Khe Sanh geographical indication is protected for Arabica coffee products in the forms of green coffee beans, roasted coffee beans, and ground coffee.  

 

Khe Sanh Arabica coffee has been cultivated in the fertile red soil of Khe Sanh since 1926, laying the foundation for Quang Tri's coffee capital. In 1978, the Khe Sanh coffee farm was established, making coffee a key product of Quang Tri province. Khe Sanh Arabica coffee has solidified its reputation through a series of outstanding achievements domestically and internationally. In 2019, the product was nominated by VietTop center into the Top Vietnamese specialty products. From 2021 to the present, Khe Sanh coffee has consistently won high awards at the "Vietnam specialty coffee contest," including first prize for two consecutive years and ranking among the Top 5 specialty coffees in the world in 2023. In 2022, Pun Coffee—representing Khe Sanh coffee—won the silver and encouragement awards at the international AVPA competition (France), surpassing nearly 200 coffee varieties from 25 countries. Notably, the product has also been exported to the United States, affirming the international stature and reputation of the Khe Sanh Arabica coffee brand.  

 

The distinctive properties and quality of Khe Sanh Arabica coffee include:   

* Green coffee beans:  

+ Bean size: 4.75 - 6.30 mm  

+ Color: Slightly yellowish green endosperm  

+ Caffeine content (%): ≥ 1.35  

+ Crude Protein content (%): 11.39 - 13.80  

  

* Roasted coffee beans and ground coffee:  

- Roasted coffee beans:  

+ Roasted beans: evenly roasted, light reddish-brown  

+ Brewed coffee (coffee extract): clear, reddish-brown liquid  

+ Aroma: Characteristic natural coffee scent with a hint of sweet fruit and spice  

+ Taste: Mild bitterness, refreshing acidity, balanced aftertaste  

- Ground coffee:  

+ Coffee powder color: light brown, uniform  

+ Aroma: characteristic natural coffee scent with a hint of sweet fruit and spice  

+ Taste: mild bitterness, refreshing acidity, balanced aftertaste  

- Physicochemical indicators for roasted coffee beans and ground coffee:  

+ Caffeine content (%): ≥ 1.56  

+ Water-soluble content (%): 29.72-36.99  

  

The geographical area of Khe Sanh coffee includes the following communes and towns: Huong Phung, Huc, Huong Tan, Ba Tang, Tan Lien, Tan Hop, Tan Lap, Huong Linh, Khe Sanh town, Huong Son, Huong Loc, and A Doi in Huong Hoa district, Quang Tri province (corresponding to Khe Sanh commune, Huong Phung commune, Tan Lap commune, and A Doi commune, Quang Tri province (effective from July 1, 2025)), as confirmed by the People's Committee of Quang Tri province on the geographical area map.  

The distinctive properties and quality of Khe Sanh coffee are attributed to the unique geographical conditions of the aforementioned area. The Khe Sanh coffee region is located on a plateau influenced by a tropical monsoon climate, affected by both the western and eastern Truong Son winds, creating natural conditions particularly suitable for Arabica coffee cultivation. Although the altitude is not ideal (450–680 m), the mild climate, average temperature of 20–23°C, significant day-night temperature difference (7–10°C), high year-round humidity (87–88%), and frequent fog promote healthy growth, even fruiting, and the accumulation of distinctive flavors. Khe Sanh coffee has a higher caffeine content compared to regions like Son La and Di Linh, resulting in a mild yet deep bitterness and a rich aftertaste. The high and consistent crude protein and mineral (Potassium, Phosphorus) content ensures stable coffee quality, rich aroma, and premium flavor notes, with refreshing acidity, mild bitterness, and a balanced aftertaste. Khe Sanh coffee beans are small, with high soluble content, making them suitable for light to medium roasting to preserve their natural flavor. Thanks to the endemic ecological conditions and traditional farming techniques, the Khe Sanh coffee region has been established and maintained for nearly 100 years, producing a uniquely flavored product that affirms its status as a representative specialty coffee region of Vietnam.  

Source: Bảo hộ chỉ dẫn địa lý “Khe Sanh” cho sản phẩm cà phê   

Translator: Nguyễn Hải Phong