Chu Dang Ya Volcano

Fields ringing the slopes of an extinct volcano · Quang Nguyen Vinh · Pexels License

A crater dormant for millions of years, now terraced fields and a sea of wild sunflowers each November.

Chu Dang Ya means 'wild ginger root' in Jrai, and from above the hill is exactly that: a funnel crater long extinct, its basalt soil so rich that Jrai farmers plant inside the crater itself. Sweet potato, canna and pumpkin plots ring the slope in concentric circles that change colour with the season. In late November wild sunflowers blaze yellow across the flanks and along the dirt road in, making this the most photographed spot in Gia Lai. From the crater rim you can see Bien Ho lake and the Pleiku plateau running away to the horizon.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Chu Dang Ya Volcano?

November (sunflower season)

How long do you need at Chu Dang Ya Volcano?

Half a day

What are the opening hours of Chu Dang Ya Volcano?

06:00 - 18:00

Did you know

It is an extinct volcanic crater; its Jrai name means 'wild ginger root'.
Jrai farmers cultivate crops inside the crater itself.
The red basalt soil makes the fields change colour markedly by season.
Late November is the wild sunflower season across the slopes.
It lies about 30km from central Pleiku.

Travel tips

Come in late November for the sunflowers, but expect large crowds.
The path to the rim is slippery after rain — wear shoes with grip.

Source: https://www.openstreetmap.org/search?query=N%C3%BAi%20l%E1%BB%ADa%20Ch%C6%B0%20%C4%90%C4%83ng%20Ya

Updated: 2026-08-06