Phu My

Phu My (Vietnamese: Phù Mỹ) is a coastal district in south-central Bình Định province, about 30 km south of Quy Nhon. It stretches from the coast of the South China Sea inland across agricultural plains and low hills. The district is known for its long sandy beaches, the scenic Cù Mông Lagoon (which it shares with Phu Cat district), and several important Cham archaeological sites.

The administrative centre is the township of Phù Mỹ, located on National Highway 1A. The district's economy combines fishing, agriculture (rice, sugarcane, peanuts), and a growing tourism sector focused on its unspoiled coastline. The climate is typical of central coastal Vietnam: hot and dry April–September, heavy monsoon rains September–December, and mild December–February.

By Plane

Phu Cat Airport (UIH) is about 25 km north of Phu My, roughly a 30-minute drive by taxi (200,000–300,000 dong).

By Train

The Reunification Express line passes through Phu My district, with a station at Bình Lâm. However, most express trains stop at the larger Diêu Trì station, about 15 km north. Local trains occasionally stop at Bình Lâm.

By Car / Road

National Highway 1A runs directly through Phu My, making it easily accessible by road. Buses from Quy Nhon (45 min, 30,000 dong), Da Nang, and Nha Trang stop regularly. The district is well connected by local bus services to neighbouring areas.

The township area along Highway 1A is walkable. For reaching the beaches (several kilometres east of the highway) and Cham sites, a motorbike is essential. Xe ôm and taxis are available from the town centre. Renting a motorbike (100,000–150,000 dong/day) is recommended.

• Bãi biển Mỹ Thành (My Thanh Beach): A long, pristine sandy beach about 5 km east of the highway. Very quiet on weekdays, with a few seafood restaurants. Ideal for swimming.

• Bãi biển Mỹ An (My An Beach): Another fine beach south of Mỹ Thành, known for its gentle waves and clear water.

• Cù Mông Lagoon: The southern shore of this large coastal lagoon falls within Phu My district. Scenic views, birdlife, and fishing boats.

• Cham ruins of Phu My: Several remnants of the Champa civilisation, including the Tháp Đôi (Twin Towers) remnants in Mỹ Đức commune and brick temple foundations scattered in the countryside.

• Đầm Trà Ổ (Trà Ổ Lagoon): A picturesque lagoon in the southern part of the district, known for aquaculture and birdwatching.

• Swimming and sunbathing: The beaches of Phu My are among the quietest in Bình Định, perfect for relaxation.

• Lagoon boat trips: Local fishermen offer trips on Cù Mông Lagoon and Trà Ổ Lagoon.

• Seafood dining: Beachfront restaurants in Mỹ Thành serve freshly caught seafood at very reasonable prices.

• Cham archaeology tour: Explore the scattered Cham ruins in the countryside, best done with a local guide.

• Cycling: The quiet roads from the highway to the coast pass through attractive rural scenery.

• Bún mực (squid noodle soup): A local speciality using fresh squid caught off the Phu My coast.
• Cá nục kho (braised scad fish): A classic central Vietnamese dish, slow-cooked in a clay pot with caramel sauce.
• Gỏi sứa (jellyfish salad): A coastal speciality, particularly in Mỹ Thành.
• Bánh xèo: Crispy crepes filled with shrimp and bean sprouts, served at markets and street stalls.
• Bánh căn: Small mini-pancakes cooked in clay moulds, filled with egg and seafood.

Cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) at roadside cafés. Sinh tố (fruit shakes) with tropical fruits. Bia Quy Nhơn and Bia Saigon. Fresh coconut water from beach vendors. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Nhà nghỉ Phù Mỹ — Basic guesthouses in the town centre from 120,000 dong/night.
• Mid-range: Mỹ Thành Beach Resort — Simple bungalows near the beach, from 350,000 dong/night. Phu My Hotel on Highway 1A — Clean rooms, air conditioning, from 300,000 dong.
• Upscale: Not available. Most visitors visit as a day trip from Quy Nhon.

Phù Mỹ Market on Highway 1A sells local produce, fresh seafood, and household goods. Dried seafood (squid, shrimp, fish) is a good local souvenir. Bánh tráng (rice paper) and nước mắm (fish sauce) from the area are also quality products.

• Quy Nhon — 30 km north (45 min). Provincial capital with beaches, Cham towers, and dining.
• Phu Cat — 20 km north. Airport district with beaches and Cù Mông Lagoon.
• Tuy Phuoc — 15 km north. Salt fields and Thi Nai Lagoon.
• Vân Canh — 30 km west. Mountainous district with Ba Na minority villages.
• Tuy Hòa — 60 km south (Phú Yên province). Capital of Phú Yên with stunning coastal scenery.