The Akhe ethnic group (also spelled Akhea, Akea, Akhu or Akheu) is a subgroup of the Akha. Though they speak the same language, they wear very different cloths: much more somber. Women wear dark blouses over a sash, and a stripped longgyi. Their headdress is a simple black cloth rolled around the head. Many wear large disc-shaped engraved silver earrings which are linked together by a thread with bright pearls. The most striking detail about Akhe women is maybe the bamboo pipe they use to smoke tobacco.
The Akhe living in Kyaintong areas came from China about 30 years ago. They do not form a large community and their traditions tend to disappear. Very few women still weave their cloths themselves for instance: they prefer getting the fabric (mostly Thai and Chinese goods) at the market in Kyaingtong. Following the visit of American Baptist missionaries, many Akhe became Christians.