Tuy Phuoc

Tuy Phuoc (Vietnamese: Tuy Phước) is a coastal district in south-central Bình Định province, about 10 km south of Quy Nhon city centre. Despite its proximity to the provincial capital, Tuy Phuoc retains a distinctly rural character. The district is famous for its salt fields, the vast Thi Nai Lagoon (Đầm Thị Nại), and the iconic bridge that spans it.

The district centre, Tuy Phuoc town (also known as Diêu Trì), sits at the junction of National Highway 1A and the road to Quy Nhon. It is also the site of Diêu Trì Railway Station, a major stop on the Reunification Express line. The climate follows the coastal central Vietnam pattern: hot dry season April–September, monsoon season September–December, and mild period December–February.

By Plane

Phu Cat Airport (UIH) is about 20 km north, a 25-minute drive by taxi (180,000–250,000 dong).

By Train

Diêu Trì Railway Station is a major stop on the Reunification Express line, with daily services from Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. It is the most convenient rail gateway to Quy Nhon and southern Bình Định.

By Car / Road

National Highway 1A runs through the district. Buses from Quy Nhon (20 min, 15,000 dong), Da Nang (5 hr), and Nha Trang (4 hr) stop at Diêu Trì. The district is well connected by local bus services.

The main settlement around Diêu Trì station is walkable. For reaching the salt fields, Thi Nai Lagoon, and coastal villages, a motorbike is recommended. Xe ôm are available at the bus and train stations. Grab operates in the area.

• Thi Nai Lagoon Bridge: A long bridge crossing the Thi Nai Lagoon, connecting the mainland to the Phương Mai Peninsula and Quy Nhon's Nhơn Hội economic zone. Stunning sunrise and sunset views.

• Đầm Thị Nại (Thi Nai Lagoon): The largest lagoon in Bình Định, a vast expanse of water dotted with fishing boats and aquaculture cages. Birdlife includes herons, egrets, and migratory waterfowl.

• Ruộng muối Tuy Phuoc (Tuy Phuoc Salt Fields): Extensive salt evaporation ponds, particularly around the communes of Phước Thuận and Phước Sơn. Best visited in the dry season (April–September) when salt production is at its peak. The gleaming white fields make striking photographs.

• Diêu Trì Railway Station: A historic station building from the French colonial period, with its distinctive architecture.

• Làng gốm Vân Sơn (Van Son Pottery Village): A traditional pottery village producing terracotta wares using techniques passed down for generations.

• Salt field photography: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light over the salt fields. Workers are most active in the morning.

• Lagoon boat trip: Hire a local boat to explore Thi Nai Lagoon, visit floating fish farms, and watch fishermen at work.

• Cycling: The flat terrain and quiet rural roads make Tuy Phuoc ideal for cycling. The route along the lagoon shore is particularly scenic.

• Pottery workshop: Visit Vân Sơn village to watch potters at work and try your hand at the wheel.

• Birdwatching: Thi Nai Lagoon and surrounding wetlands attract a variety of bird species.

• Bún chả cá Tuy Phuoc: Fish cake noodle soup, a local breakfast staple made with freshly caught fish from the lagoon.
• Cá nục hấp (steamed scad fish): Simply steamed with ginger and herbs, served with rice and a dipping sauce.
• Bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo: Rice paper rolls with boiled pork and fresh herbs — a popular dish throughout Bình Định.
• Gỏi cá mai (lagoon fish salad): A salad made from small fish (cá mai) from Thi Nai Lagoon, mixed with herbs, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.
• Cháo hàu (oyster porridge): Oysters harvested from the lagoon are used in this hearty congee.

Cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) is available everywhere. Trà đá (iced tea) is complimentary at most eateries. Bia Quy Nhơn and Bia Saigon are the standard beers. Fresh coconut water from roadside stalls. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Nhà nghỉ Diêu Trì — Basic guesthouses near the railway station from 100,000 dong/night.
• Mid-range: Tuy Phuoc Hotel on Highway 1A — Clean, air-conditioned rooms from 300,000 dong/night.
• Upscale: Not available. Most visitors stay in Quy Nhon and visit Tuy Phuoc as a day trip.

Diêu Trì Market and Phước Sơn Market sell local produce, seafood, and household goods. Salt from the local salt fields makes a unique souvenir. Terracotta pottery from Vân Sơn village — cooking pots, flower pots, and decorative items — is a traditional local product. Dried seafood is also available.

• Quy Nhon — 10 km north (20 min by bus). Provincial capital with beaches, Cham towers, and seafood.
• Phu Cat — 15 km north. Airport district with beaches and Cù Mông Lagoon.
• Phu My — 20 km south. Coastal district with quieter beaches.
• Vân Canh — 25 km west. Mountainous district with Ba Na villages and trekking.
• Tây Sơn — 30 km northwest. Birthplace of Nguyễn Huệ and the Quang Trung Museum.