Pleiku is a prominent city located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam and serves as the capital of the Gia Lai Province. It has been one of my favorite places to visit in Vietnam. Because it is a little off the beaten path, you generally don’t see many Westerners on the streets or in the markets.
I felt incredibly welcomed here. The people were wonderful, which is the rule rather than the exception in Vietnam. Pleiku is also surrounded by a tremendous amount of agriculture. Thanks to the rich volcanic soil, which is perfect for growing coffee and various crops, you can find some amazing foods at the local markets and restaurants. Whenever I visit, I always try to stock up on kilos of coffee.
Pleiku still feels like a part of Vietnam that hasn’t changed as much from tourism and development as other areas. If you are looking for a more authentic travel experience, it makes for a fantastic side trip. Just outside the city, there are some interesting sights you can explore on a day trip, like an extinct volcano and an alpine lake. In the evening, the night market comes alive; it is chock-full of amazing food and drinks, serving as a bustling community hub where locals gather.
Friendly smiles and great food—how can you go wrong? Check out my video for a more detailed exploration of Pleiku!