October). Gia Lai is often chilly at night, so you should prepare a long-sleeved shirt or a thin sweater.
• Shoes: Prioritize sneakers, hiking shoes or soft-soled sandals for convenience when moving, exploring mountains and forests or natural landmarks.
• Identification documents: ID card/CCCD or passport, driver’s license (if you rent a vehicle), train/car/plane tickets. And hotel reservation documents (hard copy or soft copy).
• Personal items: Toothbrush, towel, cleanser, shampoo, shower gel, personal medicine, mask, hand sanitizer, etc.
• Technology items: Phone, power bank, camera, memory card, headphones, etc. to keep memories and support information lookup.
• Cash and bank cards: Some remote areas in Gia Lai are not yet popular with electronic payments. Therefore, you should bring some cash with you.
• Travel support items: Compact backpack, umbrella, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal water bottle and some snacks (if trekking or traveling long distances).

With beautiful natural scenery, long-standing cultural heritage and rich culinary world. Gia Lai tourism promises to leave you with many unforgettable impressions. You will be overwhelmed by the majestic scenery, a gentle and relaxing mood in the middle of pristine nature. And the quiet moments when visiting ancient buildings, … Join Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. We will accompany you on the Vietnam tour to explore the beautiful land of Gia Lai with the most complete and satisfying trip.