Gia Lai Muslim Tours

Gia Lai Muslim Tours & Travel guide for Muslim travellers

Gia Lai, situated in the northern part of the Central Highlands, ranks as Vietnam's second-largest province, trailing only Nghe An. It spans 15,500 square kilometers and is about 481 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.

To its northeast lies Quang Ngai Province, to the east is Binh Dinh Province, while the southeast shares a border with Phu Yen Province. In the west, Gia Lai is adjacent to Cambodia's Ratanakiri Province, with Dak Lak Province to the south and Kon Tum Province to the north.

The provincial capital is Pleiku, and the primary tourist attractions are concentrated within Pleiku City and its environs, spanning roughly 20-30 kilometers.

Gia Lai experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by high humidity, substantial rainfall, and the absence of storms and frost.

The climate exhibits two distinct seasons: a rainy season from May to October and a dry season spanning from November to the following April. The average annual temperature hovers between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

WHERE TO GO AT GIA LAI ?

Bien Ho Lake

T'Nung Lake, also referred to as Bien Ho Lake or Ea Nueng Lake, is a freshwater gem situated in Bien Ho Commune, 7 kilometers north of Pleiku's city center. Nestled within the Bien Ho - Chu Dang Ya eco-tourism area, this lake boasts a narrow land strip extending towards its center, offering visitors a sweeping view of pine-covered landscapes.

The lake spans nearly 300 hectares at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. Originally formed from three interconnected volcanic craters, the lake's shores reveal a distinct volcanic origin. The most beautiful time to witness its beauty is during the Lunar New Year.

Bien Ho Che - Tea hill

A Gia Lai's tea hill showcases rows of vibrant green tea leaves, basking under the clear blue sky. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Booking

Also known as Bien Ho Che, this tea hill adjacent to Bien Ho Lake covers over 1,000 hectares and blankets the foothills of the surrounding mountains with lush green tea leaves.

Dating back to 1919, when the French initiated tea cultivation on the Pleiku Plateau, these tea hills offer a magical ambiance in the early morning with a veil of mist shrouding the landscape, especially between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Century-old pine trees

Starting on Pho Duc Chinh intersection, this 800 meters road runs along pine trees and gentle slopes. Photo by VnExpress/Bui Van Hai

Situated near Bien Ho Che, about 12 kilometers from Pleiku’s city center, you’ll find a road beneath a nearly one-kilometer-long canopy of century-old pine trees. These pines, planted in 1917 with 101 trees, attract crowds of tourists and young visitors seeking photo opportunities.

To reach here, follow the 17 kilometers route starting at Phu Dong intersection, passing through Le Duan, Ton That Tung, Tran Van Binh, and Ngo Quyen streets. Cross the Bien Ho Suspension Bridge, turn right at Nghia Hung Spillway, and follow Bien Ho Road around the lake. Continue straight along the road, leading to a scenic path adorned with hundred-year-old green pine trees.

Pleiku locals often frequent this area for runs and exercise. The best time to capture the road’s beauty is early in the morning when the dew glistens and sunlight filters through the leaves.

Along the pine tree-lined route, you’ll find mobile cafes set up in repurposed old cars, providing relaxation spots for travelers.

Buu Minh Pagoda

Situated in the heart of Bien Ho Che, Buu Minh Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Gia Lai. Originally constructed in 1936 and initially named Phat Hoc Pagoda, it was later restored and renamed Buu Minh in 1961.

The pagoda exhibits architectural elements reminiscent of Central Highlands communal houses but with the features of Japanese and Korean temples.

It also boasts one of the highest among Vietnamese pagodas, with its roof and tower resembling a canoe. The main hall spans over 520 square meters and rises more than 47 meters high. During major holidays, the pagoda draws a substantial crowd of residents who visit to seek blessings and peace.

Great Solidarity Square

The Great Solidarity Square, the focal point of Pleiku City, was inaugurated in December 2012, covering 12 hectares. Alongside the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Museum of Antiquities, and the Nup Monument, this square forms an architectural and cultural complex infused with Central Highlands identity.

The square hosts a variety of significant features, including a statue of President Ho Chi Minh standing at over 10 meters in height, a three-story cylindrical stone block symbolizing 54 ethnic groups, and a gong (traditional Vietnamese instrument) system, representing the region's distinct culture. It serves as a space for cultural exchange and relaxation for both Gia Lai residents and tourists.

Minh Thanh Pagoda

Located 2 kilometers from the city center atop a hill, Minh Thanh Pagoda, built in 1964, has become a place of worship for the local community. This 20,000-square-meter pagoda complex showcases structures with curved roofs reminiscent of Japanese pagodas.

A statue of Guan Yin Buddha is positioned in the center of the pagoda, adorned with greenery, stone columns, and a 7.5-meter-high, 40-ton unicorn statue carved from stone. The temple courtyard features stone and carved wooden statues.

The pagoda offers a serene green space designed by monks, complete with trees and miniature landscapes to create a fresh and pure atmosphere.

Chu Dang Ya Volcano

Located about 30 kilometers from Pleiku City, Chu Dang Ya is a volcano that evolved over millions of years. After releasing its lava flows, Chu Dang Ya volcano entered a dormant phase, making it a renowned tourist attraction.

The surroundings of this area are adorned with flowers and greenery throughout the years. Standing at the crater’s edge, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Pleiku City. The road leading to the volcano’s base has been paved with concrete, offering convenience to travelers.

To reach the summit, visitors can choose to climb or rent a motorbike taxi for a fee of VND100,000 ($4).

