Pleiku

The capital of Gia Lai province situated on a volcanic plateau with access to ethnic minority villages and pristine natural areas. It serves as a gateway to explore indigenous Ede and Bahnar cultures and their traditional villages.

Things to do

• Ede Village Visit — Explore traditional longhouses of the Ede people in nearby villages like Buon Me Thuot-adjacent settlements, where you can see matrilineal family structures and traditional weaving practices.
• Ia Kê Waterfall Trek — Hike through secondary forest to reach this scenic multi-tiered waterfall located about 25 kilometers south of Pleiku, popular during the rainy season.
• Pleiku War History Museum — Tour this French colonial-era building containing artifacts from the American War and insights into the region's military significance as a strategic highland base.
• Bahnar Cultural Village Experience — Visit authentic Bahnar villages such as those near Kon Kotu to witness gong-making traditions, traditional architecture with communal meeting houses, and local farming practices.
• Yaly Waterfall — Trek to this remote waterfall in dense jungle terrain approximately 40 kilometers from Pleiku, requiring local guides for access through minority ethnic lands.
• Chu Mom Ray National Park — Explore pristine forest reserve with rare wildlife, medicinal plants, and scenic camping spots that require advance permits and local guides for entry.

Food to try

• Com Lam — Sticky rice cooked inside bamboo tubes with grilled fish or meat, a signature highland dish served at local markets and ethnic minority villages.
• Grilled Wild Game with Herbs — Venison, wild boar, or jungle fowl grilled over charcoal and wrapped in fresh local herbs and edible leaves, commonly found in village homestays.
• Banh Chung with Local Fillings — Square rice cakes filled with local vegetables, bamboo shoots, and highland pork, traditionally eaten during festivals and available year-round at markets.
• Alcohol Corn Whiskey — Local spirit distilled from corn by ethnic minorities, often served ceremonially in communal cups during village gatherings and homestay dinners.
• Grilled River Snails — Fresh water snails from mountain streams, grilled with lemongrass and chili, available at evening markets and ethnic restaurants around town.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Gong Culture — Gongs hold sacred spiritual significance in Bahnar and Ede communities; ask permission before photographing or touching these instruments as they're used in ceremonies.
• Dress Modestly in Villages — Wear long pants and covered shoulders when visiting ethnic minority villages, as this shows respect for local customs and sensibilities around dress.
• Learn Basic Greetings — Learning simple phrases in Ede or Bahnar languages is greatly appreciated; even attempting local greetings opens doors with villagers more than relying on Vietnamese.
• Participate in Communal Meals — When invited to share food in a longhouse or homestay, eating from communal dishes and accepting offered alcohol (even small sips) demonstrates respect for hospitality traditions.