Things To Do
in An Khê
An Khê is a quiet highland town in Gia Lai Province, set among rolling hills and lush agricultural landscapes. The area blends coffee farms, markets, and welcoming locals to create an authentic Central Highlands experience. It serves as a gateway to nearby natural beauty, including waterfalls, viewpoints, and protected forests.
While not a mass tourist hub, An Khê offers a genuine taste of rural Vietnamese highland life with scenic drives and friendly hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in An Khê and check in to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at a local café to fuel your adventures. Take a leisurely stroll around the town to get a feel for the vibrant local culture.
Visit the palm-covered hills forest of Mang Yang, where you can hike and absorb the diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature while listening to the sounds of the forest. Spend time at the local market, picking up unique handicrafts and fresh produce.
Return to town and dig into a hearty bowl of pho at a nearby eatery. As dusk settles, explore local nightlife, perhaps enjoying live music at an outdoor bar. End your day with a serene walk along the river, taking in the stunning sunset.
Start your day with a visit to the An Khê Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region. Engage with local historians who can share tales of the area’s significance. Later, try your hand at traditional Vietnamese coffee preparation at a local café.
Head to a nearby village to participate in an artisan workshop, where you can learn about pottery making or weaving from skilled craftspeople. Delight in a homemade lunch served by a local family, giving you a taste of authentic home-cooked Vietnamese cuisine. Explore the countryside on a bicycle to appreciate the serene landscape and meet friendly locals.
After returning to An Khê, savor street food, sampling various dishes like spring rolls and banh xeo. Join in communal games where locals engage in evenings filled with laughter. Cap off your night with a cultural performance showcasing local folk music and dance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.5-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi or motorbike taxi within town | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-45 |
| 🧭Local SIM/Data plan | $3-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Calm, authentic highland experience away from mass tourism
- Excellent coffee and fresh produce from the surrounding farms
- Friendly locals and scenic countryside
- Limited tourist infrastructure in An Khê
- Smaller nightlife and fewer major attractions compared to bigger cities
- Language barrier for non-Vietnamese speakers
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Xin cho tôi xem thực đơn" - Please show me the menu
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
- "Bạn có món ăn chay không?" - Do you have vegetarian dishes?
- "Tạm biệt" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in An Khê
Visit one of these nice places.
Calm river views at sunrise or sunset with palm-lined banks and local life along the water.
Panoramic highland forest views from trail overlooks, especially in the morning mist.
Winding rows of coffee plants around the highlands, golden hour light, ideal for landscape photography.
A dramatic crater view and volcanic terrain with the surrounding highland scenery.
Food in An Khê
An Khê Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sticky rice cooked inside bamboo, typically served with grilled meat and fresh herbs.
Must-Try!
Peppery, lemongrass-marinated grilled beef, often served with rice or cơm lam.
Traditional fermented rice wine enjoyed in rural highland communities.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for fresh produce, grilled meats, noodles, and everyday street bites.
A smaller local market with herbs, fish, and regional snacks.
Skewered meats, noodle soups, and fresh herbs from various stalls scattered around the markets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple hello is 'Xin chào'; addressing people politely with 'anh/chị' is common.
Dress modestly when visiting temples; remove shoes when entering homes; avoid pointing feet.
Ask permission when photographing people in villages or at markets.
Safety
Tipping in An Khê
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service, usually 5-10% in restaurants and cafes.
Cash (Vietnamese dong) is widely used; many urban shops accept cards, ATMs are available in Pleiku, and digital wallets are growing.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally sunny days, cooler evenings, ideal for outdoor exploration and photography.
Frequent showers and higher humidity; trails can be slick and roads may flood; mornings are best for activities.
An Khê at Night
Hiking in An Khê
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination with a volcanic crater and panoramic highland scenery nearby Pleiku.
Biodiverse forested park with hiking trails, wildlife, and cultural communities.
Airports
How to reach An Khê by plane.
The nearest airport with domestic connections and some regional flights; reachable by road from An Khê in about 1-2 hours depending on traffic.
A larger gateway in nearby Dak Lak province with wider connections; offers access to the Central Highlands and can be a route for multi-city trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The urban core is primarily Kinh, with numerous public services and commerce.
Major ethnic minority groups in the highland region surrounding An Khê, with distinctive languages, crafts, and traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular among locals, with informal games and community leagues in town spaces.
Common in schools and community centers, often played in evenings.
Village games and dances (Jarai and Bahnar communities) during cultural events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting An Khê.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be adapted; ask for no fish sauce or meat, choose vegetable-forward dishes, and enjoy tofu and mushrooms.