An Nhon

An Nhon is a district-level town (thị xã) in the central part of Bình Định province, about 20 km northwest of Quy Nhon. It is best known as the heartland of Bình Định martial arts (võ Bình Định) and the birthplace of the Tây Sơn rebellion. The town sits in a fertile river plain along the Côn River, surrounded by low hills and rice paddies.

An Nhon's climate follows the same pattern as the rest of coastal Bình Định: hot and dry from April to September, with heavy monsoon rains from September to December, and mild temperatures from December to February. Most visitors come for the historical and cultural sites rather than as a beach destination.

By Plane

Phu Cat Airport (UIH) is about 25 km east of An Nhon. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are available for the 30-minute drive, costing around 250,000 dong.

By Train

Diêu Trì Railway Station is the main station serving the area, about 10 km southeast of An Nhon on the Reunification Express line. Daily trains connect to Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Taxis from Diêu Trì to An Nhon cost about 80,000 dong.

By Car / Road

An Nhon lies along National Highway 1A, making it easily accessible by road. Buses from Quy Nhon (20 km, 30 min, 20,000 dong), Da Nang (280 km, 5 hr), and Nha Trang (240 km, 4.5 hr) stop regularly in town. The bus station is on Hùng Vương street.

An Nhon is compact and walkable in the central area. Xe ôm (motorbike taxis) are plentiful for short trips around town, with fares from 10,000–20,000 dong. Taxis from Quy Nhon-based companies also operate here. For exploring surrounding villages, renting a motorbike (100,000–150,000 dong/day) is recommended.

• Quang Trung Museum (Bảo tàng Quang Trung): A large museum complex about 10 km north in Phú Phong village (Tây Sơn district). Dedicated to Emperor Quang Trung (Nguyễn Huệ), the Tây Sơn leader. Includes a replica of his command post, weapon displays, and a martial arts performance area. Entry 30,000 dong.

• An Nhon Martial Arts School: Several traditional võ Bình Định schools in the surrounding villages offer opportunities to watch training sessions. Ask locally for demonstrations.

• Phương Phi Pagoda: A historic Buddhist temple in the town centre with traditional Vietnamese architecture and serene grounds.

• Local markets: The daily market in An Nhon town centre is a lively affair with local produce, textiles, and street food reflecting the agricultural character of the region.

• Watch a martial arts performance: Bình Định martial arts are deeply rooted in this area. Contact the local cultural centre or check with the Quang Trung Museum for schedules.

• Cycle through rice paddies: The countryside around An Nhon is flat and picturesque, ideal for cycling.

• Visit traditional craft villages: Several villages in the area produce conical hats (nón lá), rice paper, and woven goods. Ask at the local tourist office.

• Attend a local festival: The Tây Sơn festival (around the 5th lunar month) commemorates the Tây Sơn brothers' uprising with processions, martial arts, and traditional games.

An Nhon's food scene is rooted in Bình Định's rural culinary traditions.

• Bánh hỏi lòng heo: The signature Bình Định dish — fine rice vermicelli with grilled pork intestines. Available at street stalls in the morning.
• Bún bò An Nhon: Local version of beef noodle soup, richer and spicier than the Huế version.
• Nem nướng: Grilled pork patties served with rice paper and herbs. Found at markets and roadside eateries.
• Cơm tấm Bình Định: Broken rice with grilled pork chop, egg meatloaf, and scallion oil.
• Cháo vịt: Duck porridge, a comforting breakfast option.

Street-side cafés serve cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) and trà đá (iced tea) throughout the day. Rượu Bầu Đá is the local specialty spirit. Bia Saigon and Bia Quy Nhơn are widely available. Bottled water is recommended (tap water is not safe for drinking).

• Budget: Simple guesthouses (nhà nghỉ) around the bus station area offer rooms from 150,000–250,000 dong/night.
• Mid-range: An Nhon Hotel on National Highway 1A — Clean, basic rooms with air conditioning. Doubles from 350,000 dong/night.
• Upscale: Not widely available in An Nhon itself; most visitors stay in Quy Nhon and visit An Nhon as a day trip.

An Nhon's main market sells local produce, spices, and handicrafts. Bình Định specialties to look for include bánh ít lá gai (glutinous rice cakes), bánh tráng (rice paper), and rượu Bầu Đá (rice wine from the nearby Bầu Đá village). Hand-woven textiles and traditional martial arts equipment are also available at specialty shops near the martial arts schools.

• Quy Nhon — 20 km southeast (30 min by bus). Capital city with beaches, Cham towers, and seafood restaurants.
• Tây Sơn — 10 km northwest. Birthplace of Nguyễn Huệ and the Quang Trung Museum.
• Hoai Nhon — 30 km north. Coastal district with fishing villages and beaches.
• Phu Cat — 20 km east. Home to Phu Cat Airport and rural countryside.
• Diêu Trì — 10 km southeast. Junction town with the main railway station.