Pleiku

About

The capital of Vietnam’s least populated province, Pleiku served as an American and South Vietnamese base during the Vietnam war. When they withdrew from the city, the South Vietnamese set it ablaze, leaving the Soviet Union to rebuild it the following decade. Though it’s usually passed over for prettier pastures, Pleiku offers a taste of the same highlands culture, like the famed pho kho, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, bun cua (vermicelli noodles with broth from ground freshwater crab), or braised escargot. Around 2km from the city center, the Minh Thanh pagoda is likely the city’s architectural highlight. The large pagoda with its intricate details and daring dragon roof accents is surrounded by a beautifully verdant garden. After passing the huge doors inlaid with reliefs of the four heavenly kings, you’ll find the main hall ornamented with over 3,000 statues, including four 8-meter-tall depictions of Thousand-armed and Thousand-eyed Avalokiteshvara.