Pleiku, located more than 500 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, is home to between 10 – 15 inactive volcanoes. But while this information may seem scary at first, at least 3 of these natural wonders are actually worth visiting. In fact, visiting volcanoes as part of your travel itinerary instead of the usual city tour, beach, pool, and other typical vacation routines is a rare tourism destination and a one-of-a-kind experience all in all that you will surely hold steady and proud for the rest of your life.

Ham Rong is the most famous volcano among the three visit-worthy destinations in Pleiku. Local residents call it Chu H'Drong. At more than 1,000 meters above sea level, it is considered to be the highest mountain in the Central Highlands town.

Tourists have differing perceptions of what the volcano looks or is shaped like at different angles or locations of viewing it. Travelling on the way to Ham Rong isn't a boring trip since the roads are lined with beautiful pine forests. Visitors who have a plan of staying the night are in for an adventure also because there are many good camping spots in the area. But the highlight to visiting Chu H'Drong is always reaching the peak of the volcano. With a breathtaking view of the whole Pleiku before you and heavenly clouds above that feels almost touching your head, it's a heavenly, if not spiritual, experience impossible to forget.

T'Nung Lake is the next famous sight at Pleiku. It is located just 6 kilometers away from Chu H'Drong. Locally known as Bien Ho which means sea lake, T'Nung has relaxingly calm waters and is beautifully surrounded by forests, mountains and wild birds. It is home to several ethnic minority communities: Ba Na, Ede, and Gia Rai. Composed of 250 hectares, the lake is actually the mouth of a volcano.

There are various activities that tourists can enjoy when visiting the lake. They can sail on the waters on a dugout canoe and catch fish along the way. For adventure-hungry visitors, they can even spend the night by the lake. And true to the outdoor spirit, they can build a camp fire and have a fish meal they caught earlier in the day during sailing. And to complete the experiene, guests get to taste a true Vietnamese tradition of ruou can, or rice wine in jars drunk with long bamboo straws.

Cha Dang Ya Mountain is located just mere 20 minutes away from T'Nung Lake. Local residents and tourists alike say that from a distance, the mountain looks like a giant overturned bowl. But the real wonder and beauty of the place is its big hollow which is filled with fields of corn, potatoes, pumpkin, white reeds, and many other kinds of vegetables. Moreover, the mountain is embraced by centuries-old tall trees which are remnants of what used to be a primeval forest. Volcanic rocks can be easily seen scattered in the area, a clear indication of a presence of a volcano of which Pleiku is famous for.

Ham Rong, T'Nung Lake, and Cha Dang Ya Mountain are worthy but not easy destinations. Going to any of them may entail a lot of dedication and courage since the roads tend to be slippery and steep. But for the truly adventurous spirit and especially upon beholding the beauty upon reaching the place, the long and difficult trip is truly all worth it.