The sleepy market town of Pleiku in Vietnam’s central highland region is a small destination with little in the way of major developments or manmade attractions.
Though there are many ethnic villages located around the town, permits are required to visit them so for the majority of tourists enjoying the attractions of the town itself is the only option. Anyone wanting to venture beyond its limits, can make excursions to Cong Vien Dong Xanh (Fossil Tree Water Park) or Bien Ho Crater Lake situated six and four miles away respectively.
For football fans, it’s worth noting that the town is home to local team Hoàng Anh Gia Lai. Matches against other teams in Vietnam’s top division are played at the Pleiku stadium.
Getting There & Away
Pleiku can be visited as a brief stop-off on large tours arranged with agencies in other Vietnamese towns or cities. Alternatively, there are flights from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Pleiku Airport or bus services from major destinations including the aforementioned (24 and 12 hours respectively) as well as from Dalat (15 hours), Da Nang, Nha Trang and Vinh.
Things to Do
Pleiku Attractions
- Fossil Tree Water Park
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Fossilized trees made into monuments are the chief attraction here but there are also water slides and a zoo.
- Bien Ho Crater Lake
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This lake was formed by a volcanic crater and is now a popular scenic area.
- Bahnar villages tour
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Though most of the ethnic villages in the area are out of bounds, visitors can take one-day hiking tours through the four in the bahnar.