The province’s “From the great forests to the blue sea” route combines highland landscapes with coastal scenery, while showcasing local communities, traditional culture, cuisine and historical landmarks.
Here are five experiences worth considering during the holiday.
1. Trek through Kon Ka Kinh National Park
For travelers seeking nature and quiet trails rather than crowded attractions, Kon Ka Kinh National Park offers an immersive forest experience.
Covering more than 41,900 hectares, most of it natural forest, the park forms the core area of the Kon Hà Nừng Plateau World Biosphere Reserve, one of Vietnam’s most biologically diverse regions.
Mountains, streams and waterfalls are interwoven throughout the park. Kon Ka Kinh peak reaches 1,748 meters, while Đá Trắng peak stands at 1,330 meters. Waterfalls include Pho Tượng, P’ne and Thác 95.
The trek to Thác 95 covers about 15.3 kilometers through different forest habitats. The route to Kon Ka Kinh peak extends about 19.5 kilometers, making both suitable for visitors with good fitness and an interest in trekking.
The park is also home to rare and endemic plant and animal species. Eco-tourism, environmental education and nature exploration are being developed as key experiences.
Visitors can extend the trip by engaging with communities in the park’s buffer zone, including cultural and culinary activities, gong performances, campfires and opportunities to learn about Bahnar traditions.
2. Explore the waterfalls and forests of Kon Chư Răng
Kon Chư Răng Nature Reserve is better suited to travelers prepared to spend at least a full day exploring.
Located in northeastern Gia Lai, the reserve features rugged mountains, primeval forests, streams and waterfalls that retain much of the area’s natural character.
Its waterfalls are among the main attractions. Hang Én Waterfall, also known as K50, is particularly notable, alongside Hoa Waterfall, Tóc Tiên Waterfall and numerous smaller falls and streams.
Reaching the waterfalls is part of the experience. Visitors must hike forest trails, cross streams and negotiate changing terrain.
The reserve’s biodiversity provides another attraction, while stretches of the Côn River offer opportunities for kayaking or paddleboarding.
The Bahnar community adds a cultural dimension to the journey. Visitors can discover local architecture, cuisine, daily life and community activities.
Those choosing Kon Chư Răng should prepare carefully, including appropriate hiking shoes, water and snacks. Established routes should be followed, with guides or professional organizers recommended for more challenging trails.
3. Discover Gia Lai through its traditional nhà rông
Gia Lai’s cultural identity can be explored through the traditional nhà rông, or communal houses, which remain important spaces for community life and cultural heritage.
One prominent example is the Kon So Lăl communal house. Its tall roof rises above surrounding stilt houses, creating a distinctive image of a Central Highlands village. Visitors can learn about its architecture, construction materials, decorative motifs and role in community life.
Closer to downtown Pleiku, the Plei Ơp communal house offers a different setting. Although the Jrai village is surrounded by an increasingly urban environment, it continues to preserve traditional cultural features.
Kép 1 village provides another experience, with a communal house featuring a 26-meter-high roof, alongside stilt houses, a garden of grave statues, water jars and traditional communal spaces.
Visitors can experience Jrai culture through gong music, handwoven textiles, basketry, rice pounding and local mountain cuisine.
A nhà rông-focused itinerary can also be combined with natural attractions, craft villages, local food and other cultural destinations, offering a slower but deeper way to understand Gia Lai.
4. Follow the trail of ancient Cham towers
Heading east from the highlands, travelers encounter another chapter of Gia Lai’s heritage through its Cham tower complexes and remnants of a once-flourishing coastal civilization.
The province has eight clusters comprising 14 Cham towers. Among the best-known are Bánh Ít, Dương Long, Tháp Đôi, Bình Lâm, Phú Lốc and Thủ Thiện.
Dương Long Tower is notable for its scale and distinctive construction techniques. Three towers stand amid rural fields, featuring brick walls, bas-reliefs and motifs reflecting Champa architectural art.
Tháp Đôi, or the Twin Towers, is more accessible, standing in downtown Quy Nhơn. Its two red-brick towers rise above the modern city, creating a striking contrast between centuries-old heritage and contemporary urban life.
Other clusters, including Bánh Ít, Bình Lâm, Phú Lốc and Thủ Thiện, can be visited depending on available time and the chosen route. Each provides a different perspective on Champa architecture, sculpture and history.
5. Slow down by the sea in Quy Nhơn
The journey eventually reaches Quy Nhơn, where forests give way to blue waters, fishing villages and a lively coastal city.
In 2026, Quy Nhơn was named among Lonely Planet’s top 25 destinations in the world. Its appeal comes from the combination of natural scenery, culture, cuisine and everyday local life.
A day can begin with a walk along the beach, through squares or along coastal streets, offering a glimpse of the city’s daily rhythm.
From there, visitors can head to Ghềnh Ráng–Quy Hòa, associated with poet Hàn Mặc Tử, where the coastal landscape provides a quieter setting. Back in the city, the Center for Science Discovery and Innovation offers hands-on experiences related to science, technology and astronomy.
For a closer look at coastal life, Nhơn Hải offers narrow seaside lanes, fishing boats anchored close to shore and the everyday rhythm of a fishing village. From there, visitors can continue to Hòn Khô or travel toward Nhơn Lý, Kỳ Co and Eo Gió.
Experiencing Quy Nhơn does not necessarily require a packed itinerary. A morning with bánh xèo tôm nhảy or bánh hỏi cháo lòng, an afternoon watching fishing boats return, or an evening eating fresh seafood beside the sea can provide an equally memorable connection with the city.
From the forests and mountains to the coastline, Gia Lai’s appeal during the September 2 holiday lies not only in its famous destinations but also in the everyday experiences of its communities. A slower journey can reveal a more vivid picture of the province and its diverse landscapes, cultures and way of life.