specialize in creating memorable holidays to Vietnam, let's us care your travel sense in Vietnam

The busy but ho-hum capital of Gia Lai province, Pleiku is better know as a strategic American and South Vietnamese  base during the American War than for any postwar accomplishments. It makes an adequate pit stop, but there’s little to detain a traveler for more than a few hours. Torched by departing South Vietnamese soldiers in 1975, the city was rebuilt in the 1980s with help from the Soviet Union, which thoroughly explains its lack of appeal today.

In 2001 and 2004 Pleiku was the scene of Montagnard protests against the government, the latter promptly responded by prohibiting foreigners from visiting the area. While thse rules have gradually been relaxed and the permit to visit the minority one is not recommended, unless you enjoy being questioned by the police.

In 1965 the VC shelled a US compound in Pleiku, and killed eight Americans. This attack was used as a justification by US President Bombing campaign against North Vietnam and the rapid build up of US troops, who, until then, were supposed to bi in a noncombatant role.

When US troops departed in 1973 the South Vietnamese kept Pleiku as their main combat base in the area. They fled the advancing VC in 1975, and the civilian population of Pleiku and nearby Kon Tum fled with them. The stampede to the coastline along the only road, Hwy 7, became know as the “Convoy of Tears’ as they were relentlessly attacked that only a quarter or a third of the 100.000 people survived.

What to do?

Pleiku is the home of Jarai minorities people. Located 36km from Pleiku, Plei Phun village is a good example to explore the Jarai's culture. Here, tombs take the form of mini-houses surrounded by carved wooden effigies, often humorous and sometimes graphic depictions of stages of procreation. 7km north of Pleiku, Sea Lake is the flooded crater of an ancient volcano.

When to go?

The best time to visit the central highlands is between November and January, when the landscape is lush, the rain is minimal and the weather is temperate.

Travel Tips