Phu Cat

Phu Cat (Vietnamese: Phù Cát) is a district in central Bình Định province, about 20 km northwest of Quy Nhon. It is best known as the location of Phu Cat Airport (UIH), the primary air gateway to the province. The district is mostly rural, with a landscape of low hills, rice paddies, and scattered villages. Its coastline along the South China Sea features several quiet beaches and coves.

Phu Cat's history includes a notable chapter from the Vietnam War era, when Phu Cat Air Base was a major United States Air Force and Republic of Vietnam Air Force facility. Today, the area is peaceful agricultural land. The district centre is the town of Ngô Mây. The climate follows the regional pattern: hot and dry April–September, monsoon rains September–December, and mild December–February.

By Plane

Phu Cat Airport (UIH) is located within the district, about 25 km northwest of Quy Nhon city centre. Daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are operated by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air. Taxis from the airport to destinations within Phu Cat district are readily available.

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Diêu Trì, about 15 km southeast of the district, on the Reunification Express line. Local buses connect Diêu Trì to Phu Cat.

By Car / Road

National Highway 1A runs through the eastern part of the district. Provincial roads connect the district centre to the highway. Buses from Quy Nhon to Phu Cat (30–40 min, around 20,000 dong) run frequently via Route 629 and Highway 1A.

Ngô Mây town is walkable. For exploring the rural areas and coastline, a motorbike is ideal. Xe ôm are available in the town centre. Taxis from Quy Nhon can also be hired for day trips.

• Phu Cat Airport: The modern civilian terminal replaced the former military air base. Airplane enthusiasts can watch flights from the perimeter.

• Bãi biển Cát Tiến (Cat Tien Beach): A long, clean stretch of beach in the Cát Tiến commune, about 8 km east of Ngô Mây. Quiet during weekdays, busier on weekends with local families.

• Đầm Cù Mông (Cù Mông Lagoon): A large coastal lagoon bordering Phu Cat and Tuy Phuoc districts. Scenic viewpoints along the lagoon edge, especially at sunset.

• Phu Cat War Remnants: Remains of the former US air base, including some runways, hangars, and bunkers. Not officially a tourist attraction but visible from certain roads.

• Local temples and pagodas: Several Buddhist and Confucian temples dot the district, including Chùa Cát Tiến near the beach.

• Swimming at Cát Tiến Beach: The clean waters and gentle slope make for good swimming during the dry season.

• Cycling: The flat roads of the coastal plain are excellent for cycling, especially through the rural villages.

• Birdwatching at Cù Mông Lagoon: The lagoon attracts migratory and resident waterbirds.

• Visiting local rice paper villages: Several villages in Phu Cat are known for making bánh tráng (rice paper). Watch the traditional production process.

• Exploring the lagoon by boat: Local fishermen may offer short boat trips on Cù Mông Lagoon.

• Bánh tráng nướng: Rice paper grilled with toppings — a popular local snack.
• Bún chả cá: Fish cake noodle soup, especially good at seaside eateries in Cát Tiến.
• Gỏi cá mai: A salad made from small lagoon fish (cá mai), mixed with herbs, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.
• Mực nướng: Grilled squid, caught fresh offshore. Served with chilli salt and lime.
• Cơm hến: Baby clam rice — a central Vietnamese classic, available in local versions in Phu Cat.

Cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) is available everywhere. Bia Quy Nhơn and Bia Saigon are the standard beers. Fresh coconut water from beachside vendors. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Nhà nghỉ Phu Cat — Basic guesthouses in Ngô Mây from 120,000 dong/night.
• Mid-range: Phu Cat Hotel on the main road — Clean rooms with air conditioning. Doubles from 300,000 dong/night.
• Upscale: Not available. Most visitors stay in Quy Nhon and visit Phu Cat as a day trip or for airport transit.

Ngô Mây Market is the main commercial centre, selling fresh produce, seafood, and household goods. Phu Cat is known for its bánh tráng (rice paper), which makes a good souvenir. Local honey and peanuts are also produced in the district.

• Quy Nhon — 20 km southeast (30 min). Provincial capital with beaches, Cham towers, and seafood.
• Tuy Phuoc — 15 km south. Coastal district with Thi Nai Lagoon and salt fields.
• An Nhon — 20 km northwest. Martial arts heartland and gateway to Tây Sơn.
• Diêu Trì — 15 km southeast. Railway junction town.
• Phu My — 30 km south. Coastal district with Cham ruins and fishing villages.