Wild sunflowers bloom on Chu Dang Ya volcano in Gia Lai province. (Photo: Hoang Qui)

The Central Highlands province of Gia Lai has a large basalt plateau with traces of many volcanoes, including Chu Dang Ya, that have been extinct for millions of years. Wild sunflowers are a natural specialty of the Central Highlands.

This season, wild sunflowers are blooming on every hillside and in every valley in Gia Lai province, especially at the foot of Chu Dang Ya volcano.

A 20-minute climb up the hill from the parking area brings you to a perfect picnic spot from which to admire the beauty of the sunflowers.

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Wild Sunflower-Chu Dang Ya Volcano Week took place in Chu Pah district with 400 artisans, actors, singers, and students joining a gong performance to praise the beauty of wild sunflowers and the unique gong culture of the Central Highlands.

“The program combined traditional and modern music to tell the story of wild sunflowers and Chu Dang Ya Volcano,” Mai Thanh Tung, the director of the program, said.

During the week, there will be a half marathon, a traditional costume show, a hot air balloon show, a re-enactment of the New Rice celebration, and an exhibition of handicrafts and specialties of the indigenous Jarai and Bahnar people.

Chu Dang Ya volcano was selected by Vietking, the Vietnam Record Organization, as one of the 10 most attractive destinations in Gia Lai.

Chu Dang Ya crater was recognized as one of the 10 most beautiful craters in the world by British Time in 2018.