An Khe

An Khe is a district-level town in eastern Gia Lai province, lying along National Route 19 between Pleiku and the coastal city of Quy Nhon. It sits at the foot of the An Khe Pass, a historically strategic route that connects the Central Highlands to Binh Dinh province. During the early 15th century, An Khe was a Cham/highlander city named Samriddhipuri (City of Virtue, Richness). The area was a significant site during the Vietnam War, hosting Camp Radcliff, the main base of the US 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) from 1965. Earlier, the Battle of Mang Yang Pass — the last major battle of the First Indochina War — started near An Khe in June 1954 when French Groupe Mobile 100 was ambushed by Viet Minh forces while withdrawing to Pleiku.

Today An Khe is a quiet agricultural town with a population of around 101,000, surrounded by plantations of coffee, rubber, and cashew. The climate is tropical monsoon with a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Temperatures are slightly warmer than Pleiku due to the lower elevation. The town is small and functional; most visitors pass through on the way between the coast and the highlands.

By Plane

Pleiku Airport (PXU IATA), about 50 km west, is the nearest airport. From Pleiku, An Khe is a 45–60 minute drive east on Highway 19. Taxi from Pleiku airport costs around 500,000–700,000 dong.

By Train

No railway station in An Khe. The nearest train station is Dieu Tri (Quy Nhon), about 80 km east.

By Car / Road

An Khe is on National Route 19, the main road linking Pleiku and Quy Nhon. Frequent buses ply this route; a bus from Pleiku to An Khe takes about 1 hour and costs roughly 40,000–60,000 dong. From Quy Nhon, the journey is about 2 hours.

The town is walkable. Xe om and taxis are available for trips to outlying areas.

• An Khe Pass — The mountain pass between An Khe and the coastal plain, offering scenic views and historic significance as the site of several Vietnam War battles.

• Remnants of Camp Radcliff — The former US Army base from the 1965–1970 period; little remains today but the area is of interest to war-history travellers.

• Đak Uy River — A river running through the area, popular for local picnics.

• Drive or ride through the An Khe Pass, stopping at scenic viewpoints.

• Visit the historical sites related to the First and Second Indochina Wars in the surrounding area.

• Explore the coffee and rubber plantations that surround the town.

Small quán cơm (rice shops) and pho stalls are scattered along the main road through town. Local specialities include Central Highlands-style grilled meats and cơm lam (bamboo-tube rice). Vegetarian options are limited.

Vietnamese coffee (cà phê sữa đá) is available at roadside cafes. Bottled water is recommended; tap water is not safe to drink.

Basic guesthouses are available near the bus station and along National Route 19, with rates from around 200,000 dong per night. For a wider range of accommodation, Pleiku is an hour west.

The local market sells fresh produce, coffee beans, cashew nuts, and rubber products. Bargaining is expected.

• Pleiku (50 km west, 1 hr) — Capital of Gia Lai with airport, night market, and Biển Hồ lake.
• Quy Nhon (80 km east, 2 hr) — Coastal city with beaches, Cham temples, and seafood.
• Kon Tum (120 km north-west) — Town known for indigenous culture and wood-stilt churches.
• Mang Yang Pass (20 km west) — Scenic mountain pass with pine forests and historical significance.