Every year, at the end of October and early November, mountain marigolds burst into bloom along the road and surrounding the volcanic area.

Tan Son Dam

Tan Son Dam, also known as Tan Son Irrigation Lake, is in Nghia Hung Commune, Chu Pah District, about 25 kilometers north of Pleiku City, along the road to Chu Dang Ya Volcano.

The dam was built in 2007 and put into operation in 2010. It serves as a water source for the region, contributing to the regulation and enhancement of the landscape. The irrigation lake stores a substantial water supply during the rainy season to support agricultural activities when Gia Lai experiences dry spells.

Thanks to its serene and picturesque surroundings, Tan Son Dam has become a famous tourist destination, particularly among photography enthusiasts.

K50 Waterfall

K50 Waterfall, also known as Hang En (Swallow Cave) Waterfall, is located within the Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, in K’Bang District, to the north of Gia Lai Province, about 150 kilometers from Pleiku city center.

The best time to visit this waterfall is from March to June when the weather is sunny, with minimal rainfall, and the waterfall flows gracefully. Visitors can partake in a day trip from Pleiku, though many recommend staying overnight nearby or even camping within the reserve.

The waterfall earns its name, "Hang En," because behind its cascading waters serves as the dwelling place for a multitude of swallows. K50 stands for the waterfall’s impressive 50-meter height.

In the past, reaching the waterfall required an eight-hour trek through the forest, but now, with improved concrete roads, motorbikes can get closer to the base. Visitors should equip themselves with long-sleeved clothing, high socks, and walking sticks to ward off insects, snakes, and centipedes.

Yaly Hydroelectric Plant

Yaly Hydroelectric Plant is part of the hydroelectric system located on the Se San River, one of the busiest tourist destination in Gia Lai Province, located about 40 kilometers from Pleiku city center.

The journey to the hydropower plant offers breathtaking scenery, characterized by primeval forests, hills and rivers. Built in 1993, this is Vietnam’s second-largest hydroelectric dam, following Song Da in northern Vietnam. Yaly Hydroelectric Plant is associated with Yaly Waterfall, one of Vietnam’s most impressive and beautiful waterfalls, featuring a height of 42 meters.

The factory welcomes visitors for tours during its operating hours, covering a route that includes the main gate, the spillway, and a memorial area. Depending on the schedule, the factory may also open the underground machine room, with advance arrangements required. The entrance fee is VND50,000 ($2) per person.

Nine-Level Waterfall

The Nine-Level Waterfall features a powerful water flow, with large rocks beneath. Photo courtesy of Traveloka

Situated 30 kilometers from Pleiku, the waterfall is surrounded by a forest ecosystem. Originating from a river atop the mountain, the waterfall's powerful flow creates a majestic landscape.

Instead of descending vertically, the waterfall meanders along large cliffs, forming nine levels. Each level ranges from 5 to 10 meters in height, with the last two levels standing at approximately 15 meters. From a distance, the waterfall resembles a dragon gracefully coiled, poised to take flight into the sky.

Kon Ka Kinh National Park

Located in the northeastern region of Gia Lai Province, Kon Ka Kinh National Park is 50 kilometers from Pleiku City, featuring a cool climate all year round. Kon Ka Kinh's highest peak reaches 1,748 meters above sea level, with numerous mountain ranges at an average altitude of 1,200-1,500 meters, descending from north to south.

Designated as a special-use forest in Vietnam since 1986, this park is renowned for its rich flora and fauna. Its allure extends to a network of rivers, streams, waterfalls, and natural rapids, including Dak Pooc Waterfall, Knia River, Dak Ko Bung River, and the Dak Pooc Waterfall, the most famous and beautiful with a 40-meter drop.

Pink Grass Hill

The Pink Grass Hill of Gia Lai typically make an appearance at the onset of the dry season. It is approximately 20 kilometers from Pleiku City.

The area serves as a favorite spot for families to picnic or camp. In addition to this pink grass hill, another one can be found in Chu Se District, gracing the landscape in November and December, with early mornings and sunsets being the most favorable times for enjoying its beauty.

Beyond the suggested destinations, the journey to Pleiku offers opportunities to explore various attractions, including the expansive rubber forests. Consider making stops along the way to capture the scenic beauty and create lasting memories through photographs

HOW TO GET TO GIA LAI?

Pleiku Airport, located approximately 7 kilometers from the city center, is easily accessible by a 15-minute car ride. Both Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air operate flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Pleiku, with round-trip ticket prices ranging from VND1.5 million to VND3.5 million, depending on the departure point and flight time. From Da Nang City, flights are available based on the schedule.

Besides, Gia Lai's well-connected road infrastructure allows convenient travel from major cities like Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City to Pleiku.

From Ho Chi Minh City, follow CT02 and QL14 expressways, covering about 500 kilometers in an average travel time of 10 hours. Buses depart from Mien Dong Bus Station. Traveling from Da Nang involves taking the Da Nang - Quang Ngai highway, then National Highway 24, covering 380 kilometers in about 7 hours.

Within the province, visitors can opt for self-driving cars available for rent at the airport or hotels, with prices ranging from VND700,000 to VND1.2 million.

Motorbike rentals are also an option, costing between VND80,000 and VND120,000 per day. For those preferring public transportation, buses within Pleiku provide routes to various tourist destinations such as Bien Ho Lake, the tea hill, or Kon Tum City.

As you plan your visit, it's important to note that Pleiku Airport, while small, may experience delays or cancellations based on operational conditions.

HALAL FOOD AT GIA LAI

